Build your own security surveillance system at home and watch almost everything you can from anywhere you want.

DVR, digital video recorder system, is the perfect way to build a computer and Internet based home surveillance system. All you need are a home computer with adequate Internet connection, surveillance cameras and a DVR card with software. You can set up your system with a computer where various home surveillance cameras are connected together threading your surveillance system to survey surrounding areas, record visuals to the HDD (hard disk drive).

Computer and Internet request

A host computer, not need to be much advanced, is the core of the system. Your computer records and plays captured video via monitor, and streams videos to Internet. Make sure there are enough free hard drive space for the record data. If you want scheduled recording, or motion activated recording, a large capacity hard drive is essential for data store and later evidence proving. Also, a reliable high speed Internet connection is a must-have. Note that a dial-up Internet connection definitely won’t work because you’ll need faster speed for video streaming and remote Internet controlling.

Types of camera and other issues

A security camera can come in many different styles including dome, bullet, infrared. The security camera that will work best for your application will depend on several factors such as whether you will use the security cameras inside or out, during the day, nighttime, or both. Bullet style security cameras are the most popular. They can be used inside or out.

These security cameras come in relative small size and the camera casings are weather resistant and don’t require added external protection. Infrared security cameras are also very popular as they allow an image to be seen in little or no lighting conditions. Most infrared cameras are bullet style and can be used inside or out.

The cameras have infrared lighting which allows the security camera to see in no light for up to 25 feet – even further with a little bit of light (like street lighting or an outside light.) Whichever your choose, these cameras are quite cheap, around 20 dollars, even cheaper if you buy from an online store.

DVR card and software

Install a DVR card and its software in your PC to begin building your surveillance system. In the market, most popular ones are 4 channels, 8 channels and 12 channels which need the same numbers of cameras.

The latest software features motion activated recording, remote surveillance, automatically notifications to your cell phone, home or office when motion is detected, scheduled recording, 24/7 full-time recording and more.

The prices range from dozens to two or three hundreds dollars. So choose a software that best fit your needs and home conditions.

To build your own home surveillance system at minimal price see spy cameras

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This article looks at two technologies; Infrared and White LED illumination that are extremely helpful when nighttime surveillance is a primary focus of the surveillance camera system. Each lighting type can benefit video quality and depending on the environment and particular application one technology may be preferred over the other. Also available is a “hybrid” lighting which combines the two technologies and can offer superior video performance when used properly for your CCTV system.

First we will examine infrared illumination. This technology has been used in video surveillance for many years. Color cameras cannot detect the infrared light spectrum but black and white cameras can. Today’s camera manufacturers offer cameras that are color during the day and black and white at night. They do this by removing the IR cut filter in the camera.

Removing the IR cut filter allows the camera to view the infrared light spectrum. Using what is called today a “Day/Night” camera combined with infrared lighting these cameras can see in almost complete darkness. The human eye cannot see the infrared light spectrum so to potential intruders this light in nearly invisible. Using infrared lighting is ideal for covert application or when lighting an area may not be neighbor friendly.

White LEDs are a fairly new technology being used in surveillance camera systems. White LEDs are white light that can be seen just like traditional lights. The white light they produce is visible to both color cameras and the human eye. White LED lights offer a number of benefits compared to traditional lighting systems.

1. Less Power Consumption
White LEDs use low voltage and require very little power compared to traditional 120/240 or 480 Volt outdoor lights. Lower power consumption provides an energy efficient “green” solution that saves on power costs.

2. Lower Installation Costs
Since these lights are low voltage they can be installed by the CCTV installation company at the same time the cameras are being installed. This leads to a lower cost of the installation and a single point of contact for the lights and cameras.

3. Built-in Photocell
These lights come with a built-in Photocell that automatically turns the lights on when it gets dark. This further saves on system costs.

