Going IP Without the Cost
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, General Technology, GeoVision, Security Camera
Are you an IT Manager? Do you want IP cameras, but your company doesn’t see the need to invest in them? Have you been delegated the task to manage your organization’s analog cameras, but have a hard time accessing them on your network? Then, a video server from Geovision is just for you! A Geovision video server allows you to assign an IP address to that old analog camera that you’re expected to keep up with and take care of. It also supports a variety of analog PTZ’s. You can also plug a USB storage device into the unit and record straight to the device. It also supports two-way audio, allowing you to receive and broadcast audio. Alarms can also be integrated with this device as well. It’s definitely a recording server all unto itself! Apex CCTV has the two and four channel model. So, pick yours up today and make managing those analog cameras a whole lot easier!
No Need to Get Burnt Out on Your Power Supply
Filed under: CCTV Articles, General Technology, Power Supply, Security Camera
So often in the process of setting up a security system we tend to focus on only the major points: DVR Type, Camera Type, Camera Placement, In-door vs. Out-door, Resolution, ext. But one major focal point, in deciding what type of cameras would be best for your application, we over look the type of power that is needed for the Camera to operate properly. This is something that not only can burn out your cameras but burn a hole in that wallet if not fully researched.
Most cameras tend to run on 12V/DC but there is a fair share of cameras that operate on 24V/AC as well. It’s important that if adding to an existing system or in creation of a new system that you research the power supply and the type of voltage that is need for the cameras. Another important factor is the amount of AMPs your camera runs. A camera with IR (Inferred) will at times run higher amps. It’s important you have enough power going to all cameras to support this as well.
So while Resolution and Lens type are important factors to deciding what type of camera fits best for your application make sure that you are covering all aspects of the system and nothing is more important than know what kind of power is needed and how much power should be distributed. Summers just about over, no need to keep burning yourself out with the wrong power supply.
50% of IP Cameras Sold by 2014 will be Megapixel
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, CCTV Security Camera Lenses, General Technology, Security Camera, Uncategorized
According to IMS Research, their new report concludes that 50% of all network-based security cameras will be Megapixel, HD resolution by the year 2014. What that means to the distributors of IP Megapixel solutions is an increased amount of time training and educating integrators and end-users alike. Even though the majority of security systems currently being installed are still analog-based – customers are becoming more concerned about quality vs. cost. All it takes to be convinced of this fact is one break-in or robbery where the intruder is all but unidentifiable; it is then people become interested in Megapixel resolution.
We speak with clients on a daily basis about our Megapixel camera offerings. In fact, we proudly offers over two dozen IP Megapixel cameras – whether you need a cube, box, bullet, fixed dome, or PTZ Megapixel camera, we can provide it. And just in case you are unsure of the quality that you will receive by utilizing Megapixel technology – our sales team can provide you with a live online demonstration; just give us a call.
Post 9/11 Equals More Surveillance
Filed under: CCTV Camera, General Technology, Security Camera System, Uncategorized
We just recently eclipsed the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. People from all over in every aspect of life has been touched by this tragedy. Americans are paying more attention than ever to safety and taking more measures to avoid another similar attack. Since most of these attacks are carried out by terrorist, the surveillance industry has become the center of safety measures across our great nation.
It has been stated that since 9/11 over 30 million surveillance cameras have been sold. Just look around you will see surveillance cameras everywhere. It use to be just airports, corporations, and major casinos that had security systems. Well not anymore! Schools, small businesses, and even people with homes are buying cameras to make sure they can see potential danger coming their way. Technology even made it more possible to purchase security systems by lowering the price and giving more end users to ability to afford camera systems.
And even though cameras probably can’t prevent terrorist attacks, they can be used as a preliminary measure to capture criminal activity in highly populated areas such as our big cities. So if you don’t think that terror causes panic amongst a nation, just check with the surveillance camera industry. There is still terror out there and we have 30 million reasons and counting on why we need to see it coming.
Top 5 Reasons to go with a Linux Security DVR
Filed under: CCTV Security DVR Cards, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR, Software
In my previous blog post, http://www.thecctvblog.com/home-security-systems-computers, I talked about the top 5 reasons to go with a computer-based home security DVR for your home security application.
In this post, I will focus on the top 5 reasons to go with a Linux-embedded security DVR for your home.
- Less expensive – Overall, Linux security DVRs are more cost effective than PC-based DVRs.
- TV Output – All Linux DVRs have some type of TV output, whereas not all PC-based DVRs do.
- Space Saver – Linux DVRs take up less physical space and require less power than a PC-based DVR.
- Less Chance of Viruses – Linux DVRs are less susceptible to viruses than a PC-based DVR, because they are an embedded system.
- Ability to be Hidden – Linux DVRs can be hidden and remotely accessed with a remote (in most cases, the remote will require an IR repeater).
Bonus! – Linux DVRs also run much quieter than a PC-based DVR.
As you can see, there are many benefits to owning a Linux security DVR, when compared to a PC-based DVR. If you have more reasons why a Linux DVR is better than a PC-based DVR (or vice versa), I’d love to hear from you…ok, go!
Do I Really Need Vandal Resistant Security Cameras?
