Choosing between CCD Security Cameras and CMOS Cameras
Filed under: CCTV Security Camera Lenses, Comparisons, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
While searching for the right security camera, it will not take you long before you come across the CCD or the CMOS acronym. What the heck is that? It must be important because one of those terms is mentioned on EVERY camera that you see, some even have it in the name of the camera. CCD, CMOS, Huh?
CCD (charge coupled device) and CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). These image sensors are two different technologies used for capturing images digitally. Each has positives and negatives giving advantages in different applications. Neither is better than the other, although manufacturers always think theirs is better. In the last five years a lot has changed with both devices but, the current outlook for both chips is pretty good.
Both CCDs and CMOS chips can provide a great image. It used to be that CCD cameras have provided better image quality but they make a large sized camera and use a lot of voltage. CMOS chips offer more integration (more functions on the chip), and can be used in a smaller camera size, but they required tradeoffs between picture clarity and price. But today, there is not much different between the types of uses each can serve. Over time CMOS designers have devoted great efforts to get high picture clarity, and CCD designers have lowered their power consumption and camera sizes. So now, you can find CCDs in cellphone cameras and CMOS sensors in clarity critical areas.
So what does that mean? Unless you are working for NASA taking pictures of aliens 10 light years away, it really doesn’t matter.
Feature and Performance Comparison
Feature CCD CMOS
Signal out of pixel Electron packet Voltage
Signal out of chip Voltage (analog) Bits (digital)
Signal out of camera Bits (digital) Bits (digital)
Fill factor High Moderate
Amplifier mismatch N/A Moderate
System Noise Low Moderate
System Complexity High Low
Sensor Complexity Low High
Camera components Sensor + multiple support chips + lens Sensor + lens possible, but additional support chips common
ccd security camera
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Adaptive Analytics Is Your Cool Factor
Technology is changing at a very rapid pace especially in the surveillance camera industry. Just look at how standalone DVRs now have iPhone and Android viewing. IP is slowly approaching as the main solution for corporations and some residential applications. However, how about the actual way your system performs and capture the images it surveys.
Adaptive analytics bring a new approach to security and installations. Back in the day you would install your system and place your cameras to capture as much as your field of view as possible. This refers to the term calibration – defining the height and size of a human in the specific field of view of an individual camera through a manual process. This would normally happen manually after the camera has been mounted. However, with adaptive analytics you can identify people, objects, vehicles, and all in real time. Some systems even have analytics that can do scene detection, email and mobile notifications, and of course we can’t forget mobile surveillance.
So this is the cool factor that makes your system come alive and gives the end user the bells and whistles they like. Also adaptive analytics are helping lower installation cost. So thank you technology for allowing us all to adapt to our environment.
Are Wireless Cameras Really That Convenient?
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Networking, Power Supply, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
Most people are under the impression that wireless cameras are a quick easy fix. Most people’s thoughts are “They’re wireless, they have to be easy and quick, right?.” But, looks can be deceiving. The installation of wireless cameras is far from quick and easy. Mainly, people who request wireless cameras want them for the outside of their homes.
Wireless cameras for residential applications can be very complicated. First of all, you have to have a wireless signal that is in range of the cameras. Most of the time, there is not a signal in range because their access point is located indoors.
Second, you have to know a little something about networking in order to properly install the cameras. Connecting a wireless IP based camera and have it record to a PC over a wireless signal is not that easy.
And third, unless you have a battery powered camera, you will still need a power source for the camera. Most wireless cameras are not battery operated. Therefore, a power source needs to be near the camera. Most of the time, the desired location for a wireless camera is nowhere near a power source. That is one of the main reasons why wireless cameras are desired in the first place. The only other option for power is a solar panel option, which could be very expensive.
In conclusion, wireless cameras appear to be easy to install and somewhat cost effective. But in reality, they are more complicated and expensive in the long run.
View your security cameras remotely with your cell phone
Mobile Communication has incorporated itself in nearly every aspect of our lives. And as the security industry continues to grow and improve its own technology, the avenues to which people are beginning to monitor their surveillance system is also increasing. One function that has recently been incorporated within Standalone DVR’s in the ability to view remotely from a 3G/4G Cell Phone (iPhone/Android/Blackberry).