White LEDs also offer benefits over infrared illumination because they allow the camera to still produce a color image. Color images are far superior than black and white images and can offer far more forensic details. Allowing a Day/Night camera to remain in its color mode will improve video quality and provide details that would otherwise be missed by the camera system. Visible light and well lit areas are always a crime deterrent so using White LED’s for illumination can provide protection of property and assets.

For the best of both worlds there are “hybrid” illuminators. These illuminators have both an IR and White LED lighting system. They work by providing IR light at night when there is no motion. This allows live viewing of the camera by guards or anyone wishing to remote monitor the camera. When motion is detected the White LED lights turn on and the area is lit up. The camera will produce a color image and can potentially scare off a potential intruder or vandal.

When nighttime surveillance is a goal of your camera system then exploring the use of these lighting options is critical to the success of the system. Select the lighting that best suits your security goals and ensure that the cameras work seamlessly with the illumination chosen.

Daniel Cogan is the president of Access Security Corp. which is a member of the PSA security network. He has over 15 years experience is the design, installation and servicing of access security systems and specializes in CCTV camera systems. Access Security is a certified iPro reseller for Panasonic camera systems.

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In some areas an insurance company may insist on some form of electronic surveillance and electronic alarm system. In a business environment the electronic security system will go beyond the simple goals of a domestic security system. Casino security, is for example, very different from bank security or the security provided to users on the rail networks. Each industry has some unique requirements which must be met.

In its simplest form a security system relays the images caught on camera from one location and displays the image on a display device in a second location. This is where the original acronym CCTV (closed circuit television) originated. Many folk still refer to modern security systems as CCTV systems and who am I to argue. In truth however, the modern systems are computer driven with CCTV security camera surveillance equipment attached to a wired or wireless computer network.

The computer technology could be packaged into a standalone DVR with 1 or more cameras attached. An entry level system would therefore comprise of a single channel DVR with a single security camera attached with a supplied cable. A simple variation of this system would be the DVR security recorder attached to a network camera using standard computer (Ethernet) category-5 cabling. Moving forward and you can select a multi-channel DVR which allow multiple cameras to be attached.

An alternative at each stage is to utilise a PC or computer system with a single channel or multi-channel card installed. The range of Geovision data capture cards are each a multi-channel video surveillance card installed into a PC allowing different numbers of connected channels. The greater the number of channels then the greater the number of frames or images that need to be recorded and the processing power on board needs to be increased.

The open platform IP video surveillance management software from Milestone Systems can be used from the box or integrated into a unique solution. The open platform means this software can be used with almost any security or surveillance device. The Milestone XProtect software can be packaged with most hardware platforms and security cameras including megapixel cameras supporting full pan tilt and zoom management (PTZ).

The type of security camera used will depend very much on your own specific requirements. The bread and butter of the surveillance industry has for many years been the black and white or b/w surveillance camera but times are changing and colour (English spelling) is becoming a much more popular choice as the price differences converge. In addition to the colour and b/w models we also have available infrared day and night cameras capable of recording an image in almost total darkness.

The infrared security camera is an ideal where lighting is poor. The area of vision seen by the camera is another choice to consider. There are cameras with wide angled lenses and then there is the dome security camera providing 360 degree all round vision which is ideal for a large reception area for example. The type of housing is yet another consideration – will the camera be required for internal or external use, should you need a vandal proof dome security camera or maybe a bullet camera for targeted surveillance. You may wish a camera to be a highly visible surveillance camera (sometime a dummy camera may suffice) or maybe you require a hidden surveillance camera. Other choices include the PTZ or pan, tilt and zoom enabled cameras or a sophisticated megapixel security camera.

Whatever your decision making process there are many CCTV camera systems and CCTV accessories for you to consider.

Peter’s website provides many useful links and resources for home security, office security, surveillance and security CCTV and more. Understanding what you require and need in CCTV surveillance systems is so important before spending what could be large sums of money.

