Posts Tagged ‘security system’

Seeing in the dark — Infrared Security Cameras

Friday, January 1st, 2010

If you need to capture security video in the dark, you need an infrared security camera. Infrared security cameras have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when designing a security system.

Let’s start out by acknowledging a infrared security camera’s obvious drawback: they capture black and white video. With that said, we can begin to speak about the benefits of having an infrared security camera in your security setup and the different types of infrared cameras.

Simply put, black and white video is better than no video and there are many situations where traditional cameras cannot capture anything.

Many closed caption television security system cameras hinge on having good available lighting. Often times this means that a thousand dollar setup can many times be rendered useless and ineffective by simply removing the light source, by either destroying or disabling the light. In this situation a infrared security camera would make an excellent failsafe. Secondly, many times the lighting necessary to properly secure an outside location would be overwhelming to nearby residents or businesses, draw unwelcome attention, or otherwise be undesirable. This is another situation where a infrared security camera would be very beneficial.

How do Infrared security cameras work? Infrared Sensors (or IR) detect infrared radiation, which is essentially the byproduct of heat. Specifically, electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave, which means that people cannot see it or be damaged by it. Infrared (or thermal) imaging is used in many devises such as smart missiles, night vision goggles, and television remotes. Other scientific uses involve using infrared light to predict the weather or study the formation of stars. Obviously, visible light is not necessary to produce heat, which is why infrared cameras work so well at night.

Infrared security cameras vary by having different numbers and sizes of infrared bulbs. Some lights range from 64 bulbs to as few as six. Generally more and larger bulbs means that you will be able to see farther with the camera.

When it comes infrared cameras if the cameras has 12 or more bulbs, it was not meant to be used indoors. This is because many flat glossy surfaces can reflect the light back and overwhelm the sensors. A few examples of these types of surfaces include windows, doors, coffee tables, even walls painted with “glossy” paint finishes can wash out an infrared sensor if it has too much light. It is better to know where you will install the camera rather than just assuming that more lights equal a better picture.

In general, an infrared security camera has a specific application in a security system setup: to see in in the dark and thus be a failsafe to your other devices. For more infrared security cameras please see www.security-camera-warehouse.com

Buying American Home Security Alarms for Your House?

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

If you are an American, you must be aware of the increasing crime rates these days. Regardless of where you are staying, or how safe your neighborhood maybe, you may be still in danger. But at the end of the day, it is every individual’s duty to protect themselves from these dangers. It is indeed your duty to protect you own house, rather than just to depend on the police or the neighborhood patrol team. American home security systems are not so uncommon in stores these days, especially with the growing awareness of public towards safety and security.

Renowned home security companies like the American Home Security, ADT, and many more have various range of products that can keep you both physically and mentally protected. Physically protected would refer to the home security systems that they are providing for your house, and mentally would refer to preparing you towards safety and security through various reading resources and packages.

Buying and installing a System

Buying and installing a very good American home security system is something very necessary. You wouldn’t want your security systems to fail right at the time the robber is entering your house. In that case, you need to get good systems such as the one from American Home Security. This company is a locally owned and operational countrywide. Their products are as good as ADT’s international home security systems, and can be found anywhere on the internet as well as in many stores around the country.

The range of products includes fire security systems, alarm systems, surveillance security systems, and many more. It is necessary to have such security systems, simply because you won’t be at home all the times, and even if you do you can’t be watching over the house continuously too. Staying up all night is an impossible thing to do, which is why you need a simple American home security system to do the job perfectly.

Based in Beaverton, American home security has been providing security systems for both common consumer and corporate customer markets. In that case, if you have a jewelry shop or computer center, it is indeed a must to have the American home security system installed. You can simply call them, and they will be ready for you instantly. Besides just providing you with the products, American home security also provides monitoring services, alarm repairs, and consultation services as well.

James Cook is a security system expert. Visit his website for more information about home security system.

