The spy cameras of today are included with pin cameras, pens, and even cameras that are hidden in a pair of sunglasses. Most kits cost a few hundred bucks and will come with sensors and remote Internet access – complete with alarms. This way, you’ll have the chance to hook up your house wide cameras to your main cable system and watch the spy camera from any screen in your house. To watch the video though, you’ll need to have your television set to a specific channel.
Along with spy cameras there is also a variety of other devices that you can use to protect your home and yourself such as motion sensors, alarms, trip wires, spy cameras, surveillance cameras, finger print locks, digital locks, and many more. Almost everything is available at an affordable price, unless you choose to have professional installation. Professional installation will cost a lot more money, possibly even thousands of dollars if you have a big house.
If you aren’t familiar with the way spy cameras and other spy related security works, it may be in your best interest to hire a professional. A professional can show you how to work the equipment and answer any questions that you may have. Even though it will cost you a lot more than if you were to do it yourself, it would be a lot better than messing something up. Spy cameras and equipment can be very tricky – especially if you have no experience with home security.
The pin and sunglasses spy camera is among the most popular. These cameras may require professional installation, as you’ll need to hook the wireless panel up to a monitor or your computer. Depending on the type of spy camera that you are using, hooking everything up can be anywhere from novice to professional level. Sunglasses can be great to use at home or anywhere else you travel within distance, as the camera is completely undetectable to those who are standing within your field of vision.
For protection around the home or anywhere else you travel, a spy camera can be a great investment. These cameras are becoming more and more popular these days due to the drop in price. Although they were very expensive when they were first introduced, those times have changed.
zhafran
http://www.articlesbase.com/tools-and-equipment-articles/how-to-choose-spy-cameras-for-home-security-465187.html
How web broadcasting works
Webcams are those handy little cameras that attach to your PC and send images to a web page that can be viewed by others. This enables you to share daily life events with friends and family in other parts of the country or the world, or to arrange a video-conference with colleagues and maintain long distance relationships of all kinds. Of course the number of ways to use this technology is limited only by your imagination.
Web Cameras
But before you buy a webcam, it pays to understand a little about how the technology of broadcasting images over the Internet works. Of course, if you’re a full bottle on this already, you can skip this section and go straight to browsing the options on Myshopping.com.au where you can compare products and suppliers, their specifications and prices.
Webcams provide ‘real time’ images of people; places and events that can be viewed ‘live’ on a web page. The broadcasting end has a camera that captures the images, feeds them into a computer to an ISP and out to viewing pages across the Internet. There are two different types of broadcast: streaming images, where the images are a constant stream downloaded in video format; or Java, where the images are captured at fixed time intervals and refreshed on the web pages at a rate fixed by the broadcaster.
The Applications – What are you intending to broadcast, and to whom?
There is a wide range of uses of webcam technology. Some examples include personal ‘Big Brother’ style diaries, sharing of family events, workplace security, video conferencing, virtual tourism, road traffic management, weather watching, event broadcast and a host of others.
Before you make a choice about any webcam equipment, it helps to decide exactly how you want to use the technology, in other words, what you are intending to broadcast. This decision will impact upon the type of camera you use, and how you use it.
A second consideration is, who will be viewing your content? What level of quality is expected? This will help determine the type of camera you use, the software involved and your Internet connection. Of course, your Internet connection may be a limitation on how much you can do.
The requirements for video conferencing are different from the requirements of workplace security, which are different again from the requirements of sharing a family event.
The physical components
There are a number of physical components required to make web cam technology work. At the top of the list is the camera itself. Then, depending on the type of camera you use and the way in which you want to deliver the content to the Internet, you may need to incorporate video capture hardware in your computer. Some software is required to help you process the data, and Internet connection is required and a web page into which the data is fed.