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The Pixel Resolution: This is one important factor to consider. Remember that the usual resolution aspect of infrared cameras is lower than the regular digital photography which is around 10 Megapixels or more. The usual resolution of the thermal imaging infrared camera is 160×120, which is equivalent to 19,000 pixels like the Irisys’ IRI-4010. The Flir T360 or Flir T400 is medium resolution TIC that produces 76,800 pixels sharp images. Images of around 640×480 which is equivalent to 307,200 pixels are produced by very expensive high resolution cameras.

Consider first your budget, the image quality you wanted, and the application so you can easily choose the appropriate camera resolution. Take note that even a high resolution thermal camera can produce images of only 640×480 which fits only a portion of a 22″ monitor.

The image produced by the camera when you increase the image contrast is well determined through thermal sensitivity. Thermal sensitivity varies according to the temperature of the object. The slope of the sensor’s output signal will rise as the object temperature increases.

I have here an example to make things clearer. Let us take a look at the difference between a thermal infrared camera having 50mK thermal sensitivity and the one with 100mK sensitivity is 100 percent better. A high resolution thermal imaging camera like Flir B200 is a great camera with good sensitivity of 80mK.

There are two basic types of infrared cameras. The un-cooled and the Cryogenically cooled. The infrared detector aspects of the un-cooled are set up in the unit that operates at room temperature. This type of camera will not produce any noise, provides a built-in battery pack, and activates fast.

The Cryogenically cooled version of camera is a bit expensive and more fragile. The components are cooled to below 0C or 32F at freezing point. The extreme resolution and high thermal sensitivity offer better view as low as.2F or 1C from beyond 1000 feet or about 300 meters apart. This can already detect somebody holding a weapon from this far. There is no doubt that thermal infrared camera is among the most desired electronic device in 2010 and in the future.

Find out which brand manufactures the best quality thermal infrared camera.

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The first thing any security camera meant for the outdoors should have is quality housing. The housing will keep the delicate camera safe from the ravages of Mother Nature. At a minimum, it should have an IP rating of 65, which will give the camera complete protection from dust and from water spray. With a camera that has an IP of 65, the only time it should leak water is when it is submerged. The most weather resistant cases are generally made of non-corrosive metals because cases made from plastic can crack or melt when subjected to extreme heat or cold.

When you’re looking at your case, also look to see what the operating temperatures of the camera are. If you are in an area that has extreme heat or cold, you may want to invest in a housing that comes with a built in fan or heater to keep your camera from breaking in the extreme conditions that it can be subjected to.

Next, your camera must be able to work in a wide variety of lighting situations. This is because the light outside from the sun varies day to day and hour to hour, so you need a versatile camera to get the best pictures under all lighting situations. You will also need a camera that has the ability to see at night if you want your security system to be effective. If you want a very high quality camera, try to find one that has an automatically adjusting aperture, which mean that the lens opens or closes automatically depending on the amount of light available. At the very least, the camera should be equipped with night vision or infrared vision. This will allow the camera to see even in the darkest nights, which is when most robberies happen.

Finally, look to see the angle of viewing that the camera has and the camera’s depth of field. Cameras with narrow angles of vision will be better at taking telephoto images, but can easily be approached from the side, allowing potential thieves to bypass them without being seen. Keep this in mind when you’re planning your lighting scheme. Also check how far in the distance the image will be in focus. Ideally, you will want people on your camera for as long as possible, so a high depth of field is important. Look at the numbers for both day and night, as at night most cameras will have a significantly smaller viewing range.

Finding the best outdoor security camera takes some time but will pay dividends in protecting your family or your business. If you want to have this level of protection, but don’t want to have to deal with messy wires or difficult installations, try looking for an wireless outdoor security camera.

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For those that are not familiar with this device, an infrared camera is a piece of equipment used to test for mold in your home. They use radiation to see exactly where the problem is coming from. You will be happy to know this thermographic camera will work even in total darkness and is capable of locating a problem even in if the area being tested in is pitch black (for example, crawl spaces).