Alert Home Security Save Lives and Property

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

The crime rates climb in lots of the cities and towns around the world, and the public security officials seem to be overwhelmed at times. The problems must be addressed by alert home security people in the private sector under contract to regular civilians concerned about the problems.

The alert home security people are ready to install security devices and provide home security systems when the public services are too slow or inefficient. Alert home security officials look at the total picture and check out the plans for security from this vantage point.

Alert home security people look at the ages of the residents before making the plans for the total security of a home. Elderly people are prone to accidents as are small children. The security of a home should look carefully at the things that might cause an accident for these residents. Elderly people and small children suffer greatly from falls. Older people fall because they are weaker, and smaller children because they are fast and curious. The elderly might need emergency services for health reasons, and an alert home security planner will provide for these people.

Alert Home Security Plan and Provide for the Safety of all Occupants

Fire and fumes from gas are deadly if not discovered in time so alert home security professionals will make sure that there are alarms installed to warn of these dangers. These tools are easily installed and maintained so there should not be any problems from these potential hazards. There are also devices to protect against intruders on the property. Motion detectors are often a good first line of defense because these illuminate an area at the first sign of an intruder. The light itself often deters an intruder who does not want to risk detection and arrest.

Alert home security professionals may recommend a connection to a security command center if the budget of the clients can afford these services. These command centers are often manned twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year. These command centers can respond to an alarm within ten seconds to check on the welfare of their clients. The command center personnel will then send the appropriate emergency services depending on the response or lack thereof. These services provide protection when the residents are at home or when they are away. The protection from these security services is usually sophisticated and professional.

Learn more about security systems. Visit David Shaw’s home security web site.

The Advantages of CS-Mount Security Cameras

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

C-mount security cameras (or cs mount cameras, as they are sometimes called) were the first security cameras and defined the industry. In 1970’s and 1980’s, c-mount camera were invented, but they were simply known as security cameras because c-mount surveillance cameras were the single type available. The iconic boxy cs-mount design was necessary because in the 70’s the circuit boards and other internal items in cameras were still very obtrusive. As technology has improved over time, security cameras were able to get much smaller and the bullet camera mold has begun to define the idea of a security camera.

C-mount security cameras no longer dominate the security camera industry, but regardless, there are many advantages to using a cs-mount security cameras in your security setup. The biggest of these reasons is their superior resolution, as cs-mount cameras still offer the best resolution of any security camera style. The reason for the superior resolution comes down to the mold of the camera itself. C-mount security cameras can accommodate a 1/2 inch chip set, whereas most smaller cameras can only accommodate 1/4 or 1/3 inch chips sets. A larger chip set means that the camera has a greater number of pixels than a smaller one, and a greater number of pixels results in a higher quality video. A larger chip set also makes the camera be able to pick up light better in low-lighting conditions.

CS-mount security cameras are ready out of the box to be used indoors, but to be used outside they must be mounted in protective housings and with more secure brackets, to protect them from harsh weather conditions and the elements. Because of their high resolution, large businesses and government installations use the majority of c-mount security cameras.

Infrared surveillance cameras excel at seeing in complete darkness, and many other cameras see well in the daytime, but c-mount surveillance cameras are some of the only cameras that work especially well in the space between no light and daytime. This ability to record in twilight conditions is measured by a camera’s lux rating. Lux is the measurement of the amount of light hitting an area. Lower lux ratings means that the surveillance camera can see in darker conditions but generally is associated with a higher cost for a surveillance camera.

One should remember that cs-mount cameras do not come from the store with a lens, so don’t forget to get one. This makes them initially more more expensive and less costly over time, as their lenses can be swapped out to fit another security application rather than requiring a completely new surveillance camera.

When using a c-mount surveillance cameras it is imperative to understand the extent of c-mount security cameras sensitivity. Rain, wind, and temperature changes can have a dramatic impact on the cameras, so housing and a mounting bracket should both be purchased. Housings are available in many styles, and some even have the technology to heat or cool the units based upon the weather.