This mobile platform is fast becoming a useful surveillance tool that enables a person to monitor on the go without having to purchase a PC Based system or actually be logged into a computer desktop. It takes your standalone DVR to a whole new level not normally attainable with traditional standalone DVR’s. This feature keeps you even further protected in the event something were to take place, creates faster responses and enables you to just have that peace of mind that your place is protected and okay no matter where you are.
If cost is a factor in deciding the type of DVR you want to purchase yet you’re truly seeking as much value in surveillance as possible but sure to invest in a system that has the Remote Viewing via Cell Phone.
Click here to shop for security cameras you can watch from your cell phone
Security camera monitoring service already included
Filed under: CCTV Articles, Networking, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Uncategorized
One of the big questions that come to mind when purchasing a surveillance system is, “How Am I Going to Monitor the Cameras?”. Monitoring services are still offered by most surveillance companies and many people still use them. But, they are a thing of the past.
Security Cameras for Sale from ApexCCTV
With all of the latest and greatest technology that’s integrated with surveillance nowadays, there’s no need for someone else to monitor your cameras for you. Both standalone and PC-based recording devices can both be monitored via the internet. Therefore, you can view live recording and archived video from your cameras on your PC, smartphone or iPad.
Remote viewing technology via the internet allows you to instantly see what’s going on, or what’s already happened. You can also have alerts emailed to you or sent to your portable device whenever an event has occurred in front of the cameras. Notifications from monitoring services are not instant. It can take anywhere from five to ten minutes for someone to contact you concerning an incident. In the case of an emergency, there is no time to spare. Therefore, human monitoring services are not the best solution.
Do yourself a favor by purchasing a system that allows you to monitor your cameras from wherever, whenever and at your own discretion at no cost to you.
Home Automation is Coming
Filed under: Access Control, General Technology, Security Camera, Uncategorized
Are you one of those people that like to control things with one single push of a button in or away from your home? Well watch out security industry because looks like we have a new neighbor in town.
Home automation is creating a new market for residential security. Technology keeps changing on a day to day basis and with change comes new products and services. Home automation is now going to allow for people to centrally and remotely control such features as energy use for their homes, lighting and door access, and view their cameras from anywhere in the world. Most of your DVRs already come with remote access to view your cameras even from your I phone or android phone. However, home automation is taking things to a whole other level. More and more people are getting security systems for their home and wanting the ability to control every aspect of technology within that home.
Some in the industry are staying away from home automation because they say there is a lack of demand. However, others argue that technology will prevail in the end. That might as well be true, because who would have thought that you could access your complete surveillance system through your cell phone. However, just think about if you could turn down your ac before you get home, control your lighting in certain areas of your home say around your garage, *access your cameras all before you pull into your driveway! Wow!
Home automation is and will transform the security industry, especially in the residential sector.
Installing security cameras at heights
Filed under: CCTV Camera, CCTV Training Videos, General Technology, Randomness, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Uncategorized
You just purchased a top of the line security camera system and are installing it at the absolute best vantage points. One problem, a few of those vantage points are 20+ feet up in the air. The pro’s will know when to use a ladder and when to use something safer than a ladder, like a cherry picker or bucket truck. In this post, I’ll look at when you should ditch the ladder for a lanyard and consider the investment in safety.
A friend of mine that’s a doctor once told me that an average person has the same chance of living at falling from any height over 25 feet (I had to ask about extreme sports and how those guys crash motorcycles from 25+ ft all the time with which she noted that those guys “know how to fall”). So, let’s assume you’re going to fall when you install your high-tech security cameras, let’s give you the highest percentage chance of living assuming you don’t have hemophilia. Working at any height over 20 feet will decrease your chance of survival dramatically but heights lower than 20 feet don’t increase as dramatically. I WANT YOU to work at heights under 20 feet.
If you absolutely have to install the system yourself and you have the perfect vantage point at over 20 feet high, consider renting a bucket truck or aerial lift from a local dealership. For a 45′ working height truck, you’re looking at approximately $350 per day. Renting a lift can definitely help you become more cost effective than hiring a professional but be sure to work safely. Something like 28 people die every year from lift truck accidents. There are plenty of safety manuals available on the internet that are free of charge. If you’re operating one of these trucks, be sure to read up.
