Video Door Entry Systems for Security And Safety

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Rob

Video Door Entry Systems

Video door entry systems help improve the overall security of your home, business or property in an easy and fool proof manner.  Door entry systems can keep track of the daily and nightly comings and goings of employees, deliveries, friends, family members and visitors. Ever since civilization began, doors have served a major role as part of access control systems.   Certainly, the Ancient Greeks used entry door locks as a form of access control  extensively.  In their book, “The architecture of ancient Greece: an account of its historic development”, authors  William Bell Dinsmoor and William James Anderson note that door locks were used to control entry as early as the Greek Aegean Era (circa 1700-1400 BC).  From this simple skeleton key beginning, door access security has evolved to modern keyless entry systems, utilizing video, swipe cards and more.  With video door entry systems, you can be anywhere in the world and see and control who gets to enter your property.  Knowing who is approaching your home or business can help you determine if there is a threat and give you added time to prepare if there is a threat. Having a video door entry monitor to track and record who enters and exits can come in useful as a historical reference should something go missing, a delivery be questioned or to solve other questions that may arise.

The employees at most large businesses use some sort of keyless entry system.  But, for non-employee visitors, businesses require them to sign in for building access and to keep note of who is in the property.  Security personnel usually keep track of visitors and employees on an access control panel or a monitor serving the same function.   However, this is not a fool proof method and many guests fail to register at the check in station and by-pass the door entry system purposely. Usually, they bypass the system just to avoid the hassle, but it could be done for nefarious reasons as well.  Installing spy cameras and recording spy camera videos makes it impossible for someone to sneak in unseen and unrecorded. Knowing who is in the building and for what purpose is an important component of keeping your employees, clients or customers and yourself safe.  Why not get the best of both door entry and spy cams?  Video door entry systems provide that service with ease.  They combine elements of the spy cameras into video entry systems to create an efficient video door security system that is tough to bypass.  Here is a list of useful functions to look for in these systems:

  • Integrated with keyless or card access systems
  • Facial recognition system
  • Security alert when people are in foyer
  • Video door phone to talk to and question visitors

Video door entry systems are handy and useful when used in a large warehouse or garage setting. In industrial settings like these, it is often difficult to hear people enter so video surveillance can provide a visual aid to assist in keeping track of traffic. Having video monitors installed in high visibility areas will help workers see incoming customers, deliveries and visitors.

Video door entry systems can help deter criminals and criminal activity. Displaying a plaque or decal that advertises the door entry system in use is often enough to stop would be thieves or vandals in their tracks. Knowing their vandalism or crime will be caught on tape and used as evidence against them is a strong deterrent in criminals targeting your home or business in a robbery, burglary, or property defacement crime.

Spy camera videos make it easy to nab nefarious characters in the act and the provide evidence to prosecute them with. With many video door entry systems from which to choose, finding one to keep your home or business safe is easy. Consult with a safety expert professional to find out what system best meets your requirements and install door entry systems in any home or business you need to protect. You will rest easier knowing your investments are protected, safe and secure.

Posted in General | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Options for Choosing the Perfect VHS to DVD Converter

Posted on April 10, 2011 by stolarftp

VHS to DVD converter

Finding a great VHS to DVD converter helps solve many problems. For one, it is a fantastic way to make sure that your favorite VHS videos last for many years to come. VHS tapes are only known to last for three years before deterioration begins.  DVD discs can be kept in good condition for at least 20 to 250 years. DVD discs are abundant and cheap compared to VHS tapes and players, making it easier to distribute and share videos to your friends and family or to the general public. Lastly, converting movies from VHS to DVD format will also improve the overall quality of the video.  So, the question is not “if“ you want to convert.  The real question is how to transfer VHS to DVD.

There are two ways to convert to DVD. The first is to use the video to dvd transfer service that is provided by some companies in the industry. Individuals must do their research to find reliable companies that will handle their tapes carefully and do the conversion process properly.   If you are looking on the web, stashSpace does a good job, at a reasonable price.  When opting for such services, owners must be prepared to send in their treasured VHS tapes, although this is still no guarantee of the quality of the conversion.  More to the point, it makes many people very nervous to let the videos of a lifetime leave the house.

