Arguments Against Video Surveillance

As the use of CCTV cameras increases across the globe, so does the debate over their numbers and motives. In a previous post, Arguments for Video Surveillance, we looked at four arguments for video surveillance. These arguments included peace of mind, loss prevention, crime deterrent, and crime solving.

But what about the other side of the fence? The ACLU has an entire Web site, You Are Being Watched, devoted to the “high costs of camera surveillance systems, both in terms of money and civil liberties,” and there are a large number of individuals and other groups out there that oppose “big brother” watching our every move.

So, what are some of the arguments against the use of CCTV surveillance systems?

1. Invasion of Privacy – This is the most common argument against surveillance systems. While video surveillance is more commonly accepted in public areas, this sentiment comes into play with the use of covert and hidden cameras in almost every case.
2. Mistrust – The use of security cameras in your home or business can make its occupants feel mistrusted. If your family members or employees are under constant surveillance, there is likely to be hostility and animosity in the air.
3. Not Proven Effective – Studies done in California and London have found that security cameras had little to no effect on reducing the crime rate. With an increase in the sheer number of cameras in many large cities, many replacing human security guards, this is a strong argument that will be the main target of many opposing groups.
4. Misuse and Abuse – The footage captured by CCTV cameras becomes susceptible to abuse and misuse by those who have access to it. For instance, the footage can be used to discriminate against people and for voyeurism. In the age of the internet, this is another huge deal, as can be seen by all of the “hilarious” YouTube videos out there. I doubt the subjects would find most of them as funny.

All of these reasons are valid arguments against CCTV surveillance. There are many cities and countries that have massive surveillance systems, and we will likely see a large increase in public monitoring in the near future, so the more the public knows about the industry and their rights, etc, the more everyone can prepare for when it happens in your little corner of the globe.

Do you have any additional arguments against the use of security camera systems? What are your thoughts? Will you fight them, or open your “public” life up willingly to being observed? Let us know – we’d love to hear from you.

Differences H.265 and H.264

Differences between H.265 and H.264

A codec is an encoder and a decoder. An encoder compresses audio or video so it takes up less disk space. A decoder extracts audio or video information from the compressed file. Video and audio compression is a complex technical process, but the basic aim of a codec is quite straightforward:

(a) Reduce the size of the compressed media file as much as possible, but...(b) Keep the quality of the decoded audio and video as good as possible.

What is H.264?
H264 (aka MPEG-4 AVC) is currently a mainstream video compression format. It is widely used in Blu-ray discs, internet sources like videos in YouTube and iTunes Store, web software, and also HDTV broadcasts over terrestrial, cable and satellite.

What is H.265?

H.265 (also known as HEVC, short for High Efficiency Video Coding, developed by the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC)) is a video compression standard whose predecessor is H.264/MPEG-4 AVC. H.265 HEVC ensures to deliver video quality identical to H.264 AVC at only half the bit rate, including better compression, delicate image and bandwidth saving. It Support up to 8K, Support up to 300 fps. It is likely to implement Ultra HD, 2K, 4K for Broadcast and Online (OTT).

H.265 vs H.264: Differences between H.265 and H.264

In general, H.265 has several big advantages over H.264, including better compression, delicate image and bandwidth saving. For more detailed differences, please read H.265 vs H.264 comparison table.

4 pcs 2MP IP cameras for 1 month, stream: 4096Kbps. 
H.264 IP camera need 42G×4×30=5T=1×3T+1×2T, so need 1 pc 3T and 1pc 2T HDD. 
H.265 IP camera need 21G×4×30=2.5T, so need 1 pc 3T HDD only, save at least 1 pc 2T HDD cost. 

Configuring an Access Point as a Wireless Bridge

Configuring an Access Point as a Wireless Bridge

Linksys Wireless-G Access Points can be configured as an Access Point, Access Point Client, Wireless Repeater, and Wireless Bridge. The Wireless Bridge mode will turn the access point into a wireless bridge. Wireless clients will not be able to connect to the access point in this mode. 

NOTE: When an access point is configured as a wireless bridge, it will link a wireless network to a wired network allowing you to bridge two networks with different infrastructure.

NOTE: When the WAP54G access point is set to wireless bridge mode, it will only communicate with another Linksys Wireless-G Access Point (WAP54G).  

To configure an access point as a wireless bridge, you need to perform three steps:

1.       Checking the Wireless MAC Address of an Access Point

2.       Setting-Up Wireless Bridge Mode on the WAP54G

3.       Changing the LAN IP Address of the Wireless Bridge 

Checking the Wireless MAC Address of an Access Point 

NOTE: The following steps will be performed on the main access point using a wired computer. 

Step 1:
Connect a computer to the access point.

Step 2:
Assign a static IP address on the computer. For instructions, click here.

NOTE: To assign a static IP address on a wired Mac, click here.

Step 3:
Open the access point’s web-based setup page. For instructions, click here.

NOTE: If you are using Mac to access the access point’s web-based setup page, click here.

Step 4:
When the access point’s web-based setup page opens, take note of the Wireless MAC Address. 

NOTE: The Wireless MAC Address you took note of will be entered on the WAP54G set as wireless repeater.

Step 5:
After obtaining the wireless MAC address of the access point, configure the other WAP54G as a wireless bridge. For instructions, follow the steps below.

Setting-Up Wireless Bridge Mode on the WAP54G

Step 1:
Connect a computer to the access point you want to configure as a wireless bridge.

Step 2:
Assign a static IP address on the computer. For instructions, click here.

NOTE: To assign a static IP address on a wired Mac, click here.

Step 3:
Open the access point’s web-based setup page. For instructions, click here.

NOTE: If you are using Mac to access the access point’s web-based setup page, click here.

Step 4:
When the access point’s web-based setup page opens, click AP Mode.

NOTE: The access point’s web-based setup page may differ depending on the access point’s version number.

Step 5:
Select Wireless Bridge and type the remote access point’s MAC address that you took note of earlier.

NOTE: Remove the colons (:) when typing the MAC address on the Remote Access Point’s LAN MAC Address field.

Step 6:

Click on SAVE Settings.

Changing the LAN IP Address of the Wireless Bridge

After configuring the access point as a wireless bridge, change its LAN IP address to avoid IP address conflict.