When you arrive at work, take a look at your parking lot. Most problems on industrial sites occur in the parking lot. Is the parking lot well lit? Fewer problems occur in well lit areas. Are all the lights working properly? If not, then get someone to work on this problem immediately. Are you aware of the security cameras in your parking lot? Workers are less likely to cause trouble if they know they are being recorded. Is the landscape properly trimmed away from the building?

Burglars often use trees and bushes to aid their access to a building. If you have a fence surrounding your industrial site, is it in good shape all the way around the property? Fences are important at industrial sites to keep your property where it belongs and your workers safe. Thieves look for these openings to get into your property when no one is around. Are your parking spaces clearly marked? If so, you will have fewer problems in the parking lot. Is the lot free of trash? Loose trash on a parking lot is an accident looking for a place to happen. When you enter the building, check the security film. Can you plainly see all areas of your parking lot? If not, then it is time to adjust your security cameras, install new cameras or install different lenses.

Return to the entry point of your building. Is it well lit? Lighting is an often overlooked part of an industrial security system. Is it important to control who has access to your building? If so, then do you have a ptz camera at the entrance? These cameras allow remote users to identify workers entering the building.


Next take a look at the delivery area. Of course, your site will not operate properly without the delivery of supplies. Do you have cameras in place so that all deliveries will be recorded? Terrorist often use delivery areas to send in bombs disguised as packages. Do you have set hours when deliveries will be accepted? Do you have a reliable person accepting each package as it enters the building? Do you have a policy in place so that this person cannot accept gifts from vendors? These gifts are often used to buy the silence of the employee you thought you could trust.

Take a look at the place where your items are manufactured. Can you clearly see each area with a security camera? You need to be able to do so. This will discourage employees from taking things home that do not belong to them. It will also ensure that the employees are at work when it is work time. Furthermore, you can see hazards in the workplace before someone gets hurt on them. Using security cameras also allows you to spot employee health problems and get help to them quickly.

Finally, look at the office area of your industrial site. Can visitors to your industrial site clearly find your offices or are they wandering around your industrial site where they can more easily become hurt? Are security measures, including security cameras, working in areas where only designated individuals need to be? Do you have areas where an employee must swipe their badges to obtain access? These areas should be equipped with high resolution security cameras.

Is it necessary for managers in remote locations to view your work area? If so, make sure that your IP network cameras are working properly.

A final concern is the fire system and carbon monoxide system. Are all fire extinguishers in place? Are they full and do your employees know how to use them? Are brooms and dustpans available to clean up spills immediately? Have your employees been properly trained in what to do in case of an emergency?

Safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility. Industrial security systems are a key to ensuring that everyone has a safe day at work. Make it someone’s responsibility to regularly monitor these industrial security systems.

What Are the Zoom Capabilities?

The optical zoom that you will find on digital cameras helps the lens to be able to magnify the images before there is an actual photograph taken. It is similar in part to how you would use binoculars to be able to see images at a distance. However, digital zooms work by taking the photo and cropping it, as well as enlarging it. You don’t have to use digital zoom because there are different types of software that you can choose from to make sure that you are able to enlarge the photo and get identical results.

How is Quality Affected?

Since optical zoom is used to be able to magnify an object, the photograph quality is not going to be affected. However, their counterparts will be take the image and degrade its quality. As the image continues to enlarge the software in the camera has to make numerous assumptions about the data that completes the photograph. It is this same effect that happens when you use your computer program to be able to enhance the image.

What Are the Uses?

Optical zoom has always been the superior choice for users because of its exceptional image quality. However, when you find out that optical zoom is not enough to be able to get the job done, you are going to need to implement digital zoom to be able to make it easier for you to be able to see the subject that is being captured on the camera screen. It is imperative to make a note of when your camera begins to use digital zoom, so that way you can make the decision on whether or not the loss in quality is going to be acceptable or not. There are a lot of cameras on the market that will be able to give you an on screen indicator for this sole purpose.

What is the Cost Factor Involved?

The cameras that have optical zooms are going to cost you a lot more money than their counterparts with digital zoom. A digital camera that is equipped with a powerful optical zoom of around 5x or 10x will end up costing you more money than those that only have a 3x optical zoom along with the digital zoom capabilities. It is the optical zoom that features the best possible image; whereas, the cameras that have combined zooms will not be able to be compared to the optical zoom found in another camera.

