Three Security Cameras for Your Business

As a small business owner security and safety are top priorities when it comes to your employees and your investment. Choosing the right security camera will help to ensure those priorities are met. Here are three styles of security cameras that might be appropriate for your business.

Box style cameras have long been a staple of the security industry. This type of camera affords the most versatility when choosing a lens. They use a C/CS type lens mount (typical lens used for CCTV), which makes it quick and easy to change the lens for different fields of view. Field of View (FOV) is the maximum viewed image (area covered) a lens sees and displays on your TV or monitor. They can also be equipped with a number of varifocal lenses. Varifocal lenses allow you to change the focal length or field of view to accommodate a variety of situations. For outdoor use they will require a weatherproof housing. Box style security cameras are excellent for indoor and low light settings. Many come equipped with built in microphones for audio surveillance as well.

The most popular design on the market today is the bullet security camera. These cameras consist of long tubes with a cylinder-shaped lens, which give it an appearance similar to a bullet. Bullet style security cameras are well suited for situations where they are out of reach and discretion is more important than range. A bullet security camera will typically feature a fixed or varifocal lens that allows you to make out facial features as far away as 35 feet, and provides a wide angle of view. They are available in weather resistant casing which makes it a great outdoor surveillance camera. Top end models offer high quality digital charge-coupled devices (CCD) that will switch from color in daylight conditions to black & white in low light.

Dome security cameras are a great choice in most indoor settings with their compact size and protected lenses. Two main advantages of dome cameras are their unobtrusive appearance and flexible mobility; however they may not function as well in low light situations. They come in various resolutions with a choice of color or black and white display. Since the camera is obscured in the dome it is impossible to tell where the camera is looking, which is perfect for any situation many people may be congregating.
The best surveillance systems will utilize various types of cameras based on particular strengths and combine them with top of the line video display, digital video and audio recorders.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and surveillance cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Securing an Older Home

Security of home and property is a critical consideration for any homeowner. A secure home protects personal possessions, many of which may have irreplaceable sentimental value, and brings peace of mind whether you are at home or away. While newer homes are constructed in accordance with modern building codes that address security issues, older homes often have many weak points. Thorough evaluation of your residence and surrounding property can help you identify potential intruder entry points, or security risks that need to be addressed.

Windows and doors are the most common weak points intruders gain access to a home. Older windows may possess a certain charm or character they are far less secure than the newer vinyl or wood clad windows. Flimsy latches or rusty hinges further weakened by years of wear and tear may be forced open with a moderate amount jostling. Look for loose or rotten trim boards and window sills a burglar could easily pry off and remove all or part of the window. Often instead of installing a proper dryer venting system people simply ran the vent out a window which prevents locking it. A regular vent, can be easily installed by drilling a 4” hole through the exterior wall and siding. Be sure to insulate and seal the newly installed vent with caulking and spray foam. Place metal or wood bars in sliding windows and doors. Replacing windows can be done for a few thousand dollars and may even add comfort from drafts in the winter, as well as energy savings.

Doors are another area to spend some time investigating. Look for cracks and dry rot in the door jambs and trim casing the door to determine how easily it can be kicked in. If the door slab is in good condition look for loose or missing screws in the strikes and hinges. Replacing some or all of the screws with 3 or 4 inch exterior rated screws can add security by firmly attaching the door to the surrounding studs. If the door swings out it may simply be popped off its hinges. Add a dead deadbolt if not already present. If there are multiple problems, it may be worth replacing it with a newer metal, fibreglass, or solid wood core door.

Search for alternative entry points. Perhaps access to a crawl space can be gained by removing a porch trellis. An unlocked garage or storage shed attached to the house may provide a secluded area for intruders to work. It is not too farfetched for burglars to cut through siding, sheeting, plywood, and drywall to gain access to your goods when a broken window could alert a neighbour or passerby.

Install a security system. Wireless security systems are quick to install and eliminate the damage caused by the drilling required to thread cables on hardwired systems. In addition to trouble sensors on doors and windows, these systems can include motion sensors, security cameras, and digital video recorder systems. These systems have their own batteries, and can function even if power to the house is lost. Alarm monitoring companies will notify the police and dispatch an agent to drive by your house within minutes of trouble.



About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and digital video recordersystems. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

New Required Security Cameras

The surveillance age as arrived. More people are installing home security cameras, businesses rely on them for security and quality control, and we are even seeing them in day cares and pet care facilities. And why not? Because of the advances in technology and affordability, almost anyone can enjoy the use of a few extra eyes. In fact, in a recent article from USA today, Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago proposed the addition of new surveillance cameras for the outsides of government buildings, train platforms, as well as intersections. Though other communities have already taken some similar steps across the nation, for the city of Chicago, this is a huge leap toward safety and security.

This ambitious mayor plans to require all bars that stay open until 4 am to install cameras to identify those who come and go and the same would go for any business that stays open longer than 12 hours in a day. Though this would be an excellent way to cut down on after hours crime and locate criminals at large, some civil liberties advocates are troubled by the prospect. Some believe it is time to have a public dialogue on the matter and send this kind of decision to the voting booths to determine how much public surveillance is really appropriate. The same thing is under consideration by the Baltimore County Council in Maryland where they have already ordered the installation of cameras in large malls and parking areas. This decision was quickly pushed through despite of many objections by local business groups, which was largely influenced by a murder that occurred in a parking garage last year. The argument is that railings, sprinkler systems, and help buttons are already required, why not surveillance?