Filed under: CCTV Articles, GeoVision, Security Camera, Security Camera System
When shopping for security cameras, most people run across what are known as vandal resistant security cameras. Most people do not even know what vandal resistant cameras are. But, if you are purchasing cameras for you residence, you definitely need them. Basically, vandal resistant cameras are dome cameras. Most of them are made out of steel. So, they can take a real beating. Also, being that they are dome cameras, the cabling is totally protected and concealed. Therefore, the cabling cannot be tampered with, making them even more vandal resistant.
Every neighborhood across the country has neighborhood kids that have nothing better to do but vandalize property. I am positive that if these kids knew that they were being watched by security cameras, they would do their best to take those cameras out. Non vandal resistant cameras would be easy to take out. This is especially true if they are not dome cameras. Non dome cameras could easily be knocked out of place, or out of focus. The cables could also be easily cut or disconnected. Therefore, if you are installing cameras at your residence, be sure to use vandal resistant dome cameras if at all possible. You have a higher probability of catching a vandal if you have cameras that are vandal resistant.
Is Facial Detection and Facial Recognition that same thing?
Filed under: Access Control, CCTV Camera, General Technology
Facial Detection is really an awesome thing and can come in very handy, but I think that people may be confused about what that might actually be. Facial Detection is an option that comes with a lot of DVR/NVR systems. That feature is usually written in the software and can detect faces that pop on the screen, and certain software can actually pull these faces and store them so you have a copy of everyone’s face that walk by the camera. This is accomplished by being able to recognize certain shapes that the software is looking for. Like a triangular nose, two lateral eyes, a mouth, and an oval shaped head. So in cases like security surveillance, the NVR/DVR is always searching for these shapes. This comes in handy in buildings that are prone to robbery like Gas Stations. You will get a picture of EVERYONES face and know what time they entered the building. I guess you can get away with not being recognized if you don’t have a nose, or a mouth.
Facial Recognition is facial detection with a little twist. Facial recognition systems have the software to identify a certain person. So if you have a photo or video of an individual and input that into the computers software, it will search for not only faces (like facial detection) but will search for specific faces. This is done by literally measuring the size of the nose, measuring the distance the nose is from the mouth, the shape of the eyes, and a whole host of measurements. It is very similar to fingerprinting technology, but used on faces. You would have to go through major surgery to get by this one.
So whenever search for camera systems, be mindful of the different terms that are used regarding Facial technology, They sound the same, and are both nice to have, but are used for completely different applications.
Mini Color Security Camera Applied to a Remote Control Airplane
Filed under: Funny and Interesting, Randomness, Security Camera
If you’re a RC airplane enthusiast, you’ve probably wanted to strap a camera to your plane and get the awesome views from it. We found this video that we thought was awesome and could help some of you guys get that vantage point you want. The camera seen in the video is available from ApexCCTV, here.
Security Camera strapped to RC Airplane
Leave a comment if you’ve done this to one of your RC hobbies. It’d be awesome to have posts from our readers that use cameras for stuff other than surveillance.
Hybrid Camera Systems and the Geovision DVR card
Filed under: CCTV Security DVR Cards, GeoVision, Networking, Security Camera System
If you have ever used a Geovision DVR card, you are probably aware that all Geovision cards are what as known as hybrid cards. Basically, the Geovision software that comes with a hybrid card can support both analog and IP cameras. For instance, if the Geovision DVR card supports 16 analog cameras, then the software will support 16 IP cameras simultaneously.
It may seem like a good idea to have a hybrid system. But, it is only feasible when you are integrating maybe one to two IP cameras with an analog system. If you integrate the same number of IP cameras as the same amount of analog cameras that your DVR card will support, you will definitely run into issues.
The main concern is storage space. IP cameras use a whole lot more storage space than analog cameras. If you are going to integrate IP cameras with your analog system, you want to make sure that your PC will support the amount of hard drive space that is desired. Also, you want to make sure that your PC meets the proper hardware specifications for a hybrid system.
Your PC may run fine with just analog cameras, but you may have issues if you integrate IP cameras along with analog cameras. You do not want to overtax your machine and slow it down drastically. The best solution is to have a dedicated PC just for IP cameras. It may cost a little more than a hybrid system, but it will be more efficient and easier to use. Also, it may indeed be more cost effective since having dedicated PC’s for both an IP and analog system will ensure a longer lifetime out of each machine. Either way, it is best to have a dedicated PC for IP cameras if at all possible.
Advantages of CCTV Cameras for Business
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, CCTV Security DVR Cards
Let’s look at some advantages of investing in CCTV security cameras for business owners:
- Crime Deterrent – CCTV cameras constantly monitor when motion is detected. If employees or customers know that they are constantly being watched, they are less likely to steal.
- Protect Employees – Presence of a camera system allows a barrier of protection to keep customers and other employees in check.
- Business Insurance Discount – Check with you insurance agent but a discount on your premium may be applied with a camera system.
- Recording keeping – If a crime or incident occurs in an establishment that has installed CCTV surveillance, investigation will be aided by the video.
- Time Clock – Accurate date and time recordings to monitor employee work ethic
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