Building Your Surveillance Digital Video Recorder

Surveillance digital video recorders are able to record and then play the footage that your closed circuit television camera has recorded. If you have a surveillance system that is Internet capable, you will be able to log in and view your footage from anywhere around the world with Internet access. You can choose to build your surveillance system out of an old computer and a digital video recorder interface to have the perfect surveillance system.

There are numerous advantages to building your own personal surveillance digital video recorder. You will have all of the latest in hardware and you can add on multiple channels as you expand your security system. If you are worried about how much hard drive you are going to have, there is no need to fear because you can always expand your storage capabilities in no time. You also have the capability of using your camera over the Internet. It will be able to capture any movement with ease thanks to the motion detectors. If you are concerned about not knowing what is going on while you are away, there is no need to worry because you will receive email alerts letting you if there is a problem, along with numerous other options. There are actually two separate processes that are involved with the whole process: building your own system and making sure you have the proper card for your system.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Go inside of your computer and see how many different types of card slots you have for use. The cards for your surveillance digital video recorder will be able to plug directly into one of your existing slots that you have on your computer. One of the more common types of cards that you will see used are the PCI and PIC express ones.

2. You should make the decision on how many cameras you are going to hook up to your system for recording purposes. The vast majority of surveillance cameras will come with multiple options for the number of channels, with each channel being capable of recording one camera. There are some of the manufacturers that will allow you to have multiple cards within your computer in case you decide to expand upon your surveillance system later on. You can always make the decision to purchase one of the cards that will allow you to accommodate more than one camera, which is going to save you money later on and eliminate unnecessary strain on your current computer system.

3. Choose what type of encoding you are going to use in your videos. This is a vital part of the process to help reduce the amount of storage space you are going to need. H.264 is one of the most common types of encoding forms. It helps to provide some of the smaller sizes that you need to get clear video and eliminate strain on the processor within your computer.

4. Determine what the optimal amount of frames per second you are going to need recorded. You should take the number of cameras you are going to set up on your system and then multiple it by 30 to make sure that you are going to get the full range of motion in all of your recordings. This will help to produce the optimum image for all of your recording needs.

5. Go through all of the other features and see what you are going to need in your new security camera. A lot of the cards will provide you with motion detection recording to help make sure that nothing is missed in the process. You will only have footage recorded on the hard drive when there is movement detected, so you will save a lot of space on your hard drive. If you are going to need audio recorded, you are going to have to make sure that the audio card you select has audio inputs on it as well. However, there is also the possibility of being able to watch your information through the Internet and for this you need an Internet card. Make sure that your computer is up to par with all of the minimum requirements for your surveillance system.

Typical multi camera surveillance systems are considered closed circuit television or CCTV systems. Either the signal is transmitted to a dedicated receiver by cables or it is a wireless signal. An example of a non-CCTV system would be broadcast television that transmits a signal that can be received by anyone with the proper equipment.

The number and type of cameras needed depend on the size of the business or home. Large estates that require perimeter and gate security would need more cameras than the typical suburban home. Owners must also consider the nighttime conditions. Suburban or built up areas usually have streetlights, which can provide additional light for nighttime viewing. Whereas, rural areas may not have, a light source other than the stars or moon.

Multi camera surveillance systems whether they are wireless or hardwired transmit their signal to a receiver. The receiver in most cases can be used with your home computer. Optional equipment needed would be a video card reader, which plugs into the computer’s PCI slot. The receiver then connects to the card reader. Each receiver has a certain camera capacity, so keep this in mind if you need to add cameras to the system in the future. Some high quality receivers are capable of handling up to 32 cameras. IP cameras are another option when a large number of cameras are needed. The cameras stream video directly over the Internet using a dedicated server. The camera images can be viewed in real time and or sent to a network video recorder. The data can also be stored on individual computer hard drives. Anyone with access to the network can view the camera data in real time.

Home or businesses alike will need a monitoring room. For security purposes, the room should have limited access. This is where all the information is funneled unless the system employs IP cameras. IP cameras can be viewed by accessing the network from anywhere in the world. Wireless camera systems can also be configured to work with certain smart phones. The home wireless network is ideal for parents or individuals that want to check on their children or their home and property.

Multi camera surveillance systems do not need to utilize the same types of cameras. You can build a system using various types of cameras and options. You will need a receiver, cameras, and power adapters for wireless systems, cables for hardwired systems or a network to stream live video over if using IP cameras. Home computers, DVRs and in some cases, even a television can be used as a monitor. To record data however you will need a computer that is configured for use with the system, a DVR or analog video recorder.