If you plan to use a ladder at heights, consider using a lanyard. Tie a lanyard to a secure spot near your work site. Using a lanyard is a good way to stay safe if you happen to lose your balance or if the ladder moves.
For more information on installing security cameras, check out these tutorials provided by ApexCCTV.com.
Is it worth it?
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, General Technology, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR, Software
How many of us have hired someone to provide a service and they turned out to be less than professional. Or, they had a very professional demeanor and they were very nice but their knowledge was less than satisfactory. At what point do you decide to hire a professional.
If done right, security cameras are not exactly cheap. The equipment cost for a nice 4 Channel IP Security Camera Package could cost around $3,500. Do you want the kid across the street to install this for you, or Johnny One Truck to pull up in his 1980’s van with the tacky curtains over the windows to do the installation?
The industry average is $1,400 per camera installed. So, a four camera system will cost around $5,600. So staying with the nice IP Camera Package we spoke about earlier, it is $2,100 to install that bad boy. Do you need a college degree to install cameras? No. Do you need to know what you are doing? Absolutely! Sometimes these cameras can be very temperamental, or if you hook them up wrong, even the first time, they could be ruined.
Please keep in mind when ordering security cameras and you get the installation price, would you call an electrician to fix the toilet? Would you call a dentist to prescribe you eye glasses? Would you call a carpenter to neuter your dog? Probably not. Security camera technician have been trained to be just that, be security camera technicians.
Why the Security Industry is Recession Proof
Filed under: Access Control, CCTV Articles, CCTV Security Camera Lenses, CCTV Security DVR Cards, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System
During these economic hardships, the security industry is in high demand and some analyst say that it is going to get even better. The main reason is that there are a lot of investors looking to get into the industry. You know that old saying that people start slacking on spending when there is a recession. And with the latest news about the stock market, people with disposal income are holding on to it looking for the next solid investment. This leaves an abundance of cash flow to be used to start new business ventures and there is nothing hotter that surveillance.
At the forefront of recent revenue gains for the security industry is the implementation of more access control driven systems. It has been stated that access control actually creates more recurring revenue. Also the government is becoming a huge client of the industry due to homeland security demands. And last but not least, technology is taking the industry to the next level, with more business upgrading their systems and moving over to true IP / network applications.
So if you are in the security industry, you better stay there. It has been stated that the security industry has changed more in the past two years than the previous 10. No one is sure if we are going to go back into a recession at this moment, but I think that if you are looking for stability then security is where you will find it!
The Facts! Quality vs. Price for Security Camera Systems
Filed under: Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
We have all seen it, every day. When was the last time you were in a store and noticed on the overhead TV that they had you on camera? And on that TV you noticed that the resolution and clarity was so poor that you they could not possibly recognize anyone in the store. So you start staking the place out, looking at what you could get. Or you’re watching the local news and some gas station has caught a robbery on video but the video was so bad you wouldn’t even know if that was your mom robbing the place.
Being in the CCTV industry, we see this all the time. The customer wants the cheapest most affordable camera deal out there. The normal sales person does not want to belittle the customer’s decision, speak poorly about your low end products, or lose the sale, so they make sly comments like: “yeah, that’s a great camera” knowing that they are not going to see much with THAT thing.
Security cameras are not cheap, who thinks that they are? This devise captures video, converts that into a signal, transfers that signal to a “box” that can convert that signal back into video and displays it on a television. But its more than that, in most cases that “box” can convert that video back into a signal, sends that signal to a satellite in outer space, that signal comes back from outer space and down into your cell phone so you can watch your cameras while eating your lunch 100 miles away from the office. Does that sound like something you should be spending $99.95 on?
Let’s be very realistic, what are you trying to watch? Your home? Your business? Your Family? Your employees? These are all things that are very important to you and if something happens, you are going to want to know who, what, where, and how. The average camera installed is about $1,200, so a 4 camera system could cost you almost $5,000.00. Is your family, your business, your home worth that. The fact is you will save 10x’s that by avoiding your first robbery. Last year retail theft was estimated at around $33 billion, that’s a 33 with 9 zeros behind it! After Home Depot added security cameras to their stores, they saved an estimated of $170 thousand PER STORE in products that would have otherwise been stolen. That called a great ROI, Return On Investment. But………. They don’t have $99 camera system.
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