CAMERA CHOICES
Your choice of camera depends somewhat on what you are intending to show. If you need to reach a large public audience yo may want good quality camcorder or megapixel camera that captures high quality images. If it’s just for seeing who’s at your front door or keeping an eye on the kids in their playroom, then it may not need to present high quality images. If you are intending to use it outdoors, it will need to be weather proof and you may need to consider sun and UV protection. Available power supply and any robotic requirements for camera movement and focus are extra considerations.
Dedicated webcams
The most basic webcams connect to a PC using a simple USB connection. A wide range of cameras with accompanying software at a range of prices is available for this type of application. Simply search though Myshopping.com.au to compare prices and specifications. Dedicated webcams are simple to install and easy to use, but come with limitations that affect the quality of the images, such as low number of frames per second (refresh rates) and resolution (pixels per inch).
Camcorders and security cameras
Higher quality images and more camera control come from using camcorder and security cameras. To use these devices you will need to add a video capture card to your PC. Once you have that installed however, you can use a wide range of cameras from broadcast cameras to miniature spy cameras. You can include variable lens options, filters for daylight and low light situations, as well as robotic controls for panning and focus adjustments. You can search through Myshopping.com.au for camcorder selections.
Integrated cameras
An integrated camera combines the camera and the optical hardware with a video server, and as such requires no additional software. They can be used in network situations or as stand-alone devices for monitoring progress on a construction project for example.
Megapixel cameras
Network megapixel cameras combine network capability with high quality digital camera technology. These cameras offer excellent quality but this creates large files sizes, therefore they have limited application in constant streaming video. However for interval refreshed archive image collection, they are ideal, providing a constant record and high quality. You can search through Myshopping.com.au for digital camera selections.
SOFTWARE
If you are not using an integrated camera solution, you will need to install an encoding program like Webcaster or MediaCaster to transfer your images to a web page.
At the receiver end, when web surfers browse the internet and wish to view live video on the web for the first time, they will need to download dedicated applications that show the content such as an ActiveX control, Windows Media player, Flash player or the like.
INTERNET CONNECTION
Finally, you need an Internet connection. The hardware you will need may include a modem for dial-up connection, or modem/router for a broadband solution. Naturally the higher the quality you want, or the faster refresh rate you want, the more bandwidth you will need. ADSL (Broadband) is going to offer you the best solution, but keep in mind what your Internet connection when you are making choices of cameras and feeder software.
Webcam applications work well with wireless solutions. Make sure when you are purchasing a camera or network video solution that it is compatible with any wireless system you may be using in a LAN.
Key considerations
The specifications that are variable with webcam applications, and are affected by camera type, web interface and Internet connection, include the number of frames per second and the image resolution.
Frames-per-second is the number of times a still image flashes by in a second to give the appearance of moving pictures. In Australia, the standard television PAL format is at 25 frames per second. A webcam with up to 30 frames per second will show normal video images. But the more frames per second you demand, the more bandwidth, memory and processing power is required.
Resolution is measured the number of pixels per inch. High quality photographs require a high resolution. But the standard for web images is a low 72 dpi. Higher resolution images will not be of any better visual quality, just slower to upload and download.
Use Myshopping.com.au to compare different webcams, camcorders and digital cameras. You can compare the prices and specifications of the different products and brands, and a wide range of reputable vendors.
Andrew Gates
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/guide-to-buying-a-webcam-56008.html
Do you currently feel the need for a hidden Camera?
What are you going to use it for?
Are you sure you know what to buy?
First thing you need to do is decided what you need it for.
Business Owners, Law Enforcement and Parents have taken a very big interest in Hidden Cameras. To keep on eye on theft from employees, parents are buying nanny cameras to protect their child from the babysitter, and Police to catch the criminals in the act.
Security is important in your home. Is someone inside your home that you think is stealing things from you? Some times we get a gut feeling that someone moved something in our home. You know you put your favorite earrings in your jewelry box two days ago but you went to look for them today and they are gone.
Remember they always say Go with your Gut feeling.