Police forces are constantly trying to improve the safety of public areas by patrolling, but the fact remains that police officers cannot be in every place at once. Security cameras lend themselves perfectly to crime prevention and suspect apprehension by providing an unbiased recording or even real time display of people and actions. Many businesses that operate after normal business hours already believe in the value of security cameras or already have them installed, and they will have no trouble seeing the justification behind requiring video surveillance. As the technology increases, there are even cameras that use audio frequencies to alert police automatically if a gunshot is fired. Advances like this will make it easy for authorities to respond quickly to violent incidents, not only for the apprehension of suspects but possibly saving of lives.

Ultimately, the public will need to find the balance of security versus privacy. It seems such a waste not to utilize the technology we have to cut down on crime, but we must also be careful to consider the rights to privacy people living in the United States hold so dear. Chicago has proposed one of the most aggressive approaches to the implementation of surveillance, but it is just one of hundreds of cities believing that the implementation of more surveillance will only result in safer and better functioning communities.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of home security cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Bullet Security Cameras

Security Cameras, weather they are for home, business, or even public areas, come in so many different shapes and sizes. Each shape and type of surveillance camera is designed to work best under certain conditions, and bullet cameras are just one of many types of cameras used for surveillance. However, some of their unique features make them excellent hidden cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, while still very easily mounted and monitored.

Bullet cameras range greatly in size, everything from 3.5 to 12 mm lenses and everything in between. They are designed to be compact and easily concealed while still providing excellent footage. A mid range bullet camera might provide 420 lines of resolution or even 550 lines. This is an amazing amount of clarity and resolution from such a small device. Not only that, but most bullet cameras actually shoot in color as well, providing the viewer with a clearer representation of the subjects.

Most bullet security cameras are also considered to be mini CCTV cameras. CCTV, or closed-circuit television, basically describes the ability of the cameras to transmit a signal to a specific or limited set of monitors. In other words, the signal coming from these cameras is not an open signal like television broadcasting stations that can be tuned in. This is ideal for a security situation to prevent the wrong people from gaining access to the broadcast. The first CCTV systems were installed in 1942 and were used to observe the launch of V2-rockets, and these systems are still used on launch sites today, but their relevance to security and surveillance has broadened their use considerably.

Another fantastic thing about bullet cameras is that most of them are designed to be weatherproof, meaning they can withstand the brutality of natural elements such as wind and rain. This is an important feature, enabling the versatility of indoor or outdoor use. Bullet cameras are easily mounted, and once placed, they should remain well protected and operational for quite some time. Electronics are not traditionally mixable with harsher temperatures or moisture, so it is important that bullet cameras have special exteriors that protect them from the elements so that a security system is not compromised by bad weather.

The affordability of bullet style cameras today is also astounding. Some models may go for as low as seventy dollars on up to a couple of hundred, but in comparison to older technology that was less versatile, these cameras have become extremely inexpensive and very accessible to the general public.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of hidden cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Wireless Surveillance in Action

How do wireless surveillance cameras actually work? In order for anyone to view camera footage on a remote monitor or in any wireless capacity, the images must be collected, compressed, and transferred over a network. This process can take many forms, but the basic concepts are similar, and it is a good idea to know how it works in order to pick out a surveillance system that best meets your home or business needs.

Upgrading or altering a traditional, wired security camera systems can be a tedious process of running cable, determining locations for monitoring stations, and strategizing. Wireless surveillance cameras make it simple to add new cameras. Not only that, but buildings that have a local area networks or some other form of network internet connection already possess the infrastructure for adding as many monitors in as many locations as they would like. Web based systems even allow for any computer to serve as a remote monitor. This might be set up through a password protected, secure webpage, or perhaps through some other web based software program.

The most common communication protocol for computer networks is known as TCP/IP. This is used for the mass expanse of the Internet proper and almost every new network being currently being installed. So unless your business is still operating on an extremely outdated system, wireless surveillance is a practical solution. Most offices, banks, and corporate style locations already incorporate at least and Ethernet network in which each computer or device has a unique IP address, allowing it to connect directly to the Internet. Because of rapid advances in technology, most systems like this have an extremely high capacity to communicate with several machines at the same time. Some cameras on networks like these can send footage directly to ten or more computers within that network without a web based format. If the footage from the wireless surveillance cameras is sent directly to the server, the video can be viewed by an unlimited number of viewers through a web based model. This opens up a whole new world in security cameras. This allows day cares to give clients the option of watching their children in real time through the mounted security cameras. Restaurant managers can insure quality control people can keep an eye on their pets. The possibilities are endless.

If you are considering installing a new system or changing an existing system to wireless, consider the different types of network transmissions such as T1 connections, DSL or ISDN modems, or Ethernet connections, and depending on what network solution you choose, pick the best cameras for this speed. You should also consider the amount of light certain cameras need and where they will be placed, as well as the level of resolution you need.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of wireless surveillance cameras and a variety of home security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.