You may want a fixed camera at the front gate to screen people who drive up in vehicles, whereas the perimeter will need cameras that can pan, tilt and zoom. You have the ability to mix and match the cameras to specific locations and surveillance requirements. You may want cameras at the gate capable of two-way audio where you and the visitors can speak to one another. Multi camera surveillance systems will provide 360 degrees of coverage when the cameras are properly located. Several systems allow the user to display all camera views on the monitor while others, display only one camera view at a time. Typically, the quality of the systems determines the viewing options.

The quality and type of multi camera surveillance systems may depend on budgetary constraints and need. Small homes may only need two cameras while larger homes and small businesses may need up to 10 or more. To determine the number, quality and options needed you can conduct a security evaluation. Things that you will need to consider are size of the home and property and interior, as well as, exterior security concerns. You will need cameras that record in low light to no light at all, in some instances. Cameras that are used to screen visitors at the front entrance may need pan, tilt and zoom. Fixed cameras can be used in small rooms where someone cannot move from view. IR cameras are for areas where there is little to no light at all. Starlight, moon light, streetlights and clear skies is light that can be used by the camera to provide viewable recordings and images.

Mac users who are searching for surveillance system software that will work with their operating system should look for the same things that PC users look for. Ease of use and features should be at the top of the list when picking the right software. Obviously, you want to look for a software that works with the Mac operating system, but you also want to look for software that works with your other surveillance system needs, such as the number of security cameras that you have. A good software, rather PC or Mac based, has capabilities to stream real time footage of all of your cameras, and should allow playback. A surveillance software that allows you to view your surveillance system footage from anywhere is certainly a nice treat, and rather your software is installed on your computer or is viewed via the Internet, make sure the features that are important to you are available, rather it be motion detection of a Pan/Tilt/Zoom capability (which only works with security cameras with this feature and that are compatible with your software).

The iDVR-E Series video surveillance DVRs utilize traditional CCTV cameras and include a free software application that is compatible with the Mac Snow Leopard and the Mac Lion operating systems. This software allows users to view and playback real time video online for added peace of mind and is very user friendly. Another good choice, if you are interested in installing IP cameras, is the Zavio camera line, which allows users to view video online from their Mac and is compatible with a variety of browsers.

One of the most popular surveillance system software options is SecuritySpy for Mac. SecuritySpy works rather you have only one camera or dozens, and includes many useful features, such as motion detection, audio recording, and Pan/Tilt/Zoom with capable cameras. SecuritySpy compresses files to allow for storage of far more video footage, supports many network video devices, and is a great choice for most Mac users who are looking for a strong, dependable system with all of the best features.

The above mentioned brands and software are certainly not the only options for Mac users who want to install security cameras and surveillance systems at home or at their business. There are many more available on the market, and just because one isn’t listed here doesn’t mean it isn’t a strong, capable software. Just be certain to look for quality features, Mac compatibility and positive customer reviews and you can’t go wrong using your Mac to view your security camera surveillance footage.

When you are utilizing one of the analog closed circuit television applications, your security camera is going to be able to capture the signal for the analog video and then send it over through your coaxial cables and into your digital video recorder. All of the cameras are going to be powered through the use of a power supply connected directly to the camera or through one of the Siamese cables that will help to bundle both the video and the power cables. Through the digital video recorder the analog signal is going to be transposed into a digital signal and then it will be compressed. Once it is compressed the images will be stored on the hard drive to be viewed at a later time.

The digital video recorder is equipped with an intelligence that will help it to handle things like scheduling, detection of movement and digital zoom. Your monitor can be connected through the digital video recorder, or you can also set it up to publish everything over the inside network, so this way you can view the information on your computers. Digital video recorders also have the capability of being able to transmit the data through an Internet connection that allows you to equip it with password protection and various other features. Whenever you are transmitting the information over the Internet, the videos for the cameras will be sent as one stream of information, utilizing a single IP address. This in turn makes the process extremely efficient.

IP Security Cameras

When you are using cameras that require an IP configuration, you can expect each one of the cameras to be able to capture the images in analog quality, but then they will be able to immediately convert those images into a digital format right from the interior of the camera. There is even some of the digital processing that will be able to take place directly at the camera source, such as compression and movement detection. The digital video stream that it produces will then be sent over the network through an Ethernet cable. You can choose to plug the power supply in through the cameras or by using a Power-Over-Ethernet adapter. You will need to take the Cat5 cable and plug them into a switch that is going to provide the feed for the network hub. Depending on the network device, there are some that will need to be set-up on each one of the cameras on the network with an IP address and some of the other major components.

