Human Rights Act for CCTV

It is possible that CCTV usage could well be viewed as a possible infringement/invasion of your Human Rights under the Human Rights Act 1998.

So what do you do if your Neighbor is pointing their CCTV at you?

The Human Rights Act of 1998 could assist you and we would advise you to gain thorough advice from a solicitor who has expert specialist knowledge in this area.

The right contained in Article 8 is known as a qualified right which means that there may be circumstances in which some interference with it is justifiable. This right means that an individual has the right to the level of personal privacy which is compatible with a democratic society, taking into account the equivalent rights and freedoms of others. Any interference with this right by a public authority may be subject to a test of acceptability.

The state and public authorities are permitted to interfere with an individual’s Article 8 right to privacy if the interference has an obvious legal justification. Amongst other reasons, this could be because the interference is necessary to protect national security or for the prevention of crime. In addition to having a clear legal justification, the amount of interference with the right must be proportionate to the end result achieved and only go as far as is required to achieve that result.

Public authorities, including the police and local councils, must balance the benefits of using CCTV against an individual’s right to privacy.

The HRA is superior to all other legislation and should always take first preference. We advise you to seek specialized knowledge from a Solicitor who is an expert within Human Rights Issues and Legislation, it is an extremely complex area of legislation.

HD CCTV over coax

The technology commonly called HD CCTV implements SMPTE HD-SDI standards from television broadcast technology and can transmit video at 720p or 1080p resolution over RG59 cable to a distance of at least 100 meters. HD CCTV offers the benefit of providing high-resolution (megapixel) video, over conventional analogue coaxial cables.

PROVISION-ISR HD CCTV cameras offer a standard resolution of 1080P (1920 x 1080), equivalent to 2, 1 megapixels. 1080P provides over 24-times higher resolution compared with CIF and 6 time higher resolution than D1.

While Analogue cameras continue to improve, it is still subject to the limitations of the PAL/NTSC TV format, adopting a new HD standard which enables the camera to push video resolution beyond 700TVL and offering HD quality CCTV. HD CCTV is designed to be a drop-in replacement for existing analogue CCTV, requiring only a change of camera and DVR. Both new and existing installations can use CCTV industry standard coaxial cable (RG/59, RG/6 and RG/11).

HD CCTV advantages

* HD CCTV is a digital transmission of uncompressed HD video over coaxial cable.

* HD video: true 1080P or 720P HD video quality.

* Perfect clarity with no analogue noise.

* Uncompressed-nearly zero latency and no compression artifacts.

* Coax cable: immune to network failure.

* Easy upgrade: using same infrastructure as analogue system, just replace camera and DVR.

* Familiar user interface: for the installer/operator, no difference between CCTV and HD CCTV except for higher resolution.

* Unified standards.

Provision DVR and cameras

Provision’s HD-SDI DVR, SA8800, was designed to provide installers and customers with an easy entry point to the world of HD CCTV. It provides, in one chassis, both D1 ports (four channels) and full HD 1080 ports (four channels) allowing you to upgrade your traditional analogue CCTV system to full HD at your convenience. Cameras monitoring a sensitive spot can be replaced first while existing cameras will not require change or adjustment.

HD-SDI technology uses the same infrastructure as your existing analogue installation, allowing you to replace your existing cameras and DVR in very little time and with zero configurations.

Provision ISR HD DVRs are equipped with powerful CPU core technology to enable processing of four real-time channels at full HD (1080P) and four real-time channels at D1. Our DVR operates with H.264 main profile compression format and advanced industry SOC techniques to ensure real-time recording in each channel and outstanding stability of the system.

Provision’s ISR HD-SDI cameras implement the latest video processing technology and provide advanced features: Digital image balancing-delivering accurate picture in all light conditions, WDR capabilities, privacy masking, image effects and more due to true day and night functionality (ICR), DSS (Digital slow shutter), Advanced 3D-DNR (noise reduction) and Smart IR technology (all cameras provide an excellent night performance).

Benefits of HD cameras in different sectors

High-definition (HD) cameras are the best suited for today’s video surveillance needs. That said, we must remember that all HD cameras are megapixel (MP), but not all megapixel cameras are HD. The biggest difference between a megapixel camera and the high-definition cameras is that HD images use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and megapixel produces images in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

HDTV provides a higher resolution and higher resolution translates into more detail, which in turn leads to better possibilities for identification. In addition, a true HDTV network camera provides full frame rate and extended colour fidelity, for an even better viewing experience.

To reiterate, all HD cameras are megapixel, but not all megapixel cameras are HD, and good quality, easy installation, and ease of use will set HD apart from standard analogue and MP systems.

Retail

In retail, theft and shrinkage can be drastically reduced through effective video surveillance. HDTV network cameras have an important role to play, for example by giving an overview – without any blind spots – of shops and stores.

City surveillance

HDTV network cameras are typically used in city surveillance situations to provide high-resolution video streams from locations where there is a need to be able to clearly identify people and objects, or get a larger overview.

High security premises

Casinos and airports, together with passport controls, banks and similar high security premises, are areas where the requirements on the surveillance cameras often include high image quality and detail as well as full frame rate, making HDTV network cameras the natural choice.

Transportation

Security and safety for both passengers and staff are highly prioritized issues for public transportation authorities around the world. HDTV cameras at stations, terminals and airports as well as on-board buses and trains, provide valid evidence in the event of criminal incidents.

CCTV Video Baluns

CCTV video baluns, also known as UTP baluns, allow traditional coax cable to be replaced by category 5 and other forms of twisted pair wire in CCTV video camera & surveillance installations. Video baluns allow installers to use more cost effective structured cabling techniques to wire security cameras. By using video baluns, UTP wire such as cat-5 can be run over longer distances easier than coax cable and for less money. Active balun transceivers enable UTP wires for cameras to be run distances up to 3,000 feet.