The second option is to personally perform the conversion in your home. If you decide to convert to DVD yourself, you have a wide assortment of choices.  You can copy VHS to computer.  With availability of technology  for consumers becoming cheaper, purchasing a few extra computer accessories and VHS to DVD software can be a great investment in the long run.

The next choice is best for those who have no idea on how to convert VHS to DVD, but want to do it themselves.  You can get a dedicated analog to DV converter machine.  Having a personal VHS to DVD converter at home allows the individual to create as many conversions and duplicates as he wants without incurring additional charges. This comes in handy when converting home movies or even tapes taken from camera surveillance systems.  The individual is also assured that the material is treated properly as he will  personally transfer video to DVD.

When it comes to choosing the right VHS to DVD converter, there are several options available for consumers. Some VHS and DVD players come bundled with a recording option, making the same device a VHS to DVD converter.  An inexpensive example of this is type of machine is the Samsung DVD VR375.

Samsung DVD VR375 VHS to DVD Converter

It is available at Amazon or K-mart for less than $200.  To use the VHS to digital DVD option, place the VHS and the blank DVD disc in their appropriate trays and follow the device’s recording instructions indicated on the manual.

Another really cheap option to get VHS to digital is using a VHS video camera to transfer the video to a desktop or laptop computer. Depending on the type of video camera, connection options can either be in the form of composite video cables, Firewire or a USB cable. Read the camera’s manual to find out which option is available on the device. There are additional advantages to using this option. Besides using the VHS to DVD converter feature, users will also be able to edit their movies prior to burning the finished copy onto a blank disc for a more customized effect.

Posted in General | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Customizing Outdoor Security Camera Systems

Posted on April 5, 2011 by MichaelStarz

Outdoor Security Camera Systems

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.

Posted in Building a System | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fake Security Cameras for Your Home Can Provide Security and Safety

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Rob

Fake security cameras for your home

Fake security cameras for your home are great ways to deter crime.  A security camera and the closed circuit television are expensive for the home and small businesses.  However, fake security cameras can be just as effective at deterring crime.

One of the most important reasons to have a security camera at home is to prevent a criminal from entering the home or stealing outside belongings.  Using a dummy CCTV camera can also help deter a criminal.  Fake security cameras for your home look just like a real security camera and some include blinking lights to make them look more authentic.  A dummy CCTV camera, however, isn’t connected to a CCTV system.

Fake security cameras for your home should be installed where they are easy to see.  They should be easily spotted by anyone who comes to the home, garage, or any other area where a criminal could do damage or steal something.  A potential criminal will not get close enough to the device to inspect it, so a fake camera will also help prevent crime.

Common places to mount fake security cameras for your home are near doorways or under the eaves.  If there are cars parked outside or any recreational vehicles, it would be a good idea to mount a camera near there as well.  The cameras work best if they can easily be seen and are in plain sight.

A fake camera will give people the illusion that someone is watching.  This is a good security measure, but can also stop unwanted behavior from people that are supposed to be there.  A housekeeper, nanny, or yard service will likely work harder if they think they are being watched by a camera.  Even people that are supposed to be at the home can steal or cause harm, but a visible security camera will deter those actions.

Installing a closed circuit television camera is expensive.  Then, the tapes or recording devices need to be checked and changed as needed, sometimes even daily.  This can take a lot of time.  Fake security cameras for your home don’t need any maintenance once installed.  They can be installed nearly anywhere even where it might be difficult to install the wires for a real camera.  Fake cameras are a very cost effective way to deter crime and help keep your family safe.  Even if you have a CCTV security system, adding some extra dummy cameras can increase your security protection.