Any computer that you are planning on viewing the data on will need the proper software installed on it. You are also going to need an additional high power computer to be able to record all of the information on the cameras. There is not a set standard for communication across the board as of yet, so the software for viewing and recording needs to be purchased from the same retailer that you are buying your IP camera from. When you are switching or mixing various vendors for your cameras, this will become quite expensive and bothersome.

The signal for the digital video recorder will be transmitted in the same manner as that of the IP cameras. However, each one of the cameras will have their own individual stream of information and their own IP addresses. Your bandwidth will be decreased substantially as a result of this. When you are looking at the cameras from a remote location, you are going to be able to access each one individually using their own IP addresses. If you prefer to be able to see all of the cameras on one screen, you are going to need separate software that will allow you to be able to do this.

The ideal CCTV cameras for wildlife camera use would be rugged weatherproof units, capable of operating in any weather. The camera systems would have night vision technology to include infrared or IR cameras. The cameras should be capable of taking still pictures, as well as, videos. Many outdoor camera systems can communicate with you using cellular technology. The systems can alert you to movement and can email still images. High quality observation systems can also include pan, tilt and zoom.

CCTV cameras for live wildlife camera use can be hard wired, wireless or stand-alone units. Some models even have backup solar power for remote locations. The solar panel is integrated into the system and will charge the battery packs for nighttime monitoring. Game trail cameras are typically self-contained for long periods of monitoring. You can secure the cameras with the included straps. The cameras can be mounted on trees or positioned against a rock to cover the game trail. For best results, the camera would be motion activated to prolong battery life. The units have onboard hard drives or memory cards. Some models also have GPS trackers in the event the camera is stolen or you simply cannot remember where you placed it.

Individuals that want to monitor wildlife in their own backyards have several options. Many of the CCTV cameras for live wildlife camera use can be mounted on tripods. The units are weatherproof and can be wired or wireless. Many enthusiasts may also consider Internet protocol or IP cameras to share the videos and pictures with friends around the world. The cameras have their own IP address and can stream live to a dedicated network. Individuals with access to the network can view and operate the camera’s pan, tilt or zoom from any computer. The IP cameras are ideal for wildlife enforcement personal, as well. The cameras can be monitored in real time, and individuals in the field can view any camera from their smart phones or lap top computers.

Wireless cameras are ideal for backyard use. The CCTV cameras for live wildlife camera use can be positioned to capture feeding birds and prowling predators. The cameras can be installed and operational in a matter of hours. Each camera is capable of broadcastings its signal to a wireless receiver. You can also adapt your home computer for use with the system. The cameras for optimal viewing would be able to record in low light and have pan, tilt and zoom for close up shots. The cameras options can be controlled remotely by using an optional joystick or keyboard commands. Many enjoy the option of viewing in real time while others place the cameras for long term wildlife monitoring.

Typical CCTV cameras for live wildlife camera use are used for long-term game surveillance. Numerous cameras are placed along game trails and streams. The length of time the cameras can be left in place, depend on battery and data storage capacity. Many of the solar units can be left in place for weeks at a time. Models that can communicate using cellular frequencies will send status reports using emails or text messages, about remaining memory and battery life.

The cameras can be programmed to take still pictures or video. You may simply want to see what animals are using the trail, so still pictures are acceptable. Video of course would require greater battery life and larger memory storage. Generally, the cameras are motion activated and will begin recording or take a still photograph once motion is detected. The sensitivity level can be set to prevent unwanted pictures of swaying branches or blowing leaves. CCTV cameras for live wildlife camera use can be adapted to fit any need. They can be used in the backyard, as well as, remote areas miles from civilization. Consider the location, duration of surveillance and weather conditions when choosing and installing your system.

Megapixel IP Security Cameras

Differences Between CCTV Cameras and Megapixel Cameras

Analog closed circuit televisions are one of the different types of megapixel cameras on the market today. Every high definition camera is equipped with megapixel technology, but not every one of the megapixel cameras are high definition. This can get very confusing for a lot of people and you have to make sure that you are getting what you need and nothing less. Every type of megapixel camera on the market is going to have at least 1,000,000 megapixels, although there are some that have a lot more than that available. However, an analog security camera will not be able to have any more than 400,000 megapixels.

