3 Ways CCTV Can Help Your Business

3 Ways CCTV Can Help Your Business

By:Interlink Telecom


Many business managers and owners discount the idea of installing a CCTV system on their premises. Worried about costs and benefits, they use other security measures to protect their stock and their staff.



CCTV systems could be more beneficial than you think. Here are three key ways that CCTV can help to protect your business.



Deterrent



Although they won’t stop all crime, it is thought that visible CCTV systems act as a deterrent to would-be criminals. It’s far less risky to steal from a shop with no CCTV than from one that explains its system clearly in a window poster and which has highly visible cameras. The presence of a camera at the entrance or exit of a building and watching over key areas like retail sales floors or IT suites can make the difference between your business being targeted and the criminal moving on.



Evidence and Interference



Depending on the type of system you install, CCTV has the potential both to stop a crime before it occurs and to provide the police with valuable images that can help them to detain a suspect. Monitored systems, where the images are fed from the camera to a real-time monitor, allow security staff to see what’s happening at the premises at all times. If they pick up anyone behaving suspiciously they can alert staff on the ground who may be able to prevent a crime. Recorded systems, on the other hand, should give vital information on the appearance and activities of any criminals, which can make a huge difference to a police investigation.



Peace of mind



For anyone working in, shopping in or visiting your business premises, the knowledge that there is a working CCTV system in place brings peace of mind. Not only does it let your employees know that you are concerned for their safety, but customers and visitors recognise it as a deterrent and automatically feel safer than in a business where there are no cameras at all. Whilst not everyone likes the presence of CCTV cameras in public places, most people would say that such systems make them feel more comfortable.

Surveillance for the homeowner

Surveillance for the homeowner

By:dave4


So you’ve paid off the loan, and the mortgage, done the renovations, the paperwork and now your home is finally your own house. You can’t help feeling, however, that you aren’t quite ready to sit back and rest easy. What if someone breaks into your house, damages and steals your property? What can you do to safeguard your space against burglary?



For a medium or large residence, surveillance just might be a good idea. Before you start picturing Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez in Stakeout, let’s define our terms.



Surveillance is, quite simply, the process of monitoring people, objects or processes for conformity to certain expected norms. More specifically, it consists of monitoring for deviations from safe, non-threatening behaviour. It may or may not interest you to know that, in French, the word means ‘watching over’.



Surveillance includes any form of observation from afar by means of technological devices. This refers to phone tapping, directional microphones, bugs, subminiature cameras, closed-circuit television or CCTV, GPS tracking, airborne or satellite reconnaissance as well as computer and internet surveillance.



CCTV is perhaps the most relevant device for you, as a homeowner, so let’s look at it in some more detail.



CCTV consists of a camera, or cameras, linked up for the purpose of surveillance. The cameras are all directly liked and viewable through monitor screens. CCTV was first pressed into service to help watch against bank robbers, but the applications have increased to the point where the technology is easy to use, and relatively affordable enough to be used in home security set-ups.



CCTV is supposed to aid in crime fighting in two ways –deterrence and detection.



It’s assumed that the presence of clearly visible cameras in an particular location would serve to scare of would-be thieves. But the criminal mentality is notoriously hard to fathom, and this isn’t always the case. Interestingly though, CCTV systems do seem to be most effective as safeguards against car theft. Still, it’s worth assuming that the presence of a CCTV system should put off a fair number of would-be burglars.



CCTV has made a remarkable difference to crime detection, that’s for sure. Several prominent murder cases worldwide were solved with the aid of CCTV footage, and CCTV has also been useful in locating missing persons and runaways. Look at it this way – if it comes to the worst, and your house is burglarised, CCTV footage can provide crucial clues to the police and help in capturing the criminals and recovering your belongings.



CCTV technology has developed to the point where you can use wireless or USB still cameras to take high-resolution pictures at intervals. You can either program the cameras to take pictures on a time-lapse basis or to be triggered by unexpected motion. The quality of these images is superior to other surveillance cameras, and provides investigators with a wealth of useful detail. Models like Canon’s S2iS, Nikon’s P1 or Kodak’s Easyshare One are all affordable and reliable options. You can easily download these images onto your PC and share them with the authorities, all in a matter of seconds.



This is in fact the best option for you as a homeowner. Traditional CCTV is more adept at providing a flow of images to be constantly monitored by security personnel, while this new technique, dubbed Closed Circuit Digital Photography (CCDP) does not require around-the-clock observation, and produces high-quality images that can be used in the event of a burglary. As in the case of CCTV, it is worth considering that the presence of a surveillance system will itself serve as some amount of deterrent, if clearly indicated.



Used in conjunction with motion sensors, as well as anti-burglary devices such as alarms, high fences, trap wires and the like CCDP can form the basis for an effective and reliable home surveillance system. One that lets you finally kick back and relax in the comfort and security of your own home!

Your Guide To Buying Security Cameras

Your Guide To Buying Security Cameras

By:Trevor Marshall


Today’s technology has made setting up security precautions such as security cameras a cinch! You no longer need to be a millionaire to set up one. You could even install one yourself! Security cameras provide a means for its owner to watch over his or her propery from the safety and convenience of any area he chooses. This type of system is a great deterrent to thievery and unwanted entry. Most organizations that have sensitive items or are off limits to the general public employ these cameras to help keep their places safe.



Purchasing and implementing such a system may save your business from the terrors of illegal entry. Investment in such could save you a whole lot of trouble.



Before purchasing a system, you will want to consider the following factors.



Your needs

Study your needs. The type of security measures installed will depend on your specific security needs. For example how large is the area you would like covered? How many cameras will it take to monitor this area? You must make sure the security camera system you will purchase can accommodate enough slots for expansion.



Do you need audio too? Some camera systems have audio recording equipment as well so you can not only see what happens, but hear it as well. This is important in cases when you would like everything documented. However, this may be costly. Many establishments only require video records of their security.



Also, you must ascertain whether you need to have your security cameras record in color or black and white. Color cameras are, of course, more sophisticated and show a clearer picture. However, they tend to be pricey. Color cameras might also not work in low-light situations.



Consider the location of the cameras. Will the location be hard to set up a wiring system in? In that case, you may want to consider wireless security camera systems. However, these cameras must be in a place that is conducive to high quality broadcast. There must be no interference. They can, though, be moved around the area. They are a bit more flexible than their fixed-wire cousins.



Will the camera system be for outdoor purposes? Cameras that monitor outdoor locations need special weatherproof housings and may not be recommended for extreme temperatures and various elements. Also those that may be vandalized must be protected against such.



Also, you must take in consideration the lighting for an area. If your camera cannot record a scene due to bad lighting, you will end up with muddy images that won’t help in your surveillance activities. Choose a security camera that has a good sensitivity to light. Also, try to illuminate such areas with external lighting.



You must consider where the power sources will be located. Make sure they are well protected against the elements and from tampering.



Consider the available methods for recording the images. You may use a variety of backup media. And with the advent of computer storage media, even the use of hard disks, compact discs, and DVDs can prove to be an inexpensive way to store your data.



Installing a Security Camera System

Most home security cameras require little wiring, but installation differs according to model. Here are the basic steps:



1. Survey the area to be monitored. Follow the instructions/manual that comes with your security camera product. Install the camera at a proper distance from the area to be surveyed. Cameras vary in the distances from which they focus, so it would do well to pay notice to such.



2. Secure the camera using proper mounts, etc. Make sure that if the camera you are to install should not be moved, its placing should be secure and tamper proof.



4. Connect the camera to the monitor according to the manufacturer's directions. Make sure the wiring is as hidden and as secure as possible. This will make it harder for vandals and thieves from damaging your wiring.



5. Fine tune your system. Make sure you optimize the images you receive from the camera. Set a maintenance plan and fail safe plans to employ in case your cameras break down.



6 Organize an archival system according to your needs. Backing up and recording your images are implemented here.

Does Your Business Need CCTV?

Does Your Business Need CCTV?

By:Interlink Telecom


Is your business suffering from crime, or are you worried that you haven’t done enough to protect it? There are many different security measures you can take to ensure that your business, your stock, your employees and your customers are safe, and one of these is by installing a CCTV system.



We’re used to seeing CCTV operations in our streets and in our shops, perhaps even in the place where we work, but would you put it in your business, and if so, why?



Peace of mind



Whether you have been the target of vandals or have experienced robbery or attacks, you need a security system that gives you peace of mind. Whilst a CCTV system can’t always stop an attack, it can be a deterrent and it can provide valuable evidence that helps to identify the perpetrator, or to give the police a better idea about what took place. The knowledge that a CCTV system could make a would-be burglar change his or her mind or capture their face on tape if they decide to go ahead is the reason that many people invest in CCTV systems



Adaptable



Unlike many other security measures, CCTV is adaptable. This means you can start off with a small, relatively basic system and add cameras and monitors as and when you need to. You can decide to have static cameras in strategic places and remote-controlled cameras elsewhere. A good CCTV supplier can help to tailor a package that fits your needs.



Protects your staff and your customers



Your staff may have been subject to attack or verbal abuse, and your customers may not feel safe in your store and so your sales drop. A visible CCTV camera helps to protect your most important assets – your employees and your customers. For example, a monitored system could pick up the signs of trouble before anything actually occurs and staff can take immediate action.



It’s worth considering whether you and your business could benefit from the installation of a CCTV system.

CCTV Cameras—Reduce the Risk of Crime

CCTV Cameras—Reduce the Risk of Crime

By:MustHaveSecurity


CCTV Cameras are among the most effective ways to reduce crime in your business or home, and there are a number of places to purchase CCTV equipment, even if you’re on a budget. Here are some things to look for when you’re shopping for CCTV cameras that will help you save time and money, as well as help you to better to protect your property.

First of all, you need to choose a CCTV camera that has both a wide range and a quality lens, so that you can see what’s going on no matter which part of the property you’re on, and you’ll be able to spot any suspicious people or activity right away.



Next, make sure that your CCTV camera is compact and is easily rotated. This way, the camera is not easily seen by intruders or customers, and the ability for the camera to rotate quickly and effectively will give you a total view of who comes in and out of your business or home. The Voltek Wireless CCTV camera is a great choice for this reason, and we also offer a number of great new product to compliment this camera.

It’s also a good idea to make sure that the CCTV equipment you purchase works well with the way that your property is set up in terms of how many enclosed walkways there are, whether or not there are open spaces throughout the office space or home, and how many rooms are usually occupied on the property. This will help you to determine how large of a camera you should purchase, and you may also want to purchase wireless CCTV equipment to eliminate the look of cables and plugs across the walls of your property.



Other equipment you’ll want to purchase in addition to the actual CCTV camera include a sign that you can post in front of your door or window on your property, which will let both potential criminals and customers know that the property is under surveillance. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a CCTV monitor that is hooked up to the camera, so that you can make sure that your property is safe, no matter where you are in your home or office. The monitors are available in both color and black and white, so you have the option of purchasing the monitors that are most affordable for you. If you’re just starting your business, or are switching alarm systems or moving into a new home or business building, you may also want to look into purchasing a dummy camera for a short period of time. The dummy cameras look very realistic, and you can use it to give the illusion of security on your property until you install a new CCTV camera. You may also want to look into the audio cameras we have to offer, such as the new Wireless Microcam Audio CCTV camera, so that you can hear what’s going on in your property as well as see it.



The shape of your camera will also play a big part in how well hidden the camera is, and how secure you can keep your home or business. Many times, if a surveillance camera is very obvious or large, criminals will immediately try to destroy the camera before stealing merchandise or money, or otherwise damaging the property. If a CCTV camera is well hidden, it will be difficult for burglars to find the camera, and it is much more likely that you will catch the trespassing on tape accurately. A discreet camera will also make customers or others in your home feel safer. So, small cameras, dome-shaped cameras, and even submergible cameras are a good idea if you want to add a little extra security to your home or business.

Need Home Security? Try CCTV Monitoring System

Need Home Security? Try CCTV Monitoring System

By:Robert Michael


If you've given any thought to home security you've probably considered a closed circuit television monitoring system (better known as CCTV.)



What you'll have with your CCTV system is at least one surveillance camera, a variety of lenses (pan, zoom and infrared for night vision) to focus on particular areas of your grounds and home, and a VCR (video cassette recorder) that will make a permanent record of what the camera is seeing.



If you should decide you want to provide CCTV security in your home you'll need to do at least one slow walk around your home, making notes as you go, about where you need surveillance, and what areas are the most vulnerable, and in need of protection. While you certainly want to focus on your house - the place where your family's safety is the primary concern - don't neglect to include garage, breezeway, in-law quarters, front and back yard, driveway, alleyway, or any outside fence or gate entrance.



