The purpose of a CCTV monitor is to attach it to a security DVR which allows the video that the system is capturing to be viewed.  Usually this video is either live video or recorded video that was stored in the past.  Most commonly the connection between the DVR and the monitor is made using a BNC cable, VGA cable, or HDMI cable.  Once the monitor is in place you can use it to view video or view the menu of the DVR’s software.  Since many of the connections of a computer monitor and CCTV monitor match, many people decide to save money and just connect a computer monitor to their security DVR.   But in the end the question is does this really help or hurt the CCTV systems performance?

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One of the major differences between a computer monitor and a CCTV monitor is the resolution.  The video resolution of a CCTV monitor is usually much higher.  The purpose of this is to allow you to watch the surveillance video at the same or higher resolution it is being recorded at.  So if you invested in high resolution security cameras, you will never get the quality video they are providing for on a computer monitor.    So you will see less detail and less clarity in your video.   This really defeats the purpose of buying the highest quality security cameras, which means you are missing out on your systems capabilities.

The biggest difference between a computer monitor and a CCTV monitor would be the purpose and durability.  A CCTV monitor is designed to be on and working 24 hours a day year around.   The CCTV monitor is always on for security guards, home owners, and business owners to monitor 24/7 video.  A computer monitor would simply burn out if you tried to keep it on at all times.  Computer monitors are meant to be on for a short amount of time in the day, and the computer often puts them to sleep when you are not actually working on the computer.  The reality is that you could burn through a few computer monitors in the amount of time it would take you to   burn through just one CCTV monitor.

The cost of CCTV monitors has gone down dramatically over the past 5 years.  It used to be thought that adding one to your surveillance system would create unaffordable costs.    But today CCTV manufacturers have been able to drive cost down while ensuring that consumers get the high resolution monitors that are built to last.  The best way to ensure your surveillance system performs to its highest potential is to always use the right monitor for the job!

The bullet camera has become the hottest and most popular security camera type for many home owners.  A bullet camera is a cylinder bullet shaped camera that gives you the mounting flexibility to really install it anywhere. As long as you have a small amount of flat surface you can put a bullet camera at almost any location. Once mounted you can then simply aim the bullet camera towards any direction to secure the area you are most concerned about. Since a bullet camera includes a weatherproof and vandal proof housing, you can rest assure it is 100% protected from even the most extreme weather conditions.   Besides the external shell the bullet camera also provides an unprecedented intimidation factor.  The mere presence of a bullet camera shows possible intruders that you take security serious and that your perimeter is secured!

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Bullet cameras come in all different types.  There are some with infrared LED’s that allow you to see in total darkness, and there are some that have adjustable lenses so you can manipulate the camera to better view an area.  The infrared LED’s allow the camera to capture high quality video in total darkness.  So if there are areas where you are concerned about the lighting conditions, the infrared bullet camera will solve your problem. The camera will record in color during the day, but at night it will create its own light and change to black and white while continuing to provide high quality video.  The infrared LED’s will sense the lighting conditions are poor, and create the light needed to ensure the camera always performs.  The lens is also an important part of a bullet camera.  Most bullet cameras come with either a fixed or Varifocal lens.  The fixed lens is a basic lens that is set to a particular focal length.  So once you plug the camera in what you see is what you get.  But a Varifocal lens gives you a small lever where you can adjust the focal length of the lens to better capture an area.  Although the Varifocal lens camera is best, they do come with additional cost.  Most installations consist of a mixture of both Varifocal and fixed lens bullet cameras, so you can use the cameras with the varifocal lenses in the areas that are larger or more challenging to secure.

At the end of the day there are numerous security camera types that can be used for different needs, features, and applications.  The bullet camera just seems to be the popular choice for most home owners today.  Besides the standard features they just look the most aesthetically pleasing when mounted on the side of the house.  Plus their ease of installation makes them ideal for home owners and do-it-yourselfers that have the desire to quickly secure their homes and property.

Understanding the connections of bullet cameras:

A bullet camera has two connections coming out the back that are used for both power and video.  The first connection is the power plug.  This is where you must connect the power source into the camera.  Most bullet cameras will take 12 VDC or 24 VAC power.  And many of them will take both which is why they are called dual voltage.   The power connection is where you will attach the cable coming from your power source to camera.  Most people use a multi-conductor cable for this purpose.  The multi-conductor cable will attach to the camera on one end, while the other end is attached to a multi-camera power supply or individual power transformer.  Powering a bullet camera is easy and is really a plug and play installation.