If you are moving into a new home, you know how important it is to thoroughly check out the interior and exterior of the house. When was the last time you heard of someone sporadically buying a house? To check for mould problem in your potentially new home, consider renting an infrared camera. This will clearly show you if there are any problems present in the walls or ceiling. It could save you a lot of money in the long run and on your purchase, as mould can severely effect the property’s foundation and market value.

We all know the damage that can result from flooding and heavy rain. If you live in an area that just experienced a downfall, you may want to rent an infrared camera soon to see if mould seeped its way into your home. If any flooding or leaking took place, there is a high chance that mold will be present. It is best to stop the problem before it starts or immediately upon finding. The fungus will only spread, and that can lead to demolition of entire walls.

It is important to keep mould out of your home for many reasons. If this fungus has potential to destroy the entire foundation of a house, just imagine what it is doing to your air quality. It provides an unhealthy living environment that could result in itching, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and more. It is best to keep your house in the clear when it comes to problems relating to mold. Rent an infrared camera today and stop the problem before it gets any worse.

Buy Infrared Camera

Infrared Camera Montreal

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Since sometimes you need to leave your home for long periods of time but you still worry over it, there are home security cameras with the option of remote camera access through a secure internet link that only you and those in your family you wish to have access to and can view. With so many surveillance cameras that you can potentially place around the perimeter of your home, you won’t want it recording every second of inactivity, so some systems come with motion activated recorders with sensitivity adjustments so it only records the amount of movement you feel is necessary.

While you might be able to protect your cameras from the elements by mounting them underneath the overhang of a roof, if your home security cameras will be going outside you’ll want to consider products that can withstand varying weather conditions. Sometimes your surveillance need is for an indoor eye over the items that matter to you, and with carefully hidden home security cameras in items looking like smoke detectors, air fresheners and clocks, you can keep an eye out without those eyes seeing you. And since you don’t want to remodel your home to wire your cameras to one recording device location, you have the option of wireless transmission, which should help limit the need for holes in your walls and assist you in narrowing down which cameras work best for your needs.

Alexander Sutton is the owner of a home security retail storefront in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a security professional for more than 17 years. For additional information, please visit security cameras

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Security systems have gone up in quality and dropped in price over the last decade. This has been due to computer systems popping up in homes, DVR technology and military knowledge being integrated into cameras and being mass produced. 15 years ago, a night vision device could run $2000 to $6000. Now, you can pick up a four day color night vision / infrared system, with four cameras and 500 GB hard drive Nuvcio EVL-4500 DVR costing $450 to $700.

There are many high tech individual cameras you can pick up for under $100. The Sony 1/3″ CCD Infrared LED Security Camera can be purchased for $89. An indoor/outdoor Bullet Security Camera Night Vision Model # SUN-LIR30HF comes with night vision capability for up to 80 feet. It also has a built in microphone that allows for audio surveillance. The price for the SUN-LIR30Hf is $64.95. You can get dome cameras, motion cameras, hidden ones, cameras that tilt, zoom and pan an area. You can even get cameras that are vandal proof. It depends on your needs, afford ability, time available and your level of commitment for the right system for your home.

A security surveillance camera is a must to protect your homes, property and loved ones. A potential criminal will go elsewhere once they see a camera posted outside the home. One of the main reasons a security camera prevents crime is because the “bad guy” is caught on tape and can be identified. Once they are identified, they know the police can apprehend them and get a conviction. The criminal will go to find easier prey. It use to be that these security systems were only for the rich. But, with technology, the need and mass production, they have become very affordable and cost effective.

