Security Cameras in Our Growing Technological Society
Within our rapidly-growing technological society, CCTV Cameras are gradually becoming a larger part of our lives. As security concerns grow in a post-9/11 world, and as affordable security cameras become more prevelent, we are beginning to see the implementation of security cameras not just in homes and businesses, but also out on public streets.
As the prevalence of security cameras becomes greater, privacy concerns also grow: Is it worth sacrificing our personal privacy for the sake of ultimate security? In many areas, you can’t walk a couple blocks without being recorded by a camera. With the increase in public security, many questions have arisen. Although public footage is kept only in the case of an emergency, many people still fear the “big brother” concept detailed in 1984, George Orwell’s famous novel about a paranoid society controlled and monitored by an oppressive government.
But when looking at vast amount of cases where killers, rapists, burglars, etc. have been discovered and apprehended thanks to CCTV camera footage, it’s hard to dismiss public surveillance cameras as invasive. Innocent footage is most likely never seen, and even if someone were to watch you whistling while walking down the street, would it really matter? As long as footage is never abused in any way, security cameras should remain an integral part of our landscape.
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.
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.
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.
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
This is one of my favorite videos we have on the ApexCCTV channel. Check us out on YouTube for awesome instructional videos
Remote viewing provided by ApexCCTV
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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.
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.
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