The second connection coming out of a bullet camera is used for video.  It is a small cable that has a female BNC connector on it so you can run the coaxial cable between the camera and the Security DVR you use to capture video.  The video connections are made using BNC connectors on both ends of your coaxial cable.

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Tips for buying bullet cameras:

When choosing a bullet camera for your home, choose the one that offers the best warranty! Many camera manufacturers are now offering a 5 year warranty on their cameras. This is the best way to protect your investment!

At the end of the day bullet cameras are simple to install and easy to manage. There is a lot of information on the web that will help you choose the right camera for your application. Doing your research, comparing cameras specifications, educating yourself, and evaluating warranties will ensure you make the best buying decision.  The more knowledge you have will ensure our security camera installation is a complete success!

Everyone has tight budgets these days and some people might be inclined to buy a system on-line and install it themselves. Surveillance camera installation is easier than ever before.  Yet, because of all of the options and choices available, it is more intricate than it used to be. Proper set-up is the only way to ensure the optimum function of any system. If you really need to save money, then you can designate some of your cameras to be fake security cameras. When you factor in CCTV wireless systems and the need to provide 100% protection over a given area, the need for a professional installation becomes evident. Many insurance companies will provide premium breaks for companies or homes with monitoring equipment, but if the system is improperly installed and a burglary occurs, insurance adjusters can refuse compensation.

CCTV camera installation can be especially tricky. The system is of course on a closed circuit, but this requires a higher level of sophisticated installation. All the cameras must be calibrated, focused and maintained to ensure security. A system that is shoddily installed can not only lead to breakdowns, but corrupted playback evidence as well. Again, adjusters will examine the system to see if the fault lies with owner.

There is also the deterrent factor of a professionally installed system. A would-be burglar will investigate a potential business or home and gauge the level of security. The professional thief will be as well versed on security systems as anyone in the business. Should they spot a system that is obviously put in by an amateur, they know how to find the weak spots and take advantage of any sup-par installation. However, if he sees a system that is installed using top-notch techniques and equipment, he will more than likely move on to find a system that is easier to crack.

Perhaps the most important aspect of a professional security camera installation is the peace of mind that comes with a system that is done by an expert. The company that installs it will stand behind their work. With regular maintenance and check-ups by the installer, a camera system will last for many years, giving the buyer an investment that more than pays for itself.

Professionally installed outdoor CCTV security cameras will deter most criminal elements. In the same way that a dog will scare off someone intent on home-invasion, the simple appearance of a camera will be enough incentive for the thief to look for easier places to break into. An impressive CCTV camera housing that is imposing will let anyone intent on theft know that this business takes security seriously.   An independent market data analyst company, Datamonitor claims that the shrinkage problem is huge, with totals in the billions of dollars per year.  On the inside of your business, you need to be a little more subtle.  A discretely placed bullet CCTV camera may help if you a having a shrinkage problem, without a big impact on employee moral.

Depending on the area to be covered by the CCTV security equipment, the business should determine whether the live CCTV cameras should be fixed or rotating. A day night CCTV camera that pans back and forth might be needed for a parking lot, while a principal back door would require a fixed IR CCTV camera for 24 hour coverage. Businesses that are concerned with employee theft might consider two fixed cameras on every egress to ensure total visual coverage. Using a dome CCTV camera is always an advantage because they keep people guessing as to which way they are pointing.  In fact, a dome camera with two cameras could have 360 degree coverage.  The benefit of two cameras in different locations on an exit is that it will give the company a 3 dimensional view of everyone entering and exiting the premises. These types of videos can be invaluable in catching bulky jackets and abnormal behavior.

Wireless CCTV systems are becoming the favorite for companies that either have a lot of area to cover or need to keep tabs on different parts of the company at different times.  Wireless cameras are harder to compromise. The signals are sent directly to the control center, so there are no cables that could be cut or disabled. IP CCTV cameras offer even more wireless advantages as their signal can be fed directly into the security computer network.  Versatility is the biggest benefit of wireless technology. These cameras can be small and unnoticeable, or blatant and intimidating, dcepending on the situation.

In today’s economy there are people, both outsiders and employees, who will try to take advantage of any weakness in a company.  The use of a CCTV camera surveillance system can be the best insurance that any company can buy.  For the financially minded business owners, you can show that a CCTV camera security system has an ROI.  Just measure your shrinkage levels before and after the install of these cameras.  In 99% of the cases, you will find that the CCTV security surveillance system is a valuable asset of the company.   Additionally, it will most likely prevent break-ins and theft.  That is what I call, “peace of mind.”

No matter what you are looking to protect or investigate, a camera surveillance system can help do the job. Whether it is home or business protection and monitoring or investigative work you need done, camera surveillance systems provide the visual proof needed to prosecute criminals or uncover a mystery.  Also, their mere presences is a factor in reducing crimes around the cameras. In order for this to be true; 1) The criminal must be aware of the cameras and 2) the perceived risk presented by the cameras must be greater than any reward of the criminal activity.  The only reason to hide the cameras is if you need to catch someone in the act of wrongdoing.  In that case a hidden camera is required.

Wireless camera surveillance allows you to install a camera anywhere you need to monitor.  It allows the cameras be be more easily hidden, if you want to go that route.  When you compare home security systems, make sure that you know if you want hidden cameras.  It make a huge difference in the type of cameras you need, and their price.  Keeping an eye on a new babysitter or nanny is easy with a wireless hidden spy camera as part of your system. Ensuring an elderly loved one or is being properly cared for and treated well while you are away from is easy when the wireless surveillance system is in place. Recording and monitoring your home is an easy way to make sure caretakers are responsible, trustworthy and attentive to their charges. Easy to use, there are no wires to worry about and no extensive knowledge about cameras or electronics is needed to install a wireless camera. The small unit size makes using these wireless spy cameras easy and discreet.  You can even buy spy cams pre-installed in common household items such as clocks and books.

Keeping a watchful eye on your home or business is a smart way to stay safe.  A night vision security camera installation can be useful for monitoring driveways, garages, parking lots and loading docks, and to keep track of visitors and employees as they come and go. Home security system installation plans should always include entrance doorways or other entries.  It is a wonderful way to see who is visiting, making deliveries or soliciting business so you can decide for whom and when to answer the door at your discretion.

There are many types of camera surveillance systems available on the marketplace today. Visit a local security expert for advice, tips and help making the best decision for your home or business needs. A security camera and monitor system is an investment in the safety and security of your home or business, so make sure you spend time researching what areas to cover and what systems you chose. Whether it is a wireless camera surveillance system or a wired monitor, having camera surveillance will provide peace of mind and evidence should a crime or problem be recorded and uncovered. Shop around for information, price and selection and take the time to buy the system that fits your budget, surveillance needs and recording preferences. Do not be afraid to ask experts for help, they will be happy to guide you in the right direction and help make choosing your system easy and stress free.

Basic Terms in Night Vision Security Cameras

Almost all the cameras available today are digital in nature, which means that they record and work in a format compatible with computer systems. Therefore, a night vision security camera is also called a night vision digital camera. Just like other recording and video devices, these cameras will use a compression algorithm to record the video the latest of compression standards is MPEG-4. A camera with MPEG-4 will record more hours of footage per Gigabyte of memory occupied than the one using MPEG-3 compression standard.

Night vision cameras see in the night by working in the infrared part of the light spectrum. Put simply, they do not work with the type of light we use to see objects rather they detect and work with light that has a different wavelength. This is the reason that the footage captured by these infrared security cameras is different from our normal vision; the color red will not be detected as red by night vision cameras, for example. Though the cameras themselves do not work in the same light spectrum, using post-processing in computer, the footage captured can be enhanced so that we can recognize the objects captured. Post processing also comes handy when we use it to detect motion in the captured footage. The computer can go over the footage, and show us only those parts wherein it detects motion. This saves a lot of time for human agent.

Wireless Night Vision Cameras

One of the latest advancements in day night camera is the availability of wireless night vision camera. These cameras will communicate with their receiver system wirelessly, usually using Wi-Fi. You should go for wireless if you do not want to be hassles with installing a system with wires on your premises. For example, if yours is an event management company that has to move around a lot, it would be a tough nut to crack having to install wired systems in temporary venues.

Because of how humans retire during the night, the security requirements of any office or home only increase during that time. By selecting the right camera as outlined in this guide, you will make sure that rather than stress about the security of your establishment, you can actually get a good night sleep as the night vision security camera works silently during the night.

In my opinion, outdoor security camera systems are the greatest invention in home security.  Proper installation and customization provide the security that gives homeowners confidence in the system and peace of mind, knowing that their family is safe. By allowing owners to see what is happening outside their homes or businesses at all times, these systems provide an around-the-clock record of events. Unlike hired guards who are expensive and take breaks, these inventions never sleep and never go on vacation. It is easy to customize an outdoor security camera for individual needs by deciding on a number of factors; whether to go wired or wireless, the range of coverage, the clarity of the image and the importance of a night vision security camera.

Wireless Outdoor Surveillance Camera

Although outdoor wireless security cameras are not perfect, they are the best overall choice for most homeowners.  Wired cameras have the advantage of unlimited power and a signal running through shielded wires.  The power source for the wired cameras, usually 120 volt, can also power heating or cooling to the security camera housing unit.  The shielded signal makes them less prone to outside interference by intruders.  Yet, wireless security camera systems continue to grow in popularity because they are easier to install and reduce wiring expenses.  With these wireless camera systems, installation is as simple as mounting the camera to the desired surface and turning it on.  Compare that installation cost to the cost of hiring an electrician to run wires for the wired camera system and you can see that the wireless systems save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in installation expenses.  Of course, there is a price to this savings.  It is that the batteries need to be changed in the wireless cameras every few months.  Also, the housing for pure outdoor wireless surveillance cameras can not provide heat or cooling.  Yet, improvements made in the video feeds from wireless cameras give crisp and interference free images. The frequencies used by other appliances, cordless cell phones and wireless computers do not interfere with these systems like they did in the past.

Short or Long Range Security Camera

These outdoor camera security systems have viewing ranges for any requirement.  Typical viewing distances range from 10 feet to 450 feet.  With the wireless cameras, the maximum range typically is at about 150 feet.  For night vision IR cameras,  the typical long range maxes out at 50 feet.  The clarity of the images depending on the lighting conditions and the camera’s resolution.  Stationary, video door entry systems can cover just a foyer, or pan out to the whole sidewalk or the parking area.  Such a wide range of focal areas requires special features like pan, tilt and zoom.  These camera features allow hands-on operators to focus on interesting events.  When the door entry camera feeds are integrated with the exterior and interior camera feeds, you have a complete home security camera system that blankets your entire property.   At this point, your system needs to have multi-channel feeds.  For most home systems, four channels is plenty.

Security Video Camera Resolution

The clarity of the image presented by any security camera is categorized into four groups by number of pixels. The pixels on the CIF (common intermediate format) are 352 x 240 whereas a 4CIF has 720 x 480. The DI, the highest clarity available with DVD quality resolution, puts out 720 x 480 pixels. These high resolution security cameras are used by security professionals. A Half DI at 360 x 480 pixels is clear enough to identify people at 70 feet or less.  The half DI is a good video camera resolution for most small businesses and home applications.

Night Vision Surveillance Cameras

Recent improvements in capability make outdoor night vision security cameras extraordinary.  Night vision requires either “low light” or infrared (IR) technology.   The best of these modern miracles on the market today can see in total darkness, distances up to 65 feet.  Expect a range of 20 to 25 feet from a typical home wireless night vision security camera.   A wired version can get about 45 feet without spending a ton of money.  Either way, these night vision features cost a little extra, but the additional security ensures coverage after dark. If you are serious about getting an outdoor night security camera, then make the camera infrared (IR) capable.  For the added cost, the images will be clear and bright.

Creating perfect outdoor security camera systems to protect homes and businesses is not hard. A purchaser needs to carefully compare home security systems using all of the factors discussed in this article plus considering any unique requirements for the property.  Then, the next step is checking out the additional options and prices. A small investment in an outdoor home security camera system is smart for all of the security it provides.

Using outdoor CCTV camera housing units is something that has become increasingly more popular in recent years. Unfortunately, the world that we reside in is not perfect and there is quite a lot of crime around. This means that we have to try and protect ourselves and our families against it as best we can. Nowhere is this more important than in our homes, protecting your property against burglary and vandalism is absolutely paramount. As with any type of security product for your home there are a number of different factors that you must take into consideration when picking out your CCTV camera housing unit.

The camera itself is obviously extremely important but the outdoor CCTV camera housing is what protects the camera from vandalism and of course the elements. This means that choosing a good quality one is absolutely vital. You will need to consider what kind of temperature fluctuations you can expect in the area you live in. This will have a large bearing on the material your unit should be crafted from.

Obviously, you will need to calculate the exact dimensions of your housing unit. A common error that people make is thinking that all camera casings are a standard size and simply just purchasing the camera casing without measuring. This can be rather costly and it obviously wastes a lot of your time.

There are various different kinds of wall mountings that you can use to attach your housing unit to the wall of your property. Consider what material the exterior of your property is made from when choosing the wall mount for your unit.