You may want more than one camera in your home. This could be important if your home is large, for instance, and you're regularly in one section of the home while a babysitter watches your children, or a housekeeper performs his or her duties. With the prevalence of home offices this may be especially important, if you're in your office all day with the door shut. Having a separate camera watching that home office may also reduce your insurance bill as well.



Once you've determined what areas on which you need to focus you'll have to measure the areas. The range of area needing monitoring is important to the size of camera or cameras you purchase.



While you can choose five sizes of camera - ranging in size from one quarter to two thirds of an inch, the wisest choices are to go no larger than one half an inch. With a camera one half inch or smaller you'll have a more extensive choice of lenses that will work with it.



There are four different versions of CCTV camera lenses from which you can choose. They are fixed aperture, manual or auto iris and zoom. An auto iris lens is ideal for outside viewing, as it adjusts itself to accommodate changes in lighting. In places where the amount of lighting stays fairly stagnant a manual iris will do. This type of lens requires that you actually make the lighting adjustments by hand. Zoom lenses, just as with any camera, allow you to bring a viewed situation closer to your eye for improved visibility. Some zoom lenses offer a motorized option.



Once you know the number of cameras you're going to need you'll know whether you're going to have to have more than one monitor or whether you can make do with a switcher (one monitor, alternating location views) or a multi-plexer (several locations showing in boxes on one monitor at the same time).



Decide how long you are going to need to record prior to being able to remove and replace the VCR film. If the time you're going to be absent from the home, i.e., unable to remove and replace the VCR tape, is going to exceed 4-6 hours (depending on the VCR) you may not be able to use your household VCR. You may need to upgrade to a commercial quality recorder.

Home Security Tips

Home Security Tips

By:Robert Michael


There are few things more important to people than the security and protection of their homes and families. When it comes to securing your family you don’t always get a second chance. Lives can change forever in only a split second. Take the time now to take make sure your family is safe and secure in your home in the future.



There are several simple low cost things you can do to make your home more secure from robbery and theft and give your family peace of mind.



Home Security Tip #1



Install adequate lighting outside every entry way. You can pick up motion sensor activated lights at most department and hardware stores for under $20.00. These can be set to cover a fairly large spread. It is recommended that you install lights outside every doorway to the house. If there is a side of the house that tends to be very dark it might be a good idea to install a light there as well to prevent concealment in the shadows.



Home Security Tip #2



If you have a privacy fence around your property this can give the feeling of security but this is not necessarily the case. Security fences can actually provide a safe opportunity for a thief to work his way into your home. Once inside the perimeter of the fence the thief can work on entry to your home without being seen by neighbors or people passing by. Install motioned sensor controlled security lights outside within the fenced area. If there is a gate to the fenced in area make sure if has a secure locking mechanism.



Home Security Tip #3



Install deadbolt locks on every door leading to the outside. The types of locks which have a key in the door knob will not successfully secure a door against a thief or criminal.



Home Security Tip #4



Criminals are less likely to enter through a window because of the noise that breaking glass tends to make. Nevertheless, keep all windows locked at all times. One of the best ways to secure your windows is with glazing. Glazing protects windows against breakage.



Home Security Tip #5



A home security alarm system, which is monitored 24 hours per day, can provide peace of mind around the clock. Alarm systems are always on duty and never sleep. If you shop around you can often find specials which include free equipment and installation in exchange for a two or three year commitment. If you decide to have an alarm system installed go with a company with a solid history that you can count on. Be sure to test your system on a regular basis. Monitored alarm systems will also sometimes reduce your yearly homeowners insurance premiums. This savings alone might pay for the alarm system.



By taking these simple steps you can decrease your chances of being the victim of a crime while providing your family with a greater sense of security.

Does CCTV Really Reduce Crime?

Does CCTV Really Reduce Crime?

By:Robert Michael


In the UK, home of twenty percent of the world's CCTV cameras, there is mounting concern about its invasion and lack of regulation. "UK Public CCTV Surveillance Regulation Campaign."



The thought-provoking questions they ask are good ones.



They want to know, for instance, why, if television programming and licensing is so heavily regulated in the UK that the same legislators have never considered licensing for CCTV use and installation? They ask also if the crime statistics touted by CCTV proponents are accurate, or if the criminals are merely being moved down the road to commit crimes elsewhere.



They want to know if civil liberties are being taken into consideration, or if they're ignored and thus violated. They want to know if close circuit television is really worth what they're paying for it. Does it really, for instance, deter crime, provide swift proof of guilt and reduce the number of police officers needed to keep a vigilant watch?



They also ruminate about whether these cameras, once in place, are actually being adequately monitored. If, in fact, there are enough folks doing the watching that quick response can be affected once a crime in action is caught on camera. If that is not the case - if, in fact, as they suspect, one person is paid to view a vast number of monitors at one time, then the cost of the equipment may in fact not be offset by the policing authorities' availability to arrive on the scene in a timely fashion.



There are many concerns for the rights of citizens caught on tape as well. What, for instance, is the policy on who sees what faces and how long those faces remain on tape and where?



To what other uses and outside firms will information garnered by CCTV be handed out? Will racial profiles of neighborhoods, for instance, be sold to commercial marketing companies? If these videos are sold to outside firms what's to keep them from using them in commercial ways that would include the display of photos? Might not an advertising agency, for instance, use the photo of a prominent person such as an entertainer or politician, as part of an advertising campaign? And if so, what about the rights of said entertainer or politician? What about her or his rights to financially gain from the commercial enterprise?



These and many other questions are being asked by concerned British residents who see CCTV as potentially invasive if not regulated, and in the hands of the wrong people.



They also point out zealously that the May 2000 Declaration of Human Rights, delivered in Strasbourg, confirms the illegality of the unregulated and undisclosed use of CCTV. Its Article 8 stated it to be an interference to the applicant's right to expectation of privacy and that this interference was a direct result of its not being regulated by any governing agency.

Get the most out of your video surveillance system by incorporating a security digital video recording DVR

Get the most out of your video surveillance system by incorporating a security digital video recording DVR


By: Lynn Bryant

One of the easiest ways to improve the effectiveness of your video surveillance system is to incorporate a digital video recorder. A security digital video recording DVR gives you much greater functionality and flexibility over older recording methods such as VCRs.

Using a DVR will allow you to record and store a greater amount of video footage and provide you with more comprehensive recording and viewing options. In this article, we will briefly look at some of the benefits that can be achieved by incorporating a digital video recorder into your home surveillance network.

Digital video recording security systems provide a wide array of features and benefits. Following is a brief survey of some of the more obvious benefits you can achieve by implementing such a system in your home.

* Get more viewing options -- Using a DVR to capture video from your surveillance cameras will give you a much more efficient way to review video feeds. DVRs can be set up to automatically mark specific security events making them much easier to locate when it comes time to review the feeds. This gives you the ability to locate a security event quickly and easily with a simple query as opposed to having to sift through hours of video tapes. In addition, many DVRs today are IP-based which gives you the ability to remotely access video feeds from your cameras directly over the Internet. This gives you a great deal of flexibility because you can have access to your cameras from virtually anywhere.

* Accommodate more surveillance cameras in your network -- DVR's can accommodate more cameras than older recording methods. You can purchase DVR's with varying numbers of channels depending on your security needs. A 32-channel DVR, for example, can accommodate up to 32 cameras on a single DVR. This will provide you with more centralized control and access over all of the cameras in your network.

* Gain access to comprehensive alerts -- Many DVR's can be set up to send alerts that contain video images notifying you of security threats. Many newer surveillance systems on the market today allow you to incorporate sensors that detect such things as motion, temperature variation, lighting changes, and even the presence of water. When a pre-determined event is sensed, the DVR system can be set up to automatically send an email alert directly to your mobile phone making you aware of the potential security threat. This can provide a level of confidence that can allow you to rest easy knowing you will be notified if anything is out of the ordinary in or around your home.

* Improved efficiencies -- This is more of an indirect benefit, but a benefit nonetheless. Using a DVR to perform all of your security recording functions will provide you with a much more efficient means of video capture. Most DVR's can be configured to record only when a security event is sensed. This saves not only your cameras, and the storage space required, but also the time it will take you to review recorded video.

If you are looking for a way to get more out of your home security system, you really cannot go wrong by incorporating this powerful device.

CCTV & Video Surveillance over 10G ip™

CCTV & Video Surveillance over 10G ip™
Background

With the increase in data, research and development and corporate competition, many companies are realizing the need to not only protect their data, but their human resources as well. Closed Circuit Television Systems (CCTV) and video surveillance systems are becoming more commonplace in office buildings, external structures, our schools and even on city streets. Surveillance is becoming an integral component of access control methods augmented with biometrics, security tracking systems and access tracking systems.

Traditional CCTV systems require a separate infrastructure that employs coaxial cable. This cable was designed for point-to-point transmission of video from a camera to a recorder at the same site. The development of digital video allowed the progression to twisted pair and fibre optic cables. These image streams are stored in a digital format on servers or other computers as opposed to video tape, alleviating the inherent issues with magnetic media. The rising influence of the information technology industry is driving efforts of camera makers, storage providers and chip designers to provide full motion video on a variety of platforms.

This new breed of video allows IP (Internet Protocol) transmission of the video signals to devices that are IP addressable and can be transmitted in a combined voice/video stream. These transmissions can be stored or simply viewed in real time. This article covers the principles and evolutions of these technologies focusing on the latest digital IP video technologies coupled with important information regarding infrastructure needs and demands for implementation. The Siemon Company 10G ip™ advanced structured cabling system can support not only network traffic, but can also support video needs as it is the most robust infrastructure on the market today.
CCTV Technology Evolution
Coax and Optical Fibre Analog CCTV System

The origin of CCTV dates back to the 1950's. Advancements in the 1970's, specifically analog recording systems and solid state cameras, moved surveillance from concept to reality. As shown in Figure 1, the traditional system used 75 Ohm coaxial cable. Multiple cameras were connected through this cabling and home-run to a multiplexer which fed several video recorders in a central control room. The images could be viewed real time via several monitors, one monitor with a switch to change to the camera desired, or to monitors that could accept multiple video feeds in separate windows.

The inherent disadvantages of this method were predominantly in the cost of the security monitoring station. Further, the centralized security centre constituted a single point of failure within the security infrastructure. All video feed and control cables had to be home-run to this location. If a camera was moved, often times a new cable run was needed. Tape libraries require many tapes and, as magnetic media is susceptible to magnetic discharge or discharge through static electricity, these systems did not always provide the full functionality for which they were designed. Human factors are also part of this system as a human must physically change the tapes, monitor recording sessions, etc. Optical fibre is sometimes used in this environment where distances would require the use of repeaters for signal strength or where EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) is an issue.

With the advent of UTP enabled cameras (see Figure 2 above), a second generation system was born. IP addressable cameras are now able to run on the existing infrastructure within a premise. These systems exploit the benefits of this infrastructure over coaxial cable.

This system may require expensive tape libraries and monitors, however, the costs for the central monitoring station are decreased. The single point of failure within the video room still exists. Moves, adds, and changes are easier, as cameras may be located wherever a network drop exists. The cabling is run to a multiplexer that supports the popular RJ45 connector. Legacy cameras with coax connectors can be retrofit with balun (balanced/unbalanced) adapters allowing the signal to be converted from the coaxial cable (unbalanced) to twisted pair (balanced) cable.
The Dawning of the Digital Age

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) were introduced to answer many of the shortcomings of the magenetic tape media libraries. Digital videos are recorded on hard disk drives just as a file is stored on a PC. This allows for redundancy, decentralized viewing, better quality of images and a longer lifespan of recordings. Digital transmissions can be stored without the need for human intervention or changing of tapes. The recording times are greater and, due to compression algorithms within the devices and video streams, these recordings can be instantly accessed and viewed virtually anywhere that security policies allow.

A typical DVR can multiplex 16 analog channels for recording and playback. This represents a significant decrease in costs over other methods with an equally significant increase in functionality. With open standards, IP (Internet Protocol) addressable cameras are as easy to integrate into the security network as a PC. Data storage has seen a significant decrease in price with the emergence of Network Attached Storage (NAS), and SAN (Storage Area Networks) bringing CCTV to yet another evolution.
Digitized Video over IP

The plug and play approach allows IP addressable cameras to be placed anywhere on the infrastructure. Electronics that are already handling IP traffic are now an integral part of the surveillance system. As the videos are stored in a digital format, they can be viewed anywhere on the network with new security capabilities for the files being administered as part of the network security policies. Further, they can be viewed simultaneously from multiple points on the network. Not only is this easy to deploy, but it is also extremely versatile. Networks are not burdened with another protocol. Transmissions are native to the existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate cabling systems.