Video Balun Passive

The origin of the word balun is bal(ance) + un(balance). Video baluns, also known as CAT5 baluns.  A video balun is placed on both ends of the CAT5 cable run and uses one of the the twisted pairs from the CAT5 cable to transmit the video from the camera to a DVR or monitor.  There are also multi-camera baluns that can use the four twisted pairs in CAT5 to transmit the video for up to four cameras.   Most security camera installers are familiar with using RG59 coax cable for CCTV, as this is the industry standard cable and allows installers to run both the video from the camera and power to the camera using a single cable run.   There are versions of video baluns that also support running power to CCTV cameras in addition to the video.  These are some of the most common reasons that a security installer would choose to use CAT-5 cable instead of RG59 for a CCTV application.

• The location of the installation already has CAT5 cable pre-run and the installer wants to use it.
• The distance of the cable run exceeds 700 feet (the maximum distance supported by RG59 without a video amplifier).
• CAT5 cable typically costs less than RG59 cable.

The following types of video baluns are available and used in different circumstances.

Passive Video Balun with Power Connector

Passive Video Baluns

Passive video baluns are not powered and support cable distances up to 1200 feet.  These baluns use only one of the twisted pairs in the Cat5 cable.  The CAT5 is attached to the baluns on both end using screw terminals or other connection types. The balun has a BNC connector that gets connected to the camera on one end and a DVR or monitor on the other. 

Video Baluns with Power

Video baluns with power support running low voltage power to CCTV cameras in addition to transmitting the video signal.  For baluns that also supply power to cameras, one of the twisted pairs from the CAT5 cable is used for video and 2 pairs are used for power.

Passive Video Balun with Power Connector & Data - for PTZ Camer

Installers attach one pair for the positive and one pair for the negative power leads.  There are also video + power baluns that use RJ-45 connectors instead of the cable terminals, and even some models that support audio as well.  Some installers prefer this, especially when using pre-made network cables with the RJ-45 ends already attached.  An important note is that the distance that power is unable to be run is much lower than video and is still limited by the voltage and guage of cable being used. 12V DC typically begins to drop after 200 feet. The below video demonstrates how to use passive video baluns with power.

Active Video Baluns

Active video baluns include a power supply and act also as an amplifier so that cable distances can be increased beyond 1200 feet (the limit for passive baluns). 

Active Video Balun

Multi Ch Video Balun

An active balun receiver can be used on the DVR or monitor end of the cable with a passive balun on the camera end to boost the maximum effective distance to 2000 feet.  When an active transmitter balun and active receiver balun are used together, the effective distance of the cable increases to 4000 feet for color cameras and 5000 feet for black and white. The below diagram illustrates the wiring used when installing active video baluns. Please note that power is required for both the transmitting and receiving unit.

Wiring Diagram

Multi-Camera Baluns

Multi-camera video baluns allow each twisted pair of a CAT5 to be used for one camera, effectively allowing an installer to run video for up to four CCTV cameras over a single CAT5.  The below diagram illustrates how a multiple camera video balun is wired.

Multi Camera Baluns

Internal Circuit of Baluns:

Setting up a secure wireless network with the TP-Link TL-WR541G

Setting up a secure wireless network with the TP-Link TL-WR541G

OR

In the picture above the address bar has http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.com OR http://www.google.com in it. Just replace all of that with the internal IP address of your router. By default the IP address should be set to 192.168.62.1.

You should see a box prompting you for your username and password. Enter your username and password now.

The Default Router Username is: admin

The Default Router Password is: admin

Click the Ok button to log in to your router.

Click the Wireless link near the left side of the page.

You should now see a new menu. In this new menu, click Wireless Settings.

In the box called SSID put a name that you make up. You will need to remember this name because it will be used to connect to your wireless network. Do not make it obvious to guess, the network name should be difficult for your neighbors to guess. If you can not think of anything, simply use your first name.

In the box called Channel, pick a random channel number. Channels make it so that you and your neighbors can use your own wireless networks without interfering with each other. By picking a random channel you reduce the chance of your neighbor using the same channel as you.

Turn on the option called Wireless Router Radio.

Turn off the option called SSID Broadcast. This turns off the broadcast of your networks name making it more difficult for other people to find your network. You do not want to broadcast your networks name.

Turn on the option called Wireless Security.

Choosing your network security type can be challenging. Use the table below to help you decide which encryption type is best for you. 

Select WEP from the Security Type drop down box.

Select Open System from the Security Option drop down box.

Select Hexadecimal from the WEP Key Format drop down box.

Put a dot into the Key 1 radio button.

If you are using WPA

Now you need to make up a passphrase.

Your WPA key can be a plain text, human readable sentence. Make sure it is long, however, because recent hack attempts have exploited short WPA passphrases. Your WPA passphrase should be at least 30 letters long.

Onnce you have made up your passphrase, write it down somewhere. You will need it at each computer that you are going to connect to your network.

If you are using WEP

Now you need to make up your network key.

It doesn't matter what this key is, as long as it is random. A network key is a password that is 26 characters long, and made up of only the letters A,B,C,D,E,F and the numbers 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9. If you are using 128 bit WEP, then your key must be exactly 26 characters long, and the more random it is, the better it is. Here is an example of a random 128 bit network key:

7F5B3FD23A8EC290AC682DF8FA

Onnce you have made up your key, write it down somewhere. You will need it at each computer that you are going to connect to your network.

Now put the key you made up in the box called Key 1.

Select 128bit from the Key Type drop down box.

When you're finished, click save near the bottom of the screen to save your changes.

And that's it! You're done!

Choosing a Frame Rate on CCTV