Keeping an eye on the babysitter- Does your child say Mom I don’t like the babysitter she is mean, or she is always on the phone and when I ask for something to eat she tells me later. Listen to your child as much as we don’t like to admit it sometimes we really need to listen.
Know when you kids are home and what they are doing. If you are a working family and most of are, your kids are home alone after school. You just might want to know what is going on when your not their. It may not be your kids but the friends they have over even though you told then No friends when your not their. Sometimes they forget.
Are you having trouble in you neighborhood someone is smashing car windows at night and you know who it is but, when you went to the parents they said NOT my child. You really what to catch them on tape so you can take then to court, and will be able to play the video as evidences
Do you own a business and what to check on your inventory? Your cost on supplies is going up each week but you know you bought the supplies last week. Where are they?
Do you feel the need to check on your husband? Where is he going, and with whom.
Make sure you are ready to handle the answer.
Now the question is:
• How do they work -a small security board is built into an every day items no one will ever know it is a video recorder.
• Where will I place the Hidden Camera-look around the home what are you looking to find out. Is it dark or light? Inside or outside.
• Wired or wireless a wired VCR or DVD has a video cable that records to the device.
• A wireless is a built in transmitter and will send signals to the recording device.
Different types of Security Cameras for your investment are below. Make sure you check with your local enforcement before you get a camera. The last thing you want to do is have the information you need to take to court and the law tells you it is not allowed in the court room. Or it is unlawful to place a hidden camera. Find out first.
Nanny Cameras
Hidden Cameras
Dummy Clammy Cameras
Professional Cameras
Dome Cameras
Wired
Wireless
Black & White or Color
There is so much information you need to know about hidden cameras. One of the most informant things is that what ever you find out makes sure you are ready for the answer. If you don’t plan to do anything then I suggest you do not own a hidden camera.
Donna Biasi
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-security-articles/what-will-i-do-with-a-hidden-camera-do-i-really-need-one-and-what-for-137938.html
I was very eager to give an inclusive security to my shop where I have many articles to sell which give a perfect finishing to the house. I have a shop where I sell linens, bed sheets, curtains, upholstery and many such items. I was very protective about my shop because after years of struggle I managed to bring it to one of the leading shops of the town. I wanted to give my customers all the comforts when they enter my shop and I even want to meet their needs and make a point that I try to fulfill their needs. For this purpose, I decided that I will install a hidden camera in my shop so that if there is any disturbance in the shop I will be easily able to handle the situation on time without any delays. To get more detailed information about the hidden cameras, the spy cameras or the nanny cameras I logged on to the leading websites of the country through the internet and to my surprise I found numerous cameras all displayed along with all the modern features and rates. There were many small and big cameras of different sizes and black and white and also colored cameras. After going through all the information about the hidden cameras, I decided that I will buy a Mantle Clock hidden camera which was very easy on my pocket too. It was so attractive that I could not resist myself from buying it. I placed an order for it online and it was shipped with a few days to my house.
I selected this camera because it was quite easy to install and use. I had many benefits using this hidden camera as it was completely wireless and self controlled. A MMC card reader bonds to the USB port of the computer or the laptop and I usually use the laptop in my shop. I had to set up the card and then click on the MMC picture and then an entire record of all the pictures along with the time and date would come into sight on the laptop screen within minutes. I had the facility to download the captured pictures to the CD hard drive or some new medium according to my ease. The pictures could be captured and recorded with a pace of 3 frames in one second. A 16 Mb MMC card can capture and record 3000 pictures and 64 Mb card has the capability to capture and record pictures as many as 12,000. Bigger the cards and the capability increases as a result. This device consists of Mantle clock camera/DVR, MMC card reader with a USB cable and software, 16 Mb MMC card and a manual book which further helps the user to make use of this device easier. I was relaxed that I could give all the attention to my customers with ease and also keep a cautious eye on the troublemakers if they are trying to create in my shop. I placed this Mantle clock hidden camera on the shelf where all the events of the shop could be easily captured.