TCP/IP has become the defacto standard for networking. The open architecture allows for multiple systems to share network space, and take advantage of new technology aimed to improve the capacity, reliability, scaleability and accessibility of network resources. With the ability to utilize an existing infrastructure, a building can become totally automated on one cabling system. This automation can include not only CCTV, but also access control, fire/life and safety systems, building automation systems, voice and, of course, network traffic. Network administrators and network users are no longer bound to a desk as control and/or management of these systems can be performed on any workstation with access to the network. This is also true of the security staff. They can be located anywhere. The single point of failure becomes the digital camera, not the control centre, as it is extremely easy to make the digital servers redundant at either one location or distributed to multiple locations.

A typical IP based CCTV system is shown in Figure 3. As you can see, it is far different from either of the other two solutions. IP cameras, IP video servers and IP keyboards can be placed anywhere. The IP keyboards can actually control the PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) movement of a video camera based on its IP address. As with any IP protocol, management functions are built into the transmissions. These include Digital Signal Processing (DSP), alarm handling, recording, archiving/search capabilities, scheduling and automation. These management and control functions utilize SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and other Control Frames, all part of the IP standard.

These cameras can be equipped with advanced features such a motion sensors, automated PTZ and, if desired, analog video outputs. Newer versions come equipped with internal DVRs which can be replicated to a centralized DVR server. Research according to J.P. Freeman and Frost & Sullivan project that sales for these cameras in the US market will approach $500 million in sales by the year 2005, with a projected revenue of $1.6 billion.

Another IP-based system, CCTP (Closed Circuit Twisted Pair), was introduced by a company called Anixter (www.anixter.com/cctp). This system allows video, control, and power signals over a single twisted pair cabling system. This chassis-based system can accommodate 40 fixed cameras and 16 PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras in one chassis. The addition of power to the infrastructure provides another benefit to the system through ease of adds, moves and changes and initial installation, as separate power does not need to be run in parallel to the cabling system.
Video Compression Standards

High resolution digital images need bandwidth for transmission and disk space for storage. Storing and transmitting these images is cumbersome on older technologies and infrastructures both on the intranet and over the internet. Compression algorithms were developed to help assure high quality transmissions over lower bandwidth mechanisms. There is a trade-off between frame rate and image quality. JPEG, JPEG2000, MPEG-1, 2, 4, Wavelet and H.261/H.263 are all methods of compression that deal with these transmissions.

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and MPEG (Motion Pictures Expert Group) are ISO/IEC standards which allow high quality video transmission. JPEG is the standard for still images while MPEG deals with moving images. The latest international audio-video standard for motion video is MPEG4 (ISO/IEC 14496). Wavelet-Like Motion-JPEG is the process of combining still photos into moving video. The H.261 and H.263 standards were developed for video conferencing and do not deliver clear images for fast moving objects.
Why Siemon 10G ip?

When discussing CCTV and all of your networking needs, one message is dominant. Bandwidth utilization is on the increase. The drive for compression is no longer as great a concern as it once was, largely due to more bandwidth being available. Video conferencing, CCTV and all of the other converged applications do have an impact especially if one's infrastructure is outdated or out of spec. No one thought two years ago that you could actually focus a camera on a child in class or day care or watch Video on Demand over networks. But the reality is that these technologies are here. There will be new ones tomorrow that are just today's dreams.

The Siemon 10G ip™ solution consists of 10G 6™, XGLO™ fibre and TERA™. Combined or separate, these represent the best performing IT cabling solutions available for today's realities and tomorrow's possibilities. Your CCTV system can carry high quality, high resolution, real-time video in a converged environment. 10G ip™ was designed with the end-user in mind and the fact that companies expect their infrastructures to last 10+ years. This system, installed today, will seamlessly integrate with 10G MAN/WAN without the need to upgrade your infrastructure with future generations of active equipment. This assures that your network infrastructure investment is protected and secure.

One single trend today is spanning every industry, that is, companies want to protect not only their data, but all of their assets and the people that utilize them.

IP-based systems including servers, electronics, CCTV, and the myriad of other solutions are judged based on reliability, scalability and active life cycles. This cabling system was designed around these principles to provide a solid return on investment. The Siemon Company participates in all of the appropriate standards organizations to assure that our systems will provide longevity and state-of-theart cabling to assure that your electronics investments will operate at their maximum achievable capacity today and tomorrow.

Bibliography
Anixter Introduces Enhanced Version of CCTP, www.anixter.com, 08/07/2003
Information technology — Coding of audio-visual objects — Part 1: Systems, ISO/IEC 14496
Information technology — Generic coding of moving pictures and associated audio information: Video
H.262, . International Telecommunication Union, www.itu.int
Coding of Moving Pictures and Audio, MPEG-4, International Organisation for
Standardisation/Organisation Internationale de Normalisation (ISO/IEC) 14496
Joint Photographic Experts Group, www.jpeg.org
Moving Pictures Expert Group, www.mpeg.org
Video codec for audiovisual services at p x 64 kbit/s, H.261. International Telecommunication Union, www.itu.int
Video coding for low bit rate communication, H.263, International Telecommunication Union, www.itu.int
Video over 10G ip™, The Siemon Company, www.siemon.com

Britain is 'surveillance society'

Britain is 'surveillance society'
CCTV cameras
There are up to 4.2m CCTV cameras in Britain
Fears that the UK would "sleep-walk into a surveillance society" have become a reality, the government's information commissioner has said.

Richard Thomas, who said he raised concerns two years ago, spoke after research found people's actions were increasingly being monitored.

Researchers highlight "dataveillance", the use of credit card, mobile phone and loyalty card information, and CCTV.

Monitoring of work rates, travel and telecommunications is also rising.


There are up to 4.2m CCTV cameras in Britain - about one for every 14 people.

But surveillance ranges from US security agencies monitoring telecommunications traffic passing through Britain, to key stroke information used to gauge work rates and GPS information tracking company vehicles, the Report on the Surveillance Society says.

It predicts that by 2016 shoppers could be scanned as they enter stores, schools could bring in cards allowing parents to monitor what their children eat, and jobs may be refused to applicants who are seen as a health risk.

Produced by a group of academics called the Surveillance Studies Network, the report was presented to the 28th International Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners' Conference in London, hosted by the Information Commissioner's Office.

The office is an independent body established to promote access to official data and to protect personal details.


HOW WE CAN BE WATCHED
4.2m CCTV cameras
300 CCTV appearances a day
Reg plate recognition cameras
Shop RFID tags
Mobile phone triangulation
Store loyalty cards
Credit card transactions
London Oyster cards
Satellites
Electoral roll
NHS patient records
Personal video recorders
Phone-tapping
Hidden cameras/bugs
Worker call monitoring
Worker clocking-in
Mobile phone cameras
Internet cookies
Keystroke programmes

How we are being watched

The report's co-writer Dr David Murakami-Wood told BBC News that, compared to other industrialised Western states, the UK was "the most surveilled country".

"We have more CCTV cameras and we have looser laws on privacy and data protection," he said.

"We really do have a society which is premised both on state secrecy and the state not giving up its supposed right to keep information under control while, at the same time, wanting to know as much as it can about us."

The report coincides with the publication by the human rights group Privacy International of figures that suggest Britain is the worst Western democracy at protecting individual privacy.

The two worst countries in the 36-nation survey are Malaysia and China, and Britain is one of the bottom five with "endemic surveillance".

Mr Thomas called for a debate about the risks if information gathered is wrong or falls into the wrong hands.

How effective are CCTV security systems at reducing crime?

How effective are CCTV security systems at reducing crime?

By: Alice Osborn

Since the July 7th London bombings, CCTV security systems (closed circuit TV) across the world have been examined with greater scrutiny and with greater expectations for reducing crime. Although not a panacea for preventing crime, many CCTV surveillance systems have been successful at reducing some types of crimes like property crime, for acting as a deterrent in car parks or in other public places, and for making citizens feel safer. However, the results are mixed when addressing violent crimes and when the crimes involve alcohol.

In the UK, where an average person may be watched 300 times a day by the prevalent closed circuit television systems, numerous case studies paired with crime statistics have been used by Britain’s Home Office to determine the effectiveness of these CCTV systems and to see how well CCTV saves time and money for their police force. In fact, from 1999 to 2001, the British government spent £170 million (approximately $250 million) for closed circuit television security schemes in town and in city centers, car parks, crime hot spots and in residential areas.

Keys to evaluating CCTV systems

According to Coretta Philips of the Home Office Policing and Reducing Crime Unit, CCTV systems are evaluated using these identifiers which help police pinpoint where and when the CCTV security camera systems are most beneficial.

* Caught in the act -- When potential offenders fear being recorded by the CCTV cameras for courtroom purposes, they usually abandon any idea of conducting a crime.

* Publicity -- If the CCTV camera schemes are public knowledge, then the would-be offenders may leave the target area, but may head to another area. Home Office data found that in the days leading up to the CCTV system activation, crime went down due to the increased publicity. However, if the publicity of the CCTV system is private, then offenders may be more likely to be deterred because they may think that CCTV security cameras may monitor other areas as well.

* Effective deployment of law enforcement officers -- CCTV systems increase the response time of police officers to the incident scene before a member of public has to call the police. According to data compiled in 2004 by the Home Office, CCTV operators can determine how many officers to send to the scene and the CCTV surveillance cameras can indicate what the offenders are doing at the scene before the police arrive.

* Time for crime -- If the offenders think that they can complete their crime before the CCTV systems can record it, then the police will have less chance at capturing the offenders. For example, if car thieves know that the security camera’s angle, range and speed are limited, they might determine how to best avoid the CCTV security cameras. However, the Home Office CCTV data has shown a reduction in car thefts in car parks, revealing that some offenders may still be captured on camera despite the speed of the crime.

Where CCTV systems scored well and where they missed

Although CCTV systems seem to reduce and deter property crime in public areas, such as car parks or shopping malls, CCTV systems aren’t as effective at stopping or preventing violent crimes. Although the CCTV systems do help at deploying police officers quickly to these violent crimes sites, the offenders may avoid the security cameras, since the security cameras are mounted in public zones, where violent crimes don’t take place. In this case, better street lighting may help to prevent such violent crimes from occurring. In addition, when alcohol is involved, the offenders don’t consider the consequences of their actions, making the CCTV systems ineffective as a deterrent amongst the intoxicated offenders.

On a positive note, the CCTV systems do reduce the public’s fear of crime and they do ensure the quick deployment of officers to the incident scene which gives less time for the offenders to act more violently. To truly verify if the CCTV system is effective, the law enforcement body needs to conduct video surveillance evaluations over a long period of time to weed out any inconsistencies in the crime data. Also, if the CCTV operators are well-trained and know the fastest way to deploy the police officers, then the CCTV system will be more effective. CCTV systems are the future for preventing crime, and as the CCTV security cameras become more sophisticated, more offenders will be caught and more crimes will be prevented.

CCTV surveillance systems used as a crime fighting and prevention tool

CCTV surveillance systems used as a crime fighting and prevention tool


By: Alice Osborn

CCTV surveillance systems play an important role in fighting and preventing local and international crime. These closed circuit television systems were in place in London before the July 7th bombings and this footage is being used to identify suspects and investigate the attacks.

Besides fighting terrorism, CCTV security systems installed in public places or retail markets can deter crime, provide the police with leads, help citizens feel safer, and improve the economy of a crime-stricken area. Most CCTV systems have now gone digital for improved performance, surveillance camera maneuverability, and quicker feedback as compared to analog systems.

Implementing CCTV systems

Law enforcement or security professionals best support CCTV systems. These teams of professionals need to monitor the CCTV video evidence on a timely basis and they need to be properly trained in order to interpret suspicious behavior caught on the system. When all of these factors are in place, then the CCTV security system will be effective for keeping citizens and shoppers safe.

In the case of some municipalities or businesses not being able to afford all of the necessary components of a CCTV system, many CCTV providers can recommend a scalable approach so that priority security needs may be addressed first. Then, additional surveillance cameras can be purchased in succeeding years as the budget allows.