James tells it like it is, good, bad or indifferent. Visit his latest website at http://www.securitycamerassite.com/ and learn more about security cameras system

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Humans with their body temperature of ninety-three degrees Fahrenheit emit infrared energy with a wavelength of nine to ten micrometers. IR illuminators are calibrated to pick up on any wavelength from eight to twelve micrometers. This feature, known as thermal imaging when the camera transmits those differences in IR wavelength as an image, further enhances the efficiency of this type of camera.

Other types of night vision security camera use an image enhancement procedure to convey images, whereby light emitted at a higher frequency than the IR wavelength is used. This type of process transmits as the green-colored images of night vision technology. The night vision security camera provides either black and white or color images. On some models, the color switches to black and white at night.

Usually connected using an AC cord, some are even wireless. Presented in a wide range of styles and designs and in colors like black aluminum or white casing, there is a model for every taste and purpose. Usually weather proof, there are cameras for outdoor or indoor use. Some can even be hidden in smaller devices.

In total darkness, the night vision security camera usually provides high resolution black and white images. Some of the cameras come with light sensors and night vision leds, switching on automatically as the light pattern changes. Night vision usually covers for up to fifty feet, though the best operating range is between twenty-five to thirty-five feet. The operating temperature range is between minus ten degrees Celsius and fifty degrees Celsius.

The night vision security camera can also be used for other tasks around the house. It can be used to keep an eye on the car in the garage or on the pool, and can even be used to keep an eye on the baby or children without having to switch on the lights.

Discover the benefits of a night vision security camera at: Security Camera Systems

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Analog wireless security cameras

Analog wireless cameras transmit their signal in the lower, radio frequencies of 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8 GHz. Note that most of them operate over the 2.4 GHz band, the same band that a lot of household wireless appliances, such as cordless phones and video game controllers, operate on. Interference may result when using in the home.

The advantages of analog wireless security systems is they are lower cost than their digital brethren, and you can use multiple receivers.

The disadvantages are they may cause interference with other devices in the home. The transmission is not secure. the video signal quality is lower than digital, and any interference makes it worse.

900 MHz systems can be used in installations where the signal must go through drywall or even trees to reach the receiver. There is also not a lot of interference with other devices. Unfortunately there are only two channels available at 900 MHz.

2.4 GHz systems are more common, and there are 12 channels available, however, it is rare that you can find a channel that is not already in use by another wireless device.

5.8 GHz setups have a better chance of success, since there is less interference and there are 8 channels available (so you can have up to 8 cameras). The biggest challenge is the signal cannot go through many walls without lots of degradation.

Transmission Power

Lower cost 5.8 GHz systems most likely have a 10 milliwatt transmitter, which ideally can transmit to 300 feet with line of sight between the transmitter antenna and the receiver antenna. This rarely happens. This is a broad generalization and conditions such as distance, weather and clear line of sight affect this greatly.

When selecting an analog wireless security camera system, make sure you find out the transmission power and determine whether this will be enough to overcome any obstacles in your system.

Digital Wireless Security Cameras

Digital security cameras transmit digital information over high bandwidth radio frequencies.

The major disadvantage is the cost of the system. This maybe offset by the many advantages.

• Advantages of a digital system are as follows:
• Long range transmission of signal with no degradation – can go 450 feet with line of sight between camera and receiver
• Very high quality audio and video signals
• Can have two-way communication between camera and operator
• High security of the signal.

Wireless IP Security Cameras

Wireless IP cameras are now available that can connect through a local area network over IEEE 802.11b/g WiFi systems. These include 2-way audio feeds, encryption, pan, tilt control and automatic night vision. These types of cameras have replaced the older digital wireless cameras, due to prevalence of Wi-Fi networks.

These are some things to consider when laying out your system.

Scott Watkins writes on a variety of technology topics, including ccd security cameras and CCTV IP Cameras. You can find out more at his websites.

Scott Watkins is an electrical engineer with over 18 years in the electronic imaging industry. He is now retired and follows his passion by writing on topics such as security cameras and systems, model railroading, healthy eating and sensible exercise.

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