Raul Crasmin
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/hidden-nanny-cams-the-best-camera-i-liked-mantle-clock-camera-696793.html
Small, family owned stores or large “big box” retail businesses all suffer the same problem: theft of money or inventory. Last year, alone, retailers brought in more than eight hundred billion dollars, but lost more than two hundred billion to “shrinkage.” This shrinkage may result from outright, gun-toting robbers, to shoplifters, to untrustworthy employees.
In certain areas, vandalism can be a serious and costly consideration. Whatever the cause, Loss Prevention Equipment can significantly reduce or prevent such occurrences, and help local law enforcement successfully respond to those thefts that do happen.
Loss Prevention Equipment and technology have evolved rapidly in the past few years.
While strategically located convex mirrors are still a useful and economical method of monitoring difficult “line-of-site” locations in your business, the wide variety of sophisticated Loss Prevention tools now readily available allows for cost-effective configurations to suit virtually any retail business budget.
Examples include:
* Closed Circuit Television systems, (CCTV);
* A variety of cameras and monitors;
* Access Control systems;
* Digital Recorders or Time Lapse VCR’s;
* Cash Register interfaces;
* Counterfeit Money Detectors; and,
* Security Tags and Gates.
Depending on the resources available for dedication to Loss Prevention Equipment, one, or a combination of the foregoing can provide a viable solution to your security needs.
CCTV systems, whether used with one camera, or a series of cameras, send their feed to a monitor or monitors, or a choice of recording devices. They can be hard-wired or wireless;
Cameras come in a very wide variety of shapes and sizes, from those that are conspicuously mounted to provide observation and deterrence, to small, virtually undetectable units, which can be used to monitor cash registers or other highly-sensitivity locations.
Some are designed to automatically sense and adapt to varying lighting condition, while others are specialized to accommodate consistent dim lighting. Color or black and white transmission options are available. Dome cameras, similar to what may bee seen in casinos, located in ceiling areas, also allow for great coverage;
Single monitors can be configured to work in conjunction with multiple cameras, providing a “flip” sequence of images of specific areas; alternatively, several monitor can be linked with several cameras to provide constant surveillance of “hot spots,”;
Access controls include coded key pad door locks, to allow only those individuals with proper security clearance to enter controlled areas;
If the Loss Prevention need is to record locational activity, choices range from time lapse VCR’s to digital recording devices;
Cash Register Interfacing is designed to discover and prevent “Point of Sale,” (POS), theft. It allows ownership/management to extract the data from a cash register that prints on the receipt and overlay this data on a video picture of the check out area.Front end cameras are positioned to see the cashier, the register drawer, items purchased and the customer.
The recorded scene can then be easily reviewed to verify that the check-out was legitimate. An overt interface, which is obvious to both clerks and customers, deters theft by establishing fear in those with ulterior motives. A covert, or hidden, interface may not prevent the theft, but will provide evidence in support of prosecution.
POS thefts include short rings, no rings, substitute scanning, pilfering and short changing;
Some sort of counterfeit money detection is routinely used. Surprisingly, the commonly seen security pen markers, according the U.S. Secret Service Financial Crime unit, have an 83% failure rate. Their accuracy is diminished by certain chemicals in common products such as bleach and soaps. This puts the retailer at risk both for missing the true counterfeits, and falsely accusing a customer who is using authentic currency.
The better solution is the use of electronic devices which range in ability from simply verifying the authenticity of currency, to identifying false checks, credit cards, driver licenses, etc.
Finally, there are the familiar security tags and gates commonly seen in drug, clothing and music stores.
To find the optimal Loss Prevention Equipment solution, utilize on-line research, coupled with consultation with an experienced equipment manufacturer or retailer, who can assist you with the design and installation of the appropriate system.
Anna Woodward
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/loss-prevention-equipment-spend-a-little-money-to-save-a-lot-of-profit-65020.html