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Wireless Camera Surveillance System Beats an Alarm System

Posted on March 25, 2011 by MichaelStarz

Wireless Camera Surveillance System

If you are in the market for a wireless camera surveillance system, then you are making a sound decision for your household.  Too many times, people don’t properly secure their home and become the victim of crime.  They could have had video evidence documenting anything untoward that might have happened on their property.  If you are like many people, you might have been avoiding getting wireless camera surveillance because you feel that it is not affordable.  However, if you let your guard down, you might be surprised to find that there are many options available to you.

Surveillance cameras have been on the market for over 100 years.  They are not new inventions.  Therefore, they are at a point where you can find some good models at very affordable prices.  Wireless CCTV security cameras are a relatively new invention, only a little over 10 years old, but a decade is still a good bit of time.

In previous years, business and homeowners used security alarm systems like your car alarm, to protect their home and valuables.  When a criminal or undesirable person tried to enter their property, the alarm would go off.  The alarm company would receive the signal, (which could have been an automatic one, or one initiated by the client), and then the company would call the business or residence back.  If there was no response or if the company detected a problem, the company would call the police.  Once the criminal heard the alarm, they would usually run, because they knew what was coming next.  Sometimes even seeing the alarm label on the window would deter the criminal.

To many consumers, this may have seemed like the ideal system, but it had flaws.  This is a great product when you use it in conjunction with surveillance alarms, but used alone, it does not provide you with enough protection.  It is only effective if someone is home at the time of a break in.  The criminal is scared off because the people are there, the alarm is going off, and both the company and the client will take action immediately.  However, if a person is not on the property when the alarm goes off, some criminals know that they have a certain amount of time that they can loot the place and still get away.  In addition to this, once you have bought the system, you still have a monthly monitoring fee of $30 – $200 depending on the plan you order.

Installation is another hassle; installers will make permanent holes in your floor and walls in order to install the system fully.

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use hidden cameras and an outdoor security camera to record the inside and outside of your home.  There are times when you even have to keep an eye on people that you trust, like when using nanny cameras.  And there are times when just having video evidence will make all the difference when it comes to filing for insurance claims, restraining orders, or court cases.

Wireless cameras make a big difference by recording suspicious activity all around your home.  You do not need special equipment to view footage, since most wireless camera surveillance system units are compatible with your desktop or laptop.  You can even monitor your home when you are at work over the Internet.  What can make you feel more secure?

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing an Outdoor CCTV Camera Housing Unit

Posted on March 20, 2011 by stolarftp

Outdoor CCTV Camera Housing

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.

Posted in Building a System | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Spy Camera Videos and Other Options for Your Home Security System

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Rob

Spy Camera Videos

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.

Posted in Building a System | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

VHS to DVD – How to Save Space by Converting Camera Surveillance Systems Recordings

Posted on March 12, 2011 by MichaelStarz

Capturing footage of your home in order to monitor who comes and goes as well as keep intruders out may be helping you to create a very sizeable collection of VHS tapes. Though some home camera surveillance systems do use a VCR to record residential activity, it is possible to rid yourself of some of the clutter by converting VHS to DVD.

If you have reached the point of considering a VHS to DVD converter, chances are you have accumulated far too many tapes to store. In some cases, homeowners have already tried different ways of economizing film so that they have as few cassettes as possible.

High density VCRs allow for days of recorded video. If there is a motion detector installed with your system, the recording devices will not actually record unless there is a change on the video or someone moves and triggers the record function. However, if you are using an outdoor security camera, you may get a lot of footage without much action due to wind, animals, etc.  If there is ever an unfortunate event like a robbery or other crime, though, the home owner and law enforcement officials will have to know for sure what time the event happened or look at a ton of footage to find surveillance of the crime.

Say these alternate measures of conserving space have not worked for you. You will probably be forced to convert VHS to DVD – or use a DVR or PC-based system to make sure your recordings can go directly to CD. The DVR makes a digital recording that can be burned to disc. If you decide to use a personal computer, you can pull from the video capture card and burn it to disc.