Digital CCTV systems and surveillance cameras

A modern digital CCTV security system consists of hardware and software components that collect and transmit vital surveillance camera information over fiber optic lines to control rooms staffed by security professionals and equipped with digital CCTV monitors. An example of the surveillance cameras used for reducing crime in LA's MacArthur Park include CyberDome DayNite 25X cameras equipped with removable infrared cut filters, 25x optical zoom lenses, 12x digital zoom capabilities, and 360-degree PTZ (pan tilt zoom) capabilities. This MacArthur Park system also includes GE Storesafe DVRs (digital video recorders) and GE KTD-405 keypad controllers. DVRs are capable of saving CCTV data to a PC for up to ten weeks of recording and some even feature motion detection technology, which means that the footage is only recorded when motion triggers the DVR system.

Digital surveillance cameras range in type from compact, fixed cameras to direction-controlled models that can see in the dark under various lighting conditions. CCTV decision-makers need to know what kind of job each surveillance camera must fulfill. Will it watch the flow of passerbys (fixed cameras) or will it need to monitor a crime-targeted area (dome cameras with PTZ functions)? These video security managers also need to consider weatherproofing their surveillance cameras if the cameras are mounted in an especially hot or cold climate, or if the viewing fields could be obscured by dirt or dust.

What kind of crimes do CCTV systems prevent?

Evidence has shown that CCTV systems mostly deter property crimes and robberies, but not more violent crimes such as rape and aggravated assault. CCTV systems may not catch these crimes because they may occur away from the surveillance cameras in more deserted areas. Fortunately in most situations, when a CCTV system is in place, criminals generally shy away from these monitored areas fearing prosecution since these recorded images can be used in court. As noted previously, in order for a CCTV system to be effective, the electronic system must be used in conjunction with human know-how and skills and it should be carefully integrated into existing security plans.

CCTV: Looking ahead

In the next few years, digital CCTV systems will evolve into wireless CCTV systems that employ GSM (global system for mobile communication) or 3G (third generation) connections. These wireless systems are completely portable and can deliver live images to a PC, an Internet phone, or a laptop. The cameras are tiny, but include many of the sophisticated features of full size digital CCTV cameras. CCTV customers are also seeking IP-based solutions with LAN/WAN delivery options despite some lags in the technology's image quality and frame rate.

"Make no mistake about it, the future is wireless," says Thomas M. Wade, president of Samsung CCTV. "We'll be pushing crime-related images to police cars in the future. Imagine an abduction or robbery in which the responding units are seeing the video and the suspects as they are rolling to the scene. It's all possible and it is the general direction of the industry."

There is also talk of linking CCTV cameras together to form a worldwide network to prevent terrorism, but this international surveillance system would cost billions of dollars and would require extensive international cooperation.

Respecting employee privacy rights in the workplace when using video surveillance

Respecting employee privacy rights in the workplace when using video surveillance


By: Alice Osborn

The loss of employee privacy rights in the workplace is a growing concern among employees, attorneys, and civil libertarian groups. Although employers in banks, telecommunications, securities exchange, in hi-tech industries, and in other workplaces justify using video surveillance in the workplace to monitor employee behavior to chiefly promote safety, improve productivity, and stop theft, protecting employee privacy must be a top concern. For if the courts find that the employer’s surveillance methods are less than fair, that firm may find itself knee-deep in lawsuits that could have been prevented.

Employers install hidden surveillance cameras for many good reasons (preventing theft, promoting productivity or protecting employees) that in some cases will intrude upon employee privacy. Legal observers and human resource specialists who study workplace privacy believe that employee privacy intrusions are more common than previously observed, and that they will increase every year.

According to a 2005 survey conducted by the American Management Association, more than half of the companies surveyed use video monitoring to prevent theft, violence and sabotage (51% in 2005 vs. 33% in 2001). In addition, the number of companies that use video surveillance to track employees’ performance has also increased, with 10% now videotaping selected job functions and 6% videotaping all employees. Among firms that use video surveillance, 85% notify employees.

As more and more employee groups become aware of how they are being watched, the more likely they will take their employers to court.

These are the four main types of court-upheld privacy violations that could occur in stores, factories and offices and the first type is directly related to video surveillance.

* Intrusion upon seclusion which includes invading worker privacy in bathrooms and changing rooms
* Publication of private employee matters
* Disclosure of medical records
* Appropriation of an employee’s likeness for commercial purposes

In addition, video surveillance must be limited to visual images and cannot include audio in order to comply with federal and state statutes.

Employers need to be proactive and aware of these four privacy violations so that their employees’ individual rights are respected and protected.

How to achieve balance between monitoring and intruding upon employees

First, the employers need to clarify what privacy rights employees are guaranteed and what constitutes an invasion of privacy. Then, employees must be notified in writing that surveillance will be conducted and they should also sign a waiver verifying that they know they may be monitored.

Management must define what is acceptable supervision versus "snoopervision" and that includes not videotaping showers, restrooms, changing rooms, smoking areas, and employee lounges. These are places specifically for employees' personal comfort, health or for safeguarding their possessions. However, employers must also be sensitive against using video surveillance in other areas where employees might takes breaks.

Employers must be fully aware of the privacy risks associated with videotaping employees so that the likelihood of litigation is reduced. Companies should also nurture a workplace environment where employees can voice privacy or security concerns in confidence with management without feeling that their conversations are being monitored. In short, if employers choose to use video surveillance in the workplace, they must adhere to written privacy guidelines that will keep employees secure and that will also respect their privacy.

How IP-based video surveillance works -- way beyond analog CCTV

How IP-based video surveillance works -- way beyond analog CCTV


By: Lori Wilkerson

When you’re shopping around for an IP-based video surveillance system, you will need to be particularly cautious about what exactly you’re looking at and what the individual terms mean. How IP-based video surveillance works is open to interpretation as far as some video surveillance and security salespeople are concerned -- not because they are trying to confuse the issues, but because there is no genuine consensus on what the term “IP-based” or related ones such as “networked” or “web-based” means.

Originally video surveillance was done based on analog technology -- closed circuit television (CCTV) and recording on video tapes. This was fine for recording what was going on, but it didn’t broadcast actual live information, so it wasn’t practical for monitoring stores, for instance, from a remote location. It simply provided what happened after the fact. The picture quality wasn’t great and it relied on human reliability as well -- someone had to remember to change the tapes regularly, etc.

Digital revolutionizes video surveillance

With the Internet revolution and the ever-increasing presence of Local Area Networks, technology took great strides in video surveillance in the 1990’s. Analog camera tubes were replaced with CCD (Charged Coupled Devices) and digital cameras became affordable for most people.

This combination meant that video surveillance could do two things: go live over the Internet or a closed network for surveillance and provide clearer, crisper images that could be tracked and manipulated easily. For law enforcement, digital surveillance meant it was much easier to zoom in on images, track particular scenes and enhance features.

The basics of IP-based surveillance

A digital camera “views” the scene in front of it, broadcasts the video images as a digitized signal over a LAN line (Local Area Network) where it’s then transmitted to a computer or server. The server in turn manages all of this information. Depending upon the software used to manage the digital images, it can record, display or retransmit the images to anywhere in the world.

The software package can easily be upgraded to allow for analyzing data, selecting specific “flagged” items to watch for and a host of other functions, making it a truly customizable security tool.

True IP-based digital surveillance uses CCD cameras that use signal processing that send packetized video streams over the LAN through a Cat 5 cable rather than a coax cable network, utilizing greater bandwidth and standard TCP/IP communication.

It also provides more intelligent data mining and information retrieval. If security is an issue, full digital surveillance also offers the added advantage of data encryption opportunities to protect against image tampering -- something not possible with analog recording.

Recently, a few companies such as D-Link and Linksys have also developed fully digital cameras that actually have completely integrated, built-in web servers so that no external computers are needed for operating them. The signal is transmitted directly to the terminal location for storage or play-back.

Halfway there…

The “middle of the road” of video surveillance is upgrading video surveillance by utilizing a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A DVR system is not really fully IP-based, but is step toward the more advanced IP technology. In actuality, a DVR system uses the same camera and structures for cabling as the older CCTV analog systems, but the old VCRs have been replaced with DVR for storage of the data. The data is converted to digital so that it can be stored on hard disks, but the quality of the images captured remains analog since this is how it originated.

When shopping for a system, be sure to ask if the system is digital based on the recording (DVR) or on the camera, since many manufacturers consider a system digital by virtue of the DVR storage system even if the camera recording the images is still analog.

Going all the way

Some people will move to the hybrid models of a CCTV/DVR system when they first move beyond an analog system because it seems like the next practical evolutionary step in video surveillance. However, shifting to this method largely ignores how IP-based video surveillance works.

With CCTV/DVR surveillance you have actually simply delayed the inevitable by adding on a relatively new technology (hard disk, digital storage) to an old technology (analog video over coaxial transmission lines). Rather than moving forward into something new, you have prolonged the demise of the old.

Advantages of IP-based video surveillance

The leap into completely IP-based technology is the best bang for your buck both monetarily and in terms of security by far. Digital surveillance can be done over a LAN network, of course, but TCP/IP transmittal of surveillance makes sense for remote monitoring of multiple locations and for remote recording of data onto back-up servers and hard disks for long-term storage.

With IP-based video surveillance, you can connect your surveillance camera or cameras to any network or wireless adapter, and you are extremely flexible in your placement of the camera itself. A typical PC-attached video camera, while providing digital picture image quality, still has to be within approximately ten feet of the computer itself.

Set-up of an IP-based video system is easy -- once you’ve set up an IP address, you’re up and running and it’s extremely stable and reliable. Because this is the technology of the future, it is also upgradeable. You won’t be outgrowing an IP-based video surveillance system any time soon because new developments are based on improving this market. Therefore, you will be able to add on and improve this system for years to come while older, CCTV+DVR hybrids will dead-end and become obsolete.

Comparing analog and IP-based video surveillance

A better way to understand the differences between analog and IP-based video surveillance may be to compare the two and how they work:

Analog or CCTV+DVR video surveillance

* Easy to use -- operates like a VCR
* Changing cassettes and rewinding regularly means human error frequently interferes with effectiveness
* Image quality is poor
* Storage tapes wear out over time
* Broadcasting images live isn’t practical
* Storage is bulky
* Uses analog recording, recording in low-grade picture quality and inability to search and track easily
* Adding DVR systems must be done in ‘blocks’ of 16 channels

IP-based video surveillance

* IP-based recording means instant transmittal of images anywhere in the world
* Can monitor multiple cameras from one remote location
* No decrease in recording quality over time or with repeated replays
* Digital picture quality far superior to analog
* IP-base recording is highly compressed for easier storage and can be transported over a variety of media
* Digital images can be encrypted for security purposes
* Updates and add-ons are relatively inexpensive through software packages and Internet computer networking
* Adjustable frame rates
* Remote or shared viewing may be done over the Internet or a wireless connection
* Standard IP video compression techniques are used
* IP surveillance cameras may be added individually or in groups according to your needs

If you are contemplating increased or upgrading video surveillance for your company or home, understanding how IP-based video surveillance works will make your decision easier. It is the future of video surveillance and, although in the short term may be a bit more expensive, is obviously an investment in superior quality and flexibility.

CCTV -- What Are The Advantages? How Do I Decide, What I Need?

CCTV -- What Are The Advantages? How Do I Decide, What I Need?

By: Jimmie Newell

Closed circuit TV systems have been available for many years; they have also undergone some almost miraculous transformations in recent years. What used to be very expensive, cumbersome and hard to configure systems are now very reasonable, easy to configure, and easy to maintain, and they provide much more versatility and usefulness than just a few years ago.

When choosing system components the first decision you need to make is what are you using it for. The primary uses for CCTV systems are surveillance, traffic control, theft, shoplifting, employee theft, and/or robbery deterrence, and identification. Surveillance and traffic control probably do not require color cameras; black & white may actually provide better resolution. However, theft, shoplifting and/or robbery deterrence and identification may require color cameras, if there is an arrest and prosecution a court will require color to make positive identification, on a black & white recording a red sweatshirt would appear to be gray.

Next, you need to decide what exactly do you want to see, how far away is it, what are the lighting conditions, is it indoor or outdoor, how wide a viewing angle is desired? The answers to these questions will help you choose the correct kind of camera and lens combination, the correct mounting or enclosure, even what kind of cabling needs to be provided. Deciding how you will view, record and store the information is next on the list.