One of the key benefits that a network video camera is going to bring to the table within the market for video surveillance is that you are going to need to have the capabilities to be able to maneuver between the different resolutions of PAL and NTSC. The frame rates are going to have different limitations and be able to provide you with the higher resolution in a video that you are looking for, along with a great amount of detail and imagery. Even a simple one megapixel camera will be able to provide you with a resolution that exceeds the traditional analog cameras by at least three times. There are some network cameras that will be able to offer you a resolution of up to eight times the resolution, if not more.

What is the Best Option for Me?

There are advantages to both of the different types of technology and it will depend on what you are going to use the surveillance for to begin with. Some of the applications are going to need more than 2.1 megapixels to be able to capture the images properly. They may not need the enhanced frame rates, so choosing a camera that is not high definition may be the best option for you. There are some other applications that are going to need the higher frame rates and best possible imaging quality, which is where the high definition cameras are going to be a necessity.

Many people believe that CCTV will deter crime just by being set up and in sight. While most people may be cautious around a security camera this is not always the case amongst criminals. Criminals are becoming increasingly tech savvy and will test the limits of the CCTV’s capabilities. The common CCTV misconception is that a camera alone will halt any suspicious activity. This dilema can be best avoided by having constant access to the security camera’s feed. A live feed that is monitored around the clock will allow for the proper authorities to arrive on time. A live feed streamed on a portable device will even hinder the most tech savvy criminals. Since many criminals wear a mask they are most worried of having the authorities called. If the feeds are left unmonitored then the criminal will likely get away. To avoid this common CCTV misconception it is vital to have a constant live feed that can be properly addressed at all times.

There is a common CCTV misconception that fake security cameras are just as beneficial as real ones. These dummy cams are often strategically placed to produce a sense of security. While this may work in theory it rarely works in execution. A criminal will often expect a security camera to be present and will most likely have a mask. A fake camera is only giving the criminal an extra aid in executing the crime. It is therefore worthwhile to invest in even the cheapest CCTV camera before installing a fake one.

The most important CCTV misconception to be aware of is that price does not automatically equal protection. There are some CCTV systems that sell for thousands of dollars yet they are not used to the fullest. Each CCTV system needs to be professionally installed and monitored in order to achieve maximum security. If an expensive CCTV system is placed in obscure areas then the recordings will be rendered useless. If the expensive system is not properly maintained and the stream is not watched then the criminal will be able to escape before any authorities arrive. It is common to purchase overly expensive and high-end equipment believing it will be more beneficial. While it can be beneficial it still needs a diligent eye to survey all of the feeds necessary in order to alert the proper authorities on time. The most beneficial CCTV system will capture quality audio, video and utilize proper infrared capabilities. Regardless of price the CCTV will need to be monitored in order to warrant its purchase.

These common CCTV misconceptions are easily avoidable through simple research and planning. Avoiding these misconceptions can allow for maximum security at the lowest possible price. Becoming aware of these CCTV misconceptions is the first step to properly securing any residence or business.

You can choose from multiple display features to give you everything you need right there in front of you at all times, such as changing the date and time display. This can prove to be extremely beneficial down the road if you ever need facts and details about a robbery that took place at your location. You never know when life may come at you, but at least you can be prepared for the worst just in case of it all. The 2x digital zoom feature will allow you to have some of the most amazing playback around. These processors are ideal for bringing about the surveillance you need in a multiple camera system.

When you operate the processor on the NTSC system, you are going to see an amazing amount of features that you never thought possible. Each processor is going to come equipped with the inputs needed for live feed, along with a VCR input and an output that will allow you to record the video for playback at a later date. You have the option of putting whatever recording device you are going to need for all of your storage into play. There is no need to worry about having the surveillance footage you need anymore because it will always be at your disposal with the quad processor in place.

The resolution capabilities are going to truly amaze and astonish you with up to 30 frames per second to give you the live feeds that you have been looking for. The pixel capacities are absolutely amazing and they will give you one of the best looking pictures out there. Some of the processors are going to come equipped with features that go above and beyond what you might have ever thought possible. As an example, you may have the option of an alarm that will alert you whenever you lose any video feed. This helps prevent any accidents from happening and makes sure that you are provided with the continuous coverage that you are looking for. During video playback you are going to have the option of watching the feed from one camera or all four of the cameras at the same time using picture in picture viewing. It is all up to you on how you want to view the video that you have recorded on your device, so take the time and learn your way around all of the amazing features that the color quad processor can bring to the table.