C-mount cameras also significantly deter crime, as their large footprint makes them extremely obvious. As such, many banks, businesses, and government offices use them. They declare “You are being recorded.”

In summary, cs-mount cameras are the very highest quality security camera but have some challenges when being used outdoors, as they were not built for adverse weather conditions. C-mount security cameras can see better than most other cameras in dim lighting, can be modified by swapping out their lenses, and offer the very highest resolution of any surveillance camera.

We hope you appreciated our report on c-mount camerasand security systems.

Which Alarm Companies Are Best?

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

It is certainly possible to point to claims made by alarm companies to be the best. It is also possible to point to opinions or rankings of the best. But this does not necessarily mean these are the best alarm companies for your personal needs.

Following a logical process of investigation will get you the answers you need to the questions you want to ask. The following outline will help you follow a very popular set of steps to decision-making.

Think About What You Want and Need

What do you need from a security system? Do you want to make your house a fortress, or do you want to install enough to create a ruckus if someone tries to break in? Do you want to monitor any part of your home or property?

Who or what are you trying to protect, and from what? Are there children, someone with a disability, elderly family members? Are you most concerned about people or possessions?

What do you want the alarm companies to do when an intruder is detected? Do you want to immediately notify emergency services (police, fire)? Do you want to have alarms sound or remain silent? Do you want the alarms to trigger an alert to you or your neighbors?

Narrow the List of Alarm Companies to Those You Will Interview

Ask friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors who have alarm systems which alarm companies they used. Find out how satisfied they are with the service. Check with your insurance company to get recommendations and to confirm how an alarm system installation will affect the cost of your insurance. Get in touch with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and ask for a list of member companies in your area. Compare this information and begin to narrow down the list to those you like best.

Do a sort of background check on the companies you are considering. Check with the police, the Better Business Bureau and the state licensing office to be sure the alarm companies you are considering are properly licensed, certified and insured. Look for any complaints filed against a company. Be fair to the companies, and find out how disputes or complaints were resolved. This information can provide valuable insight into how the company treats customers.

Give some thought to whether you want to deal with a local company or a local franchise of a big home security company. Find out whether home security is the focus of the company or a sideline. Consider the reliability of equipment and monitoring.

Interview the Companies You Would Consider Hiring

Ask enough questions to be sure you trust the company. Find out how they can respond to each of your needs. Consider who has the best equipment. Will they require you to buy or rent the equipment? How soon can it be installed? Who offers the best monitoring? Which alarm companies have the systems in place to allow you to monitor from another location?

You might want to make notes during each interview for purposes of comparison later. Now, ask questions about special sensors and monitors and alarms each company offers that will meet your needs or alleviate your concerns. If you have children who come home from school to an empty house, find out about monitoring for their arrival at home. If you have young children, you might want to ask about medicine cabinet alarms. Some companies also have special devices and services to monitor the health and safety of the elderly. Be sure to find out the cost of each of these extra options.

Ask about the company’s licensing, insurance and bonding. Find out if all installers are properly licensed and certified on the specific equipment they will install. Also ask about how the company screens their employees.

Choose the Right Company for Your Needs

Review all of the information you have gathered and compare it with your needs. Narrow down your list of companies.

Compare prices and eliminate any companies that are priced beyond your budget. Also rule out companies priced extremely high or extremely low. Compare the security offered, customer service, your level of trust, and the time until the system can be installed and operative. Ask about warranties on equipment and installation.

By following these steps, the process should lead you to a clear choice between the various alarm companies. Then schedule installation, read the contract carefully, and have the system installed. The last step in any security installation is to immediately change all codes and passwords when the installer leaves your home.

About the author: Todd Cavanaugh is a ten-year security alarm company specialist. His company installs home and business monitored security systems, 24-hour surveillance cameras, access control systems and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Visit his business web site for his recommendations on how to choose alarm companies.