The choices for viewing include a central monitoring point, multiple monitors, single monitors that can show multiple images, on your computer via the Internet, how about on a special cell phone from anywhere in the world. Recording and storing information can range from a time lapse recorder, your computer, or a DVR recorder. If you use a time lapse recorder, you need to be aware of the limitations on what is recorded and when, and you may need more equipment, such as a switcher and/or multiplexer. Storage of video tapes can also be a challenge. With a DVR recorder, all you need to decide is how long to you want to save events at one time, the longer time frame you want to save, the bigger hard drive you need. Events or time periods that need to be saved can be downloaded to a computer, or burned to a CD, very economical and easy to manage. A DVR, unlike the time lapse recorder will record continuously from all camera's, they also incorporate the switcher and multiplexer functions into one unit. A few years ago, DVR recorders were very expensive, today they are very reasonable, and will continue to go down in cost and provide more advanced features.

When you are ready to spec your system contact your local CCTV expert for the latest information and a competitive quote, these professionals are in the business, they have access to all of the new products, they know how they work, and what works in any given situation.

A couple of words of caution; some businesses will display a fake camera in their place of business with the idea that this will deter shoplifting, robbery or employee theft. In light of some recent court case this practice should be discouraged, it has been successfully argued that the presence of a "dummy" camera can provide patrons or employees with a false sense if security that is not there. This false sense of security has led to injury.

Buying your security system as an all in one set from a "big box store" can save some money, however you will almost surely end up with equipment that is inferior and not specified correctly for you needs, and when you need service or adjustment, you may not be able to get service.

Jim Newell

Home video surveillance -- peace of mind through wireless technology

Home video surveillance -- peace of mind through wireless technology


By: Alice Osborn

Home video surveillance used to be an expensive and time-consuming project -- but not anymore. A homeowner who is away on vacation or at work while contractors are in her home can now access the webcam's remote feed via an IP address to see if anything is amiss. Parents can watch their child's nanny and property owners can make sure their rental properties are safe and secure.

Home video security systems can rely on wireless IP technologies, wireless sensors, and webcam surveillance to meet the security needs for every homeowner's budget. It is estimated that over half of home surveillance systems purchased today are using wireless technologies. Says Jeff Hoover, past president of the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association, "As video systems get better and cheaper, more and more people start to use them."

How are these video home surveillance technologies used?

* Wireless IP video cameras, aka "nanny cams"

Before the popularity of the webcam, tiny spy cameras, or wireless video cameras, were the only option for inexpensive home surveillance monitoring. Priced between $130-$500, these cameras send their video signals (434MHz, 900MHz, or 2.4GHz) to a local base station. From there, the images can then be viewed on a TV, mobile phone, PDA, laptop or desktop computer. These surveillance cameras, which can be hidden in clocks and smoke detectors, are purchased to watch nannies inside the home, sometimes without their knowledge. Unfortunately, if the cameras are in the low-end price points, there's a greater chance their wireless signals can be picked up by "war-drivers," who cruise the streets trying to hack into homeowners' wireless signals. However, the higher-end cameras offer encrypted transmission and tie into standard WiFi networks.

SVAT Electronics of Niagara Falls, Ontario, is previewing its new GX5150 Baby Monitor home surveillance system featuring a tiltable screen plus night vision equipped with eight infrared LED lights to light up the baby in the darkness. In addition, the GX5400 system is a nanny cam that includes a flash memory card and connects up to four cameras at a time, so that parents can check their cameras' images via an individual Internet IP address.

On the high end of the consumer products, home surveillance market is the Smartvue S2. This system operates on the WiFi pre-standard 802.11n, which enables the cameras to send signals to a base station up to 800 feet away. The images from this wireless IP camera are extremely sharp (720 x 480 pixels), and deliver a frame rate of 30 fps. The camera also adjusts for low lighting conditions.

* Wireless sensors with or without cameras

Motorola offers the Easy Start Kit HMEZ1000, priced at $280. The Easy Start comes with two motion and sound-detecting cameras, along with sensors that alert the homeowner if a door is open, if there's a leak, if there are temperature fluctuations, or if someone is approaching the front door. Once the images are captured, they are sent via a broadband connection to a computer, PDA or cell phone. Homeowners can also purchase motion sensors without cameras that alert the homeowner to intruders with high frequency radio wave signals. In other sensor systems, infrared light is applied to perceive heat changes.

* Webcam surveillance systems with motion sensors

With a webcam surveillance system, software, such as EvoCam (for Mac users) and TinCam (for PC users) detects motion, so that recording only occurs when something is moving in front of the motion sensors. The webcam does this by capturing two images, and then comparing them for discrepancies. This set-up saves hard drive memory space and time because the captured images can be instantly e-mailed to the user. These software applications also allow the user to host the images through the built-in web server so that he or she can easily access them via a static IP address. However, the user must remember to set up a port on the firewall in order for the footage to be seen.

Some of the drawbacks of using webcams for home security include their fixed positions that limit their range, and the fact that they are USB-based devices that can't be more than 16 feet away from the computer or USB hub. In addition, webcams generally do not perform well under low-light conditions as compared to most wireless IP video cameras, so one must remember to switch on a light for extra illumination.

Home surveillance for added peace of mind

Today, homeowners can choose from a variety of home surveillance options that give a feeling of security when they are away from home. If there's trouble, they know they will be quickly alerted. Home surveillance technology will only get smaller, faster and more reliable within the next few years, as computers and cameras work together to monitor security with a touch of a button.

Remote monitoring: technology from the past or a great opportunity for tomorrow?

Remote monitoring: technology from the past or a great opportunity for tomorrow?
April 2007
Roy Alves
Remote monitoring is a term with many different meanings. For a security manager, it offers an ability to prevent break-ins and other criminal damage to a facility by monitoring a site from a remote location. An IT manager, on the other hand, would probably prefer to use remote monitoring to check the performance of key corporate servers.

For a storeowner, remote monitoring might provide the ability to monitor the success of the latest in store promotion or quality of service by staff in a particular store, regardless of actual location. In short, remote monitoring offers very different benefits according to one's requirements.

Remote monitoring does not automatically include the use of video, but in most situations video will transform the remote monitoring experience. This article focuses primarily on remote monitoring in combination with video as seen from the security market's perspective.

People have always wanted to protect their assets. Homes and places of work alike need securing, wherever you are in the world. We expect to use physical technology such as fencing, steel bar covered windows and secure locking systems as a deterrent but these steps have limited effectiveness if they are not complemented by some form of surveillance monitoring. Even the most advanced combination of perimeter systems and secure buildings can face unwanted intrusion, and when that happens it is vitally important to alert security staff and the police as soon as possible.

The usual approach is to use an intrusion detection system of a kind that is connected to a central alarm centre or directly to the police. However, as the number of systems installed has increased many cities around the world are seeing the number of 'alarm' incidents (mostly false alarms) rising sharply, and police forces everywhere have found themselves unable to respond to all alarms in a timely way. Worse than this, most police forces today do not accept a simple electronic alarm notification as indication of a crime in progress. To receive proper attention from the police it is increasingly becoming a requirement for 'visual verification' of the cause of the alarm. This can be either by physically sending a security guard to the site and getting a report back to the police by radio or mobile phone, or by sending video evidence that can be gathered and sent from a remote location.

Clearly gathering and sending visual evidence remotely is a significant bonus in terms of manned guarding savings and speed of response to security incidents. It also provides increased safety for security guards who no longer need to endanger themselves by walking into a potentially hazardous situation such as an armed robbery in progress.

According to figures from criminologists in Sweden, the police's ability to solve a criminal investigation is approximately six times higher if there is quality video material available. As the old saying goes - 'a picture is worth a thousand words'!



Current market

Newer technology has changed the definition of remote monitoring. In the past, remote monitoring was mainly about a remote security guard watching in a central location; today the remote monitoring centre adds value by analysing video and transmitting onward key data to relevant authorities and contacts. Some remote monitoring operations provide more specific analysis such as giving point of sale reports and footfall analysis information to store managers in the retail market.

Another trend emerging, spurred by the movement to network-based connections, is a more flexible approach to the location of an RVRC (remote video response centre). In the past, most centres were located in the local area they monitored, partly driven by the benefit of knowledge of the local neighbourhood, and partly for cost reasons, but as globalisation accelerates and focus intensifies on cost reduction, location or relocation of a response centre or customer service centre is increasingly driven by available infrastructure and the cost of operation per customer.

The key driver in all this is that the communication platform used no longer sees any geographical limits. It is now possible to provide permanent quality connections at an acceptable price point throughout large swathes of the developed world. In developed countries broadband connectivity is today being provided to all but the most remote parts. In several cases financial support schemes are available from national governments to stimulate increased connectivity for specific areas of a country, or stimulate usage in schools, hospitals and other parts of the public sector.



A typical remote monitoring system

So, what is a network-based remote monitoring system? It basically contains one or more video servers or network cameras, installed at the remote location. These digitise site images and make them available on a network, as secure, encrypted data. In most cases they will also be connected to intrusion systems or other systems capable of generating an alarm on break-in, pressing of panic buttons or similar input. At the other end is software to manage these remote sites, store images and provide many other features. When an alarm is received the operator gets immediate instructions related to this specific site and alarm and, based on the content of the video and the instructions given, takes suitable action, such as alerting the police.

Even the best system will fail if it is not designed to meet the customer's expectation. The most important thing with all security systems is to understand end-user needs. If there is no clear understanding of the system and its pros and cons the service may not meet the user's expectation.

If the system is of high importance, it is a good idea to design it with some redundancy, eg, using multiple connections and broadband providers in case one of them goes down.



Conclusion

Wait and see is seldom a good business strategy. Network video is a proven concept used in many large-scale and heavy-duty installations worldwide. The first network camera was introduced in 1996. If you have not acquainted yourself with network video yet, you have probably waited long enough already!

Remote video solutions based on network technology represent a major opportunity to keep your existing customers happy and to expand your business into new markets meeting new business needs. With proper attention to the possibilities with remote video monitoring, you will secure your existing business as well as get a chance to take it to the next level.

Roy Alves is the country manager of Axis Communications S

Video surveillance in 2007

Video surveillance in 2007 -- emerging technologies and trends to watch out for in the New Year

February 22, 2007
By: Lynn Bryant

Video surveillance has been an effective monitoring tool for quite some time now. Traditionally, however, this method of surveillance has played more of a reactive rather than a proactive role in security. Recent technological advancements have begun to revolutionize the way surveillance technology is used. This growing trend of active, intelligent video surveillance will likely continue to transform the way society utilizes this technology well into 2007 and beyond.

We will seek to review some of the emerging surveillance trends that will likely garner a great deal of attention throughout the remainder of this year. We will also seek to look at some of the concerns over how the increased use of CCTV and surveillance equipment will affect our personal privacy.

New surveillance trends for 2007

In a Newsweek Web Exclusive (March 15, 2006) by Jessica Bennett entitled, "Big Brother's Big Business," it was stated that nearly one in four major cities within the United States is investing in new surveillance technology. In addition, Joe Freeman, a columnist for Security Technology & Design Magazine has noted that spending on surveillance equipment has nearly doubled in the last five years.

The 2005 video surveillance market was a $9.2 billion dollar business, and is expected to grow to $21 billion by 2010. Advancements that are likely to take the spotlight in 2007 include intelligent video surveillance, new breakthroughs in video surveillance cameras and equipment, and improved wireless IP video connectivity.

Surveillance becomes proactive with intelligent video surveillance technology

Intelligent video surveillance is used to describe the active monitoring of video feeds to detect suspicious activities and behaviors. Intelligent video surveillance software is designed to actively and rapidly scan though video feeds to monitor and detect such suspicious activities as a person entering an unauthorized areas, a bag left unattended, or an individual loitering.

A gentleman by the name of Rama Chellappa, a professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering of the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering, has developed just such a system. He has designed an application that essentially has digitalized specific patterns of activity such as walking. He then incorporated the intricate variations that occur when an individual is harboring a hidden object, or carrying a package, for example. His software is able to detect these variations and determine if they match a pattern consistent with suspicious activity.

Chellappa and his team are now seeking to combine this technology with advanced facial recognition software, and a software algorithm that can estimate the height of subjects. This powerful combination of tools will help identify individuals that might pose a security risk such as known terrorists, criminals, and even unknown individuals who turn up repeatedly in sensitive locations. Click on the following link for further details about this intelligent video surveillance technology.

New breakthroughs in video surveillance cameras and equipment

Video surveillance cameras and related equipment become more sophisticated every year. New technology rapidly emerges, and almost as quickly video equipment that was once cutting-edge suddenly becomes obsolete. Two new innovative additions to the surveillance marketplace include a distortion free wide-angle camera lens and a hovering camera.