If you are stuck with simply upgrading your old cassettes, you may need a VHS to DVD recorder. With the average cost of these devices hovering at around $320, the DVD recorder is not the least expensive route, though it might be the easiest. The other option is to get a combination player and let your tape play while the CD records. The one disadvantage to this is the fact that you will get to do no editing. The mechanism is designed only to preserve what you have recorded.

Deciding to transfer VHS to DVD does not have to be a complicated or difficult process. You simply should decide how much money you wish to invest in the conversion, which process is the best for your timeframe and how long you are willing to wait for the process to complete. Then you will just need to decide how to label and store your new discs.

Posted in General | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

A Wireless Camera Surveillance System for Peace of Mind

Posted on March 5, 2011 by Rob

Wireless Camera Surveillance System

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.

Posted in Building a System | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Three types of Door Entry Systems for Home Security

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Rob

Door entry systems

Door entry systems protect the occupant of a house or flat from unwanted intrusions into their home.  Home is the prime area where the whole family spends most of their life and is a substantial investment.  So, whether you live in a house or a flat, it is necessary to give proper care and importance to the security of your home and the people living in it.  In this article, we will discuss the various types of door entry systems.

One crucial factor to consider in building or buying a home is the home security system for the house. Door entry systems can be a part of the home security system or they can be a stand alone system.  Aside from these door systems for houses, door entry systems for flats are also extremely beneficial.  People living in flats or apartments depend entirely on door entry systems.  They often have little or no control of people entering the building and hallway.   For these people, the door entry system ‘is’ the security system. Their lives and property may depend on it.

Samsung SHT-3005 Color Video Door Intercom System

There is an enormous selection of electronic and security doors that can be installed in homes and flats on the market today. Of the commonly used types, the video door entry systems are hugely popular with flat owners. This type of door security system is remarkably effective in adding to the home’s overall security. Visitors are confirmed first through visual presentation and door entry through approval by the homeowner or flat resident. Before letting visitors in, residents can see the visitors in the door area, through the front door security camera installed within the doors. Aside from the camera, people can also communicate with the visitor in the door area through an installed phone. If the house or flat owners verify the visitor and want to let them in, he or she can let them in through an electronic door release installed in the door hardware together with the video monitor.

The newest types of door entry systems on the market today for home security are the wireless door entry systems. This type of electronic door system includes a two-way communication system and a command system for opening the door. External equipment is installed outside the door to allow visitors to call the people inside.  More equipment is installed inside the house to receive the call. The controller can be installed in walls or other rooms.  It includes a wireless handset so people inside can receive the visitor’s call anywhere and anytime.  The real advantage of the wireless systems is their ease of installation, which saves both time and money.

Next are the swipe card door entry systems, which include a door entry box and a card with magnetic strips. The card with coded magnetic strips is swiped in the door entry box to allow entry. The door entry box can be programmed depending on the preference and security needs of the owner of the room or building.  Although this type of door entry system in not too common for house or flat entries, it is a terrific idea for apartments that have a common area.  They are used to allow building occupants into the common areas.

With any of these electronic door entry systems, people can have the home security that they want and the peace of mind that they deserve by having a well protected property.

Posted in Building a System | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Why An Infrared Security Camera?

Posted on November 28, 2010 by stolarftp

Infrared Security Camera

Infrared security cameras are an excellent buy. The infrared technology allows the camera to “see” in the dark when there is no visible light. These cameras are easy to hide and easy to install. An infrared security camera provides excellent visibility where a normal camera would not have enough light to provide a clear image.

Camera surveillance systems can be installed in and around virtually any structure, provided that there is a power source to run the cameras. The video images can be recorded for future viewing or transmitted via cable or air waves to a receiver for live viewing. This means that in the event of a robbery, vandalism or any other crime being committed, the recorded video from the infrared cctv camera can be submitted to the police to assist in identifying the culprit; the crime can be watched as it is occurring which can assist in either finding and escape route or place to conceal yourself while a crime is being committed.