Once you have considered all of the relevant factors required to make the decision about your housing unit you can then proceed to purchase one. There are a number of different locations that you can acquire these but the internet is undoubtedly the best place to do so. Here you will not only find the best choice of outdoor CCTV camera housing units but also the very best prices for them too. Some people do not have the money to purchase high quality CCTV cameras for their property; if you find yourself in this situation then investing in one of the many dummy cctv cameras is a great alternative. These units can still act as a very good deterrent to burglars and vandals as they still believe that there is actually a camera on your home.

If you want a truly top of the line home security system, consider installing a system that is capable of generating spy camera videos.  With hidden spy camera videos, you are able to see in an instant exactly what has been going on in your home.  From the housekeeper that you do not completely trust to the teenager sneaking in after curfew, with the right wireless spy camera equipment in place, you will truly be able to become master of your domain.

There are many options available when choosing security equipment for home camera surveillance systems.  From alarm systems to reinforced windows, there are enough options to boggle the mind.  A great way to get off on the right foot when choosing your system is to sit down for a consultation with a home security expert.  The expert will be able to discuss with you in depth exactly which sort of options they can offer.  You will be able to address any concerns you have for your own particular home.  They will be more than happy to provide you with details as to cost of installation, monitoring services available and any upgrades that you can investigate.

It is during this consultation process that you can discuss installing a hidden spy camera into your home.  If you want the ability to record spy camera videos, your home security expert needs to know that right up front, so that you can receive an accurate estimate of what sort of costs you are looking at.  Not every consumer is going to want a highly detailed security system.  Some just want a basic alarm panel installed and monthly monitoring.  Others want motion sensor lights inside and outside of their home.  It is only by knowing your specific requirements that you will be able to get the most from your security expert.

When it comes to signing a contract with a specific security company, you definitely need to do your homework.  You need to know how long they have been in business.  You need to know exactly where their monitoring station is.  If your home is going to be monitored by an offshore call center, you should know that up front.  Find out if they are a member of any professional associations or are accredited by local law enforcement.  Find out if there are cancellation fees if you want to get out of your contract.  It is only by knowing all of the details that you will be able to make an informed decision before you sign your name on the dotted line.

If you are considering installing a security system in your home, one option to consider is wireless camera surveillance.  With most wireless camera surveillance systems, you will be able to monitor all areas of your home from one central location.  You might think this option is going a little overboard until you consider the true value of a wireless surveillance system.

Homeowners often think that the only protection they need is an alarm panel at the door with a monitoring station keeping watch over their system.  While a basic monitoring system is a great idea to protect against unwanted intruders that try to break into your home, they are often not the real culprit.  It is those individuals that you willingly allow into your home that can do the most damage to you.  That salesman that stops by to show you his latest product could actually be casing your home for valuables.  That courier that waits at the door while you run to get change for a tip could be scoping out your home for an unwanted pick up later on.  The floral delivery person that just might be back later on to pick a few treasures of his own might be worth watching.  The minute that your back is turned on any of these unsavory individuals, you instantly switch from customer to potential victim.  With wireless surveillance cameras in place, you do not have to worry about their actions, as you will be able to watch them all on playback.  If you spot them checking for things that are none of their business you then know that they are someone to be wary of.

When shopping for one of these systems, look for one that can monitor outdoors as well as indoors.  The biggest difference between outdoor and indoor cameras is that the outdoor cameras may require some CCTV camera housing to protect against the elements.  There are quite a number of low cost providers in the outdoor wireless camera surveillance market.  Some of the popular brands are Lorex, Pyle, and Uniden.  Each of these brands offer low cost systems that have adequate capability for most homeowners.  Also, with the outdoor models, you can purchase fake security cameras to make your money go even further while not lessening the total effectiveness of the system as a preventive tool.

If you make the decision to install surveillance cameras, wireless is definitely the way to go, especially with outdoor wireless camera surveillance.  Wiring costs for outdoor systems adds up quickly.  Instead of going through the expense of having your home and yard entirely wired for your new security cameras, you can opt for a wireless system that can be implemented in minutes versus hours.  With a wireless system, you can hide camera in the most unexpected places without having to worry about concealing wires.  With the most advanced surveillance cameras wireless internet systems, your cameras are just devices with separate IP addresses on your home network, and they are really small. The planter that is at eye level at the front door makes a great spot for one of these spy cameras.  The statue that sits atop the piano is the perfect decoy for a tiny hidden spy cam.  With just a little bit of ingenuity on your part, you can come up with all sorts of ways for your surveillance equipment to remain undetected.  Your home will be protected and you will have peace of mind thanks to your new wireless system.