* Distortion free wide-angle camera lens -- A group of South Korean researchers led by Gyeong-il Kweon have designed a wide-angle lens that produces a distortion free image. The lens is built in the shape of a dome. When light enters the dome of the lens, it is reflected off a v-shaped mirror. The light is then redirected into a second "refractive" lens that produces a crisp, clear, undistorted image. Video surveillance cameras equipped with this lens can achieve a field of view of 151 degrees.

This camera lens is very inexpensive, selling for only $105. Potential applications for this lens include use in intelligent video security systems and as a robot navigational aid. Click on the following link for further details on this remarkable wide-angle camera lens.

* Hovering video camera -- Another unique device we will likely be hearing more about in 2007 is the hovering video camera. Honeywell Aerospace has developed a small 13" compact aerial hovering video camera device called the Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) that can be used in military applications to provide information on surrounding areas without exposing troops to enemy fire.

This device can go as high as 10,500 feet, but it performs optimally at around 500 feet. It is capable of hovering and loitering in one spot, or can be used to track and follow a moving target. It is easy to see the benefits this type of technology has for military applications. The following article contains more complete details on this hovering surveillance camera.


* Improved wireless IP video connectivity -- Wireless video technology has experienced rapid growth and development in recent months. This technology is responsible for greatly expanding the scope and outreach to which video surveillance cameras can perform effectively. A new development in wireless standards in March of 2006 has led to the 802.11n protocol. This greatly increases both the range and transfer rate of wireless signals.

Wireless security has also improved drastically. It is now standard for a wireless system to incorporate advanced encryption technologies. Examples include 128 bit AES, TKIP, 152 bit WEP, and RADIUS. These technologies make it extremely difficult for anyone to break-in or eavesdrop over any wireless network.

All of these advancements is a strong indicator that video surveillance technology is here with us to stay. The applications to which video surveillance technology will be applied will only become more creative and innovative as time passes.

What do all of these innovations mean for us personally?

In general, most individuals are not bothered by the every present eye of video surveillance cameras. A survey conducted in Chicago polled 700 registered voters and found that 8 out of 10 were in favor of video surveillance cameras as a crime prevention measure. The problem is, as video surveillance cameras get more sophisticated they become more effective and easier to conceal. It becomes increasingly difficult to detect and prosecute those that use surveillance technology illegally.

It is inevitable that there will be those that abuse this technology and directly violate an individual's right to personal privacy. Civil liberties groups have become more outspoken about the potential abuse and the need for protective measures. The debate over the use of surveillance cameras is likely to rage on, with no easy solution to the problem.

Like the video surveillance trends we reviewed that will remain with us throughout the year, the conflict between personal protection and personal privacy will remain with us long into the future.

Important features to consider

Important features to consider when investing in video surveillance cameras for home security

March 08, 2007
By: Lynn Bryant

Homeowners are increasingly turning to home security and surveillance systems to boost the security of their home. Video surveillance cameras can be a great way to gain insight into suspicious activity, deter criminal activity, and keep a watchful eye on things while you are out of the house. If you are considering taking the step to implement a surveillance system, there are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing video surveillance cameras for home security.

Home surveillance equipment can vary greatly. Available features, camera size, picture quality, viewing options all differ depending on the surveillance cameras you purchase. Picking the right video camera for your specific surveillance needs can be a difficult task. However, accurately accessing your needs is a very important step in the process. In order to get the features and functionality you desire out of the surveillance system you purchase, you will need to have a clear understanding of what you are looking for before you ever buy the actual equipment. In the remainder of this article, we will take a brief survey of some of the more important items you should consider.

* Quantity and placement of cameras -- This may sound somewhat trivial, but it is actually a critical step to clarify. The number of surveillance cameras you require will directly affect the type of recording device you need to purchase, as well as the camera type you need to consider. Outdoor applications or tight spaces will require surveillance cameras with much different features depending on their placement. Carefully planning and purchasing a system that can adequately accommodate all of your current surveillance needs as well as leave you room for future expansion could save you lots of time and money.

* Consider viewing options -- Your surveillance needs may be very small. You may be able to get by with a simple one to three camera system that allows you to view captured video directly through your TV and record through your VCR. On the other hand, you may require more advanced features such as multiple camera viewing and recording, automated alert features, or remote viewing functionality. You will likely need to purchase a DVR recording device if you need these more advanced features or will be incorporating multiple video cameras into your surveillance network. In addition, if you desire remote viewing functionality, you will need to consider an IP-based surveillance system.

* Camera features -- Again, the available features you require will directly depend on what your specific surveillance needs are. For example, if you are conducting outdoor surveillance, you should consider outdoor cameras with night-vision technology. Other features you will have to decide on include motion detection, automatic recording, self-adjusting shutter speed, and level of image resolution. Some of these features are very nice to have but may not be absolutely necessary. You will have to decide if the additional cost is worth it to you to obtain the added features.

This is definitely not an exhaustive list, but it provides you with a good starting point when considering what type of cameras to purchase for your home surveillance needs. The most important point to consider before moving forward with a purchase is to carefully access your specific needs. This will help you avoid purchasing a system that does not meet your expectations. On the other hand, a carefully laid out plan will keep you from spending money on features you are not likely to use.

Burglary Prevention Advice

Home Security
Burglary Prevention Advice
by Chris E McGoey, CPP, CSP, CAM

Your home is your castle...or is it? Is your home really safe once you leave for work or school? Your home is considered a sanctuary where you should feel safe. Your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Protecting your home and family from criminal intrusion should be high on your list of priorities. See my web site on Family Security Tips for more information on protecting your family from harm.
Home Burglary

By far, the most common threat to our home is burglary. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we are not at home. However, becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it is important to first gain an understanding of who commits them and why.

The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. The summer months of July and August have the most burglaries with February having the fewest crimes. Burglaries are committed most often by young males under 25 years of age looking for items that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Favorite items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, VCRs, video players, CDs and other small electronic devices are high on the list. Quick cash is needed for living expenses and drugs. Statistics tell us that 70% of the burglars use some amount force to enter a dwelling, but their preference is to gain easy access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars. Burglars continue to flourish because police can only clear about 13% of all reported burglaries and rarely catch the thief in the act.

Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. The burglar's selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.
Doors and Locks

The first step is to "harden the target" or make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar will simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors. Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage. Use high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying, and lock-picking attempts. A quality deadbolt lock will have a beveled casing to inhibit the use of channel-lock pliers used to shear off lock cylinder pins. A quality door knob-in-lock set will have a 'dead latch' mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card.

* Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points
* Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
* Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
* Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
* Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches

The most common way used to force entry through a door with a wooden jamb is to simply kick it open. The weakest point is almost always the lock strike plate that holds the latch or lock bolt in place followed by a glass paneled door. The average door strike plate is secured only by the soft-wood doorjamb molding. These lightweight moldings are often tacked on to the door frame and can be torn away with a firm kick. Because of this construction flaw, it makes sense to upgrade to a four-screw, heavy-duty, high security strike plate. They are available in most quality hardware stores and home improvement centers and are definitely worth the extra expense. Install this heavy-duty strike plate using 3-inch wood screws to cut deep into the door frame stud. Use these longer screws in the knob lock strike plate as well and use at least one long screw in each door hinge. This one step alone will deter or prevent most through-the-door forced entries. You and your family will sleep safer in the future.
Sliding-Glass Patio Doors

Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement. Other blocking devices available are metal fold-down blocking devices called "charley bars" and various track-blockers that can be screwed down.

The blocking devices described above solve half the equation. Older sliding glass doors can be lifted up and off their track and thereby defeat the latch mechanism. To prevent lifting, you need to keep the door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. You can also install anti-lift devices such as a pin that extends through both the sliding and fixed portion of the door. There are also numerous locking and blocking devices available in any good quality hardware store that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted or forced horizontally. Place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification is in place. Burglars dislike alarm systems and definitely big barking dogs.

* Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors
* Keep the latch mechanism in good condition and properly adjusted
* Keep sliding door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted
* Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws
* Use highly visible alarm decals, beware of dog decals or block watch decal

Windows

Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary blocking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. Inexpensive wooden dowels and sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows and through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. For ventilation, block the window open no more than six inches and make sure you can't reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device or reach through and unlock the door.

In sleeping rooms, these window blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes. Like sliding glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary for ground level and accessible aluminum windows that slide horizontally. The least expensive and easiest method is to install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. As a deterrent, place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification system is in place.

* Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices
* Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
* Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
* Make sure someone cannot reach inside the window and remove the blocking device
* Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted out
* Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows

Be a Good Neighbor

Good neighbors should look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home or apartment when you are away, if you ask them. They can report suspicious activity to the police or to you while you are away. Between them, good neighbors can see to it that normal services continue in your absence by allowing vendors to mow your lawn or remove snow. Good neighbors can pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and can inspect the outside or inside of your home periodically to see that all is well. Good neighbors will occasionally park in your driveway to give the appearance of occupancy while you are on vacation.

Allowing a neighbor to have a key solves the problem of hiding a key outside the door. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats, and above the ledge. Requiring a service vendor to see your neighbor to retrieve and return your house key will send the message that someone is watching. This neighborhood watch technique sets up what is called 'territoriality' which means that your neighbors will take ownership and responsibility for what occurs in your mini-neighborhood. This concept works in both single family homes communities and on apartment properties. This practice helps deter burglaries and other crimes in a big way. Of course for this to work, you must reciprocate and offer the same services.

* Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
* Invite them into your home and establish trust
* Agree to watch out for each other's home
* Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
* While on vacation, pick up newspapers, and flyers
* Offer to park your car in their driveway
* Return the favor and communicate often

Lighting

Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence at night. A darken home night-after-night sends the message to burglars that you are away on a trip. Light timers are inexpensive and can be found everywhere. They should be used on a daily basis, not just when you’re away. In this way you set up a routine that your neighbors can observe and will allow them to become suspicious when your normally lighted home becomes dark. Typically, you want to use light-timers near the front and back windows with the curtains drawn. The pattern of them clicking on and off should simulate actual occupancy. It’s also comforting not to have to enter a dark residence. The same light timers can be used to turn on radios or television sets to further enhance the illusion of occupancy.

Exterior lighting is also very important. It becomes critical if you must park in a common area parking lot or underground garage and need to walk to your front door. The purpose of good lighting is to allow you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. If you can see a potential threat in advance then you at least have the choice and chance to avoid it. Exterior lighting needs to bright enough for you to see 100 feet and it helps if you can identify colors. Good lighting is definitely a deterrent to criminals because they don't want to be seen or identified.

Another important area to be well-lighted is the perimeter of your home or apartment especially at the entryway. Exterior lighting on the front of a property should always be on a timer to establish a routine and appearance of occupancy at all times. Common area lighting on apartment properties should also be on a timer or photo-cell to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The practice of leaving the garage or porch lights turned on all day on a single family home is a dead giveaway that you are out of town. Exterior lighting at the rear of a home or apartment are usually on a switch because of the proximity to the sleeping rooms. The resident can choose to leave these lights on or off. Security lights with infra-red motion sensors are relatively inexpensive and can easily replace an exterior porch light or side door light on single family homes. The heat-motion sensor can be adjusted to detect body heat and can be programmed to reset after one minute. These security lights are highly recommended for single family homes.

* Use interior light timers to establish a pattern of occupancy
* Exterior lighting should allow 100 foot visibility
* Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door
* Use light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically
* Use infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes

Alarm Systems

Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective, if used properly. The reason why alarms systems deter burglaries is because they increase the potential and fear of being caught and arrested by the police. The deterrent value comes from the alarm company lawn sign and from the alarm decals on the windows. Home and apartment burglars will usually bypass a property with visible alarm signs and will go to another property without such a sign. Some people, with alarm systems, feel that these signs and decals are unsightly and will not display them. The risk here is that an uninformed burglar might break a window or door and grab a few quick items before the police can respond. Also, don't write your alarm passcode on or near the alarm keypad.

Alarm systems need to be properly installed and maintained. Alarms systems can monitor for fire as well as burglary for the same price. All systems should have an audible horn or bell to be effective in case someone does break in. However, these audible alarms should be programmed to reset automatically after one or two minutes. The criminal got the message and will be long gone but your neighbors will have to listen to the alarm bell, sometimes for hours, until it is shut off. If you use a central station to monitor your alarm, make sure your response call list is up to date. Home alarms, like car alarms, are generally ignored except for a brief glance. However, if you have established and nurtured your neighborhood watch buddy system, you will experience a genuine concern by your neighbor. It is not unusual to have a neighbor wait for the police, allow them inside for an inspection, and secure the residence. A good neighbor can also call the glass company or locksmith to repair any damage, if pre-authorized by you.

The greatest barrier getting to this level of neighborhood participation is taking the first step. You can get help by calling your local crime prevention unit at the police department. Most police departments in large cities have neighborhood watch coordinators to help you set this up. You should invite your adjacent neighbors over to your home for coffee and begin the information exchange. You'll be amazed how the process runs on automatic from there.

* Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage
* Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
* Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
* Make sure your alarm response call list is up to date
* Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell

Home Safes

Since the prices of good home safes are falling, having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving.

* Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine
* Protect the safe code and change it occasionally
* Install it away from the master bedroom or closet

Operation Identification

This is a program supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your drivers’ license, not your social security number, on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. They suggest this so they can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered. I suggest that you go way beyond this step

I recommend that you photograph your valuables in their locations around your home and make a list of the make, model, and serial numbers. This is very important for proof when filing insurance claims. You should keep this list in a safety deposit box or with a relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts of the larger items in case you need to prove the value of the items for insurance purposes. Beyond that, I recommend that you photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet. You will be thankful that you took these steps in case your home is ever destroyed by fire or flood, is ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or stolen.

* Identify your valuables by engraving your drivers’ license number
* Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
* Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
* Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative

Serial burglar caught on webcam

Serial burglar caught on webcam
Benjamin Park in the middle of his burglary. Picture courtesy of Duncan Grisby
Park kindly provided a clear image of his face during the burglary
A house burglar was caught after a webcam on the owner's computer recorded images of him carrying out the raid.

Stills of serial raider Benjamin Park, 19, of Cambridge, were sent to an email address so even when he stole the computer, the images could be found.

Police said it was a "brilliant idea" of software engineer Duncan Grisby, who set it after a previous burglary.

Park was given an 11-month jail term by magistrates in Cambridge on Tuesday after admitting burglary.


The burglary was a real violation of my private space but at least he got caught
Duncan Grisby

"I was burgled three years ago and was annoyed at the time because I had thought about setting this system up then, but hadn't got around to it," said Mr Grisby.

"I was relieved it did what I'd intended it to when I was burgled again. It was nice to catch him in the act - but it didn't stop him from stealing my things.

So how does it work?

"The burglary was a real violation of my private space but at least he got caught.

"I just wish he'd got a longer sentence."

Mr Grisby said the system was easy to set up. "There are lot of products for Windows that you can use to do this - though I used some free software and wrote some extra software myself."

Police described Mr Grisby's idea as "absolutely brilliant".


SAY CHEESE
Benjamin Park in the middle of his burglary. Picture courtesy of Duncan Grisby

Have a look at some of the snaps that won't be making it into Ben Park's photo album

"The webcam was set up in his computer and began filming once it registered motion. It captured every movement Park made," said Det Sgt Alan page, head of Cambridgeshire Police Burglary Squad.

"At one point he stared into the computer as if it might be making a noise or something to make him suspicious.

"He then stole the computer but it didn't matter because Mr Grisby had set it up so that as it was recording it was sending the images to an email address.

"When the break-in was discovered Mr Grisby simply gave us the email address and we were able to watch several minutes of footage and say, `That's Ben Park'.

"Mr Grisby is an extremely bright man. He'd set this up because he'd been burgled some years ago and the quality was superb.

'Better than alarm'

"It was better than a burglar alarm and when Park initially denied breaking in to the property we were simply able to show him the footage."

Magistrates heard Park, who has more than 13 previous convictions for theft, had stolen computer equipment and other property with a value of nearly £4,000 from Mr Grisby's study.

He committed the offence in February while on bail after being charged with an attempted burglary in Ely, Cambridgeshire, in August.

"The webcam made our job really easy," added DS Page. "It was a pleasure to show him the pictures and see his expression when we interviewed him."

So how did Duncan Grisby catch the burglar in the act?

There are many commercial software packages available to capture images from a web cam and send them to an e-mail address or over the internet to a web page.

But Mr Grisby took a more Do-It-Yourself route which requires some technical knowledge.

He used a cheap video camera which is plugged into a video card inside his PC to capture the images.

Software running on the PC - which must be left switched on and have an "always-on" internet connection - detects motion and activiates a separate program written by Mr Grisby.

That program instructs the computer to grab photos from the video camera - up to five stills per second - and then send them to an e-mail address or over the internet to a webpage where they are stored for viewing.

BT RedCARE Assure.

BT redcare extends market-leading security portfolio with launch of new video/alarm solution



redcare assure is an all-new Broadband-based security monitoring solution that combines a dual-path IP alarm signalling system with video monitoring technology.

The fully-integrated IP video/alarm system provides users with on-demand access to video footage of their premises that can be used to ensure personal safety and verify intruder alerts, together with a fully standards-compliant alarm monitoring system with a wireless back-up path.

Using the latest developments in security signalling, redcare assure combines the cost-effectiveness of IP with the guarantee of 24/7 reliability that has made BT redcare the UK’s market leader in remote signalling applications that protect people and the things that they care for.

redcare assure offers the following features:

* Protects people and businesses around the clock. Continuous alarm monitoring fully compliant with the latest European and British standards (EN 50131/EN50136/PD6662) up to and including Grade 4 (primary path).
* See what’s happening, whenever you want. Flexibility to view business premises at any time through secure remote access to either live or recorded video images. The ability to remotely monitor staff activity increases employee security – especially for lone workers.
* Complete security coverage. Multi-channel video capability (up to 8 cameras) allows viewing of multiple locations within a premises.
* Independently monitored, 24/7. When an alarm event is triggered, an alert is sent to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The ARC can then view images of the premises and respond appropriately, calling the emergency services if necessary.
* Provides supporting evidence of alarm events. Automatic video recording triggered by activated intruder or personal attack alarms (including 30 seconds prior to activation).
* Monitors opening/closing-time activity. Provides activation/deactivation logs for all your alarms.
* Police response. The system is compliant with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Security Systems Policy and is therefore capable of attracting a police response.

redcare assure brings to the market a fully-managed and duplicated end-to-end alarm transmission system. No third-party intermediaries are involved in the transmission path, as is often the case with an IP-based security system. BT redcare retains complete responsibility for monitoring the data transmission path from the supervised premises to the annunciation equipment at the alarm receiving centre. redcare assure does not require any additional equipment to be installed by the ARC and the alarm monitoring data is delivered to the ARC in the same way as for the other products in the BT redcare portfolio. Also, for added security, the redcare assure IP connection is made at the alarm panel at the protected premises via a single secured device featuring hardened enclosure, battery back-up and tamper detection.

Chet Patel, Chief Executive of BT redcare, said, “redcare assure is the first IP-based security signalling solution to offer the BT redcare level of guaranteed end-to-end performance reliability. redcare assure’s high performance feature-rich integrated alarm and video monitoring solution is great value for money. redcare assure will allow many more small and medium sized businesses to be able to benefit from the quality of security protection offered by the BT redcare product family.”

redcare assure now becomes part of a portfolio of security solutions whose strength lies in the combination of BT redcare’s technical expertise in remote signalling, its commitment to exacting standards and its dedication to customer service. It is this powerful combination that has led BT redcare signalling to be endorsed by all the major insurance companies.

Notes to Editors
About BT redcare Group

Machine-to-machine (M2M) applications are at the heart of the BT redcare Group and over the past five years, a number of new services have been introduced that have helped secure BT redcare Group’s vision of becoming the market leader in this rapidly emerging area. BT redcare Group consists of four business units, each focused on meeting the needs of a specific group of customers:

* BT redcare fire & security: focused on providing 24-hour building alarm monitoring services for both business and domestic customers using secure fixed and wireless networks to protect properties against fire and intruders.
* BT redcare machine & vision: providing two key services:
o redcare vend online: a remote vending machine M2M service enabling customers to manage stocks and keep equipment fully functional more efficiently.
o redcare vision: monitoring buildings and people through CCTV transmission services
* BT redcare is fast becoming the UK leader in remote monitoring applications and management information services that care and protect people and their assets.
* BT Auto-ID is focused on helping customers monitor and track goods and assets for supply chain management and is the business within BT dedicated to new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) services. BT Auto-ID offers complete RFID solutions, from consultancy to help customers establish a business case for introducing RFID and estimate return on investment, to providing a fully managed service to implement and run RFID systems.
* Transcomm is the secure wireless data solutions business of BT. Transcomm provides a wide range of wireless data applications to help organisations run their operations more profitably and efficiently by providing up-to-the minute information whenever and wherever it is needed. End-to-end solutions are made possible via Transcomm’s solution set that includes host wireless products, remote wireless products, network and professional services.

The History of Video Surveillance - from VCRs to Eyes in the Sky
By Lucy P. Roberts Platinum Quality Author


Mention video surveillance and most people think of video cameras mounted in the corners of train stations and banks or private detectives video taping an erring spouse for a messy divorce case. The truth is that the history of video surveillance is much more complex and goes back much farther than most people realize.

If you consider video in the simplest of terms, video surveillance began with simple closed circuit television monitoring. As early as 1965, there were press reports in the United States suggesting police use of surveillance cameras in public places. In 1969, police cameras were installed in the New York City Municipal Building near City Hall. The practice soon spread to other cities, with closed circuit television (CCTV) systems watched by officers at all times.

Analog beginnings spur video surveillance

When video cassette recorders hit the market, video surveillance really hit its stride. Analog technology using taped video cassette recordings meant surveillance could be preserved on tape as evidence. The seventies saw an explosion around the world in the use of video surveillance in everything from law enforcement to traffic control and divorce proceedings.

England installed video surveillance systems in four major Underground Train Stations in 1975 and began monitoring traffic flow on major highway arteries about the same time. In the United States, the use of video surveillance wasn’t quite as prevalent until the 1980’s for public areas, but store owners and banks quickly understood the value of it.

Businesses that were prone to theft, including banks, mini-marts and gas stations, began mounting video surveillance systems as a deterrent and in hopes of apprehending thieves, particularly in high crime areas.

The insurance industry also found video surveillance compelling – worker’s compensation fraud, bogus accident claims and a variety of other cases began to turn in the industry’s favor when they could provide tapes of supposedly disabled workers doing the limbo at a family reunion.

For the private citizen, analog technology was primarily used in the 1970’s and 1980’s for capturing the worst side of human nature – cheating spouses and poor parenting. Private detectives were able to provide more graphic and compelling evidence of affairs and parental stupidity with film than with still shots, and video tapes became frequent evidence in family court.

The drawback in many cases was that after a while, owners and employees would become complacent and not change the tapes daily or the tapes would wear out after months of being re-used. There was also the problem of recording at night or in low light. While the concept was good, the technology hadn’t yet peaked. The next step was the Charged Coupled Device camera (CCD), which used microchip computer technology. These new cameras broadened the practical applications of video surveillance by allowing low light and night recording possible.

In the 1990’s another advancement in the history of video surveillance made great strides in practicality – Digital Multiplexing. When digital multiplexer units became affordable it revolutionized the surveillance industry by enabling recording on several cameras at once (more than a dozen at time in most cases). Digital multiplex also added features like time-lapse and motion-only recording, which saved a great deal of wasted videotape.

By the mid-1990’s, ATM’s across the United States and in most parts of the world had video cameras installed to record all transactions. After the first attack on the World Trade Center in February of 1993, the New York Police Department, FBI and CIA all install surveillance cameras throughout the area. Soon many countries are also using either CCTV or video taped surveillance to cover major sporting events that could be potential hot spots, including the World Cup Soccer games at Giants Stadium in 1994.

Digital makes video surveillance faster, clearer, more efficient

Digital video surveillance made complete sense as the price of digital recording dropped with the computer revolution. Rather than changing tapes daily, the user could reliably record a month’s worth of surveillance on hard drive because of compression capability and low cost.

The images recorded digitally were so much clearer than the often grainy images recorded with analog that recognition was immediately improved for police, private investigators and others utilizing video surveillance for identification purposes. With digital technology you could also manipulate the images to improve clarity even further by adding light, enhancing the image, zooming in on frames, etc.

The second wave of increased video surveillance corresponded with the emergence of digital in the United States. From 1997 on, police departments across the country installed more and more video surveillance cameras in public buildings, housing projects and areas like New York’s Washington Square Park. The NYPD also began using mobile surveillance vans at political rallies and other large gatherings (including festivals and parades) under the auspices of the Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU).

In-home use soars with advent of nanny cams

As more women went back to full-time careers in the 90’s, digital video surveillance manufacturers found a niche market that hadn’t previously been tapped – monitoring what was going on at home when parents were gone. The nanny cam was a huge success, providing a way for parents to observe what nannies and housekeepers were really doing while at home with the kids.

The popularity of these cameras pushed the industry to develop ever-smaller, higher resolution cameras that could be hidden almost anywhere. The result was a boon to industry development, with new versions of digital video surveillance cameras coming out nearly every month.

9/11 redefines video surveillance for the future

Nothing changed the concept of or the public’s awareness of video surveillance as much as the tragic events of September 11, 2001 when the World Trade Center was attacked by terrorists. Where once people saw video surveillance as an issue that might never affect them, it was now an issue of immediate and lasting importance.

Software developers began refining programs that would enhance video surveillance, including facial recognition programs that could compare various key facial feature points in order to match recorded faces to known mug shots or photographs of terrorists or criminals. While the earlier versions weren’t always reliable, the later versions became more refined and were phased into use by law enforcement in some areas. In May of 2002, the United States Parks Service installed face recognition software on the computer video surveillance cameras at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

That same year, the Sydney International Airport in Australia installed SmartGate, an automated border crossing system used for all airline crew members. Using photo biometrics, the video surveillance systems scans the crew member’s face and compares it to the passport photo and confirms the match in less than ten seconds, speeding the border process markedly.

In December of 2003, Royal Palm Middle School in Phoenix, Arizona installed face recognition video surveillance as a pilot program for tracking missing children and registered sex offenders. It has split the community, but is supported by many in favor of it as a potential way to track abductors and child molesters.

The Internet revolution in video surveillance

The internet has enabled video surveillance to be instituted virtually anywhere and be watched from anywhere in the world. With satellites bouncing signals around the globe, you can now watch anyone anywhere from your laptop. The eye in the sky is a reality with digital streaming video.

Sadly, the least common denominator in streaming video is the peek-a-boo industry of amateur porn sites that have proliferated on the web, but these real-time streaming videos use the same technology as many genuine surveillance operations.

Streaming video is set up as a remote system so that you can monitor your site from anywhere in the world with Internet access because the images are video archived on a remote web server. The quality is outstanding, with high compression (1800:1 in some cases) for storage and features like motion-activation and email alerting when there is activity if you wish. The Internet has truly revolutionized video surveillance by removing all boundaries for viewing anywhere in the world.

What does the future hold for video surveillance?

The newest trendy, must-have fun gadget for consumers these days is the picture phone that can instantly send snapshots and streaming video to family and friends with just a click. What those fun television ads don’t say is that those telephones can just as easily be used for video surveillance. Nearly everyone has a cell phone in their hands these days, so someone standing on a street corner is so unremarkable that virtually anyone could be filming you without your knowledge.

Rather than mounting obtrusive cameras, future law enforcement agencies may begin using these phones as integrated devices, combining video surveillance with public phones in one package for 24/7 public watch dogging. Police officers and federal agents may eventually be issued phones with streaming video so that they can immediately send pics of suspects they are tailing back to a database for matching against a face recognition program. When new Amber alerts are issued, video clips could be sent to all law officers quickly and efficiently.

It’s clear that with digital technology and streaming video we’ve moved into the era of being able to conduct comprehensive video surveillance and store the resulting evidence indefinitely. We can reach around the world or across the street with surveillance equipment, but we are still making advances, as the new video cell phones clearly illustrate. The future is sure to see even greater strides that will eventually become part of the history of video surveillance.

Home Burglary - 9 Tips to Preventing a Home Break-In

Home Burglary - 9 Tips to Preventing a Home Break-In
By Connie Ragen Green Platinum Quality Author

My neighbors recently returned home one evening to find that their home had been burglarized. This had never happened in our neighborhood before. Although it was still daylight no one had seen anyone around their home during the previous two hours while they had been out shopping. The thieves made off with a handgun, a laptop computer, jewelry, and even a television set. They had used a crowbar to get into the house. It turns out that this is happening more frequently than ever before across the United States. The police arrived soon after and told all of us in the neighborhood that we needed to make some changes. Here are the tips that they gave us:

1. Get to know your neighbors. Exchange names, phone numbers, and other information that makes your neighborhood become closer as friends and neighbors. Consider starting a Neighborhood Watch group on your street.

2. Leave a light on or use a timer for your lights if you will be away for a full day or longer.

3. Have the post office hold your mail and put your newspapers on vacation hold while you are away. As an alternative, ask one of your neighbors to bring in your mail and newspapers and keep them for you until you return.

4. Consider installing a security system. These systems are more common now and fairly inexpensive to put in. The companies usually require you to sign a two year agreement.

5. Walk on your street regularly. Get to know which cars belong with a particular house. Meet neighbors that you have never talked to before.

6. Write down the license plate numbers and descriptions of strange vehicles and their occupants. Make a note of the day and time the vehicle was parked on your street.

7. Do not discuss private details with anyone who comes to your door trying to sell something or wanting information. Tell them to leave their card or other contact information on your front steps or porch and do not open the door until long after they have gone.

8. Do not leave mail in your mail box to be picked up later. Take it to the post office or hand it personally to the carrier.

9. Watch out for your neighbors. If you see someone or something that doesn’t seem right take a closer look.

If all of us take the time to get to know each other better and help each other we can help the police to protect our neighborhoods. We can all feel more safe and secure if we follow these tips and become good neighbors.

Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices

Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices
By Boyd Norwood


A man’s home is his castle, as the saying goes. But homes today don’t normally feature ramparts, drawbridges, moats and six-foot thick stone walls to keep out unwanted visitors. Today, a house alarm, and preferably a managed home security system, is needed to ensure your home’s security. Not only does installing a home security system improve the safety of your family and possessions, but it can also decrease your home insurance costs. The Top Ten House Alarm and Home Security Devices list highlights ten devices and features of home security systems that can make your house a safer place.

The Top Ten

10. Talking Devices help you to understand the status of your home and monitoring as well as program the system. Some security systems feature talking master control panels, key pads or remotes. The talking feature may not result in great conversation, but it will help you understand your system a little better.

9. Some home alarm systems include extras like Key Fobs and Remotes to control the system at a distance. Somewhat similar to a car’s key fob, home security key fobs include buttons to activate and deactivate the house alarm system. Some even include a “panic” button that activates the house alarm and alerts the proper authorities in the event of an emergency. Remote controls are similar and often larger. The features of remotes vary greatly and can include a full key pad, a talking feature and a panic button as well.

8. Yard Signs and House or Window Decals advertise your home’s protection. The Greenwich Study of Residential Security found that homes without alarms were 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be burglarized, and that the most effective deterrent was the alarm monitoring company’s yard sign (SIA Research Update, Security Industry Association, October 2001). Some choose to post the signs to deter possible break-ins without actually installing a home alarm system. While this effort will lower the odds of an attempted burglary, a yard sign alone cannot fully protect your home.

7. A Back-Up Power Supply is important in maintaining home security even during a power outage, when the risk of break-ins and looting is increased. Your home alarm should be effective even when your power is not. The easiest to maintain back-up power supplies use standard size batteries. Look for a model that uses rechargeable batteries to lower your maintenance costs.

6. Smoke Detectors add another layer of protection to your home, especially when they are integrated into the home alarm system. Not only do smoke detectors indicate a fire and give you time to escape safely, but when included in a home security package, they automatically notify the managing company and the fire department. Some systems even integrate the power supply to the smoke detectors. That means you don’t have to change the batteries ever!

5. Wireless Systems protect your home without adding extra cords to trip over or extensive installation of in-wall cords. In wireless house alarm systems, each sensor or keypad communicates with the master control panel via radio frequencies or existing wiring in your home. A burglar will never be able to disarm the system by snipping the wires. This ensures the system is fully integrated and monitoring all parts of your home without using up your outlets or creating an obstacle course of wires for you.

4. Extra Key Pads are also important. Exterior mounted key pads can provide secure keyless entry to your family. Some systems also offer remote control key pads which are lightweight and portable. A home alarm system that features a security code with a key pad increases the security of your home. A monitored system can also lock down entry after several repeated, failed attempts at entry which indicate a possible break-in attempt.

3. Key pads may not always be enough to keep burglars out. Sensors on Windows and Doors reduce the risk of a burglar entering undetected and are a key part of a home alarm system. Motion Detectors within the home also increase the level of security. The most sophisticated motion detectors include a feature to ignore pets’ movement to avoid constantly setting the alarm off inadvertently.

2. Installation, Monitoring, and Repair Services increase not only the level of safety but the convenience of keeping your home safe. A house alarm alone cannot notify the police or fire department in the event of an emergency. The most complete systems include buttons to notify police departments, fire departments and medical help instantly. Another advantage offered by the best monitoring companies is live customer support and full service installation and repair of the system by employees who have been background checked, licensed and drug tested to ensure your safety. Finally, some companies even offer relocation services to keep you secure even when you move.

1. The classic Master Control Panel is vital to any home alarm system. The central hub of the system, the control panel is usually wall-mounted in an easily accessible place. The panel receives information from all other sensors and key pads, computes it, and transmits relevant information to the monitoring company. If you choose to arm the system from the panel when you leave the house, the master control panel also receives the disarm code when you return home. Some can even be disarmed by telephone!

Home Surveillance Systems and the Internet

Home Surveillance Systems and the Internet
By Bernard Pragides

Before the Internet grew in popularity, people had to rely on expensive home surveillance systems in their homes to keep tabs on their property, family and even identity, with people roaming through trash cans seeking old bills and bank statements to commit identity theft with them. However with the Internet and advanced technology, now you can keep an eye on things from no matter where you are in a much more affordable manner.

To set up a good surveillance system, you basically need the necessary hardware, a reliable high speed Internet connection some common sense and sense of adventure setting everything up and in place. Note a dial-up Internet connection won’t work because you’ll need faster speed for video surveillance.

You can set up your system with a personal computer where various home surveillance cameras are connected together threading your surveillance system to survey surrounding areas, record visuals at a set rate per second or via motion detection. You computer can play your video recordings via your monitor, recording video to the HDD (hard disk drive).

Note you can connect your computer to the Internet via an Internet Service Provider(ISP) so that you can watch your video from anywhere. Simply log in to your computer system with your username and password. Or log in at whenever you want and work on your computer or watch your video shots as your computer’s surveillance system has the sequenced.

Another system solution that may be easier is to check on your home via a single surveillance camera. You simply set up your camera through your Internet Protocol (IP) address. Then you just check on things, linking directly to your IP. And when you have your IP address up and running, you can actually see live views through the camera, similar to a webcam and streaming video 24/7.

Regardless of which system you decide to set up, both are fairly easy and inexpensive systems and operations. However, the second way is easier to get set up and to use. Benefits of both are that you can log in at any time to check status. Plus you can check video recordings whenever you like and change your settings.

So look into taking care of your property more closely. By investing in a surveillance system with Internet access, you might just prevent more identity theft down the road – and more than once, meaning that your system will pay for itself many times over.

What You Need to Set Up Your Own Home Security Video System

What You Need to Set Up Your Own Home Security Video System
By Cheryline Lawson


Dangers seem to lurk everywhere these days and you should already be taking precautionary measures to prevent your home from being victimized by any untoward incidents. You can do this by setting up your own home security video system. It may seem like rocket science to you, a home security is actually quite simple if you know what you need to do.

Here is what you need to do to setup a home security video system:

1. Select the places at home you want to be monitored. A good place to start would be the exterior doors and windows where intruders may attempt to break in. Consider monitoring places in your yard that could serve as hiding places. You might also want to monitor rooms of children or senior citizens.

2. Get door phones that have video cameras, preferably ones that can tilt or pan so you would be able to see who is knocking on your door or ringing your bell. Peepholes aren't as useful these days.

3. Look for bonus features such as dome cameras, motion sensors or automatic video recorders that take snapshots of people pressing your doorbell. This will also help you keep a record of people who try to come to your house even if you are away.

4. Decide which monitor to buy. You may want just a basic black and white screen with two video cameras, which usually go for around $200 or so. You may want a better model with colored monitors and extra cameras starting at $350. Buy the monitor system that fits your budget.

5. Get a connector that would link your system to your home television so you have the option to see what is happening around your home without having to leave the couch. You may opt for a more hi-tech system that hooks up to the internet so you can view your house wherever you go.

6. Consider getting wireless closed-circuit cameras so you can easily transfer them whenever you see the need to adjust.

Setting up a home video system is actually a simple matter that doesn't really take rocket scientist to figure out. You can go simple or go hi-tech all the way; the important thing is you are taking steps to keep your home secure and safe. So go ahead, make your home safe by getting your own home security video system.