Most models of outdoor security camera used for nighttime surveillance will use infrared technology. The VideoSecu night vision security camera is an infrared camera available at amazon for only $25. It is a good example of how the prices have become extremely affordable for homeowners. This type of infrared security camera is generally waterproof, windproof and well protected from weather like snow, sleet and hail. These systems are incredibly durable and do not need to alert potential intruders to their existence or wake up the neighbors with flood lights every time a squirrel runs across the yard.

Most home invasions resulting in injury occur at night. Therefore, using infrared technology in your home security cameras can be incredibly beneficial. These cameras can easily help police and investigators identify perpetrators and even deter a would-be assailant if the home is labeled with signs indicating the existence of infrared security cameras.

An infrared security camera system can mean the difference between someone walking away with all of your belongings forever and getting your belongings back. Infrared technology can be precise enough for police to enhance images of faces, tattoos, logos on clothing and any other things that can be used to identify someone.  Wireless technology has made almost any wireless infrared security camera affordable and reliable for homeowners.  A wireless infrared camera is an order of magnitude easier to install than its wired cousin and helps ensure that your home is well protected.  Also, with wireless, you can build your system slowly, starting with one infrared security camera wireless, and then adding as many over time as your budget allows.

Being able to identify intruders is crucial to catching them and retaining  your possessions.  You do not need to have a house full of priceless antiques or valuables to see the benefits of installing an infrared security camera. After all, any one of your possessions can be replaced with something else.  However, you cannot put a price on yourself or your family. Keeping them safe should be reason enough to make an infrared security system a priority purchase.

Posted in Building a System | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Choosing the Right Outside Lights

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Rob

Outside Lights

Outside lights are a necessity for every home.  If one does not have outdoor lights, one risks not only being unable to see their well cared for lawn, but also risks the safety of their home.  Although most home camera surveillance systems can handle IR and low-light cameras, most do not use them. Therefore, outdoor lighting is a prerequisite for the most popular outdoor security camera systems if one wants night time functionality.  Additionally, having the appropriate visual aids at night is always helpful to a home owner, but finding that perfect light source can be difficult for many.  For those looking to save money on the energy bill and save the environment, there are outside lights that have “super low” electrical consumption.

LOW VOLTAGE OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting rarely sees the same amount of use as its indoor counterparts. The primary function of outside lighting tends to be simple illumination for a few hours a day.   If one wants to save on the electricity bill, a smart choice might be to switch over to low voltage outdoor lighting.  These lights use less energy than standard voltage fixtures, yet still use standard light bulbs to provide illumination.  This is an excellent choice for those that do not want to spend an immense amount on bulbs every few months, but do want to do something to keep utility bills down.

LED OUTDOOR LIGHTING

LED lighting is one of the more environmentally friendly forms of lighting that still depends on the local electric grid.  These lights tend to be brighter for their wattage, and produce much less waste than the conventional filament bulb.  Choosing LED outdoor lighting is a terrific way for anyone to provide an unparalleled warmth to their back yard and  make a positive environmental impact.  While these lights do last much longer than their standard counterparts, LEDs are  notoriously expensive to replace.  Make sure to factor this in to the cost of buying such a unit.

OUTDOOR SOLAR LIGHTS

To create a real environmental impact, one should choose an option that  eliminates fossil fuel use altogether.  Solar lights, which derive their power from the sun during the day, are a one hundred percent electricity free solution to backyard lighting.  Most of these units are small and commonly used to provide path lighting, but the savings on utilities cannot be beaten.  One will never have to replace a bulb on these units, instead just  replace the entire fixture set after several years of reliable service.  While more expensive than conventional lighting kits, these sets do pay for themselves over time.

Whether using low-voltage lights, LEDs, or even solar lighting, a person  can make a substantial difference in both the monthly budget and the environment simply by finding the right outside lights for their home.  Before making your decision on the type of lighting, make sure to take stock of the size and layout  of your yard.   Different styles of lighting will make a substantial difference on what can  be illuminated, so make sure to make the right choice.  While there are many different sorts of yards, there is always a style of lighting that will be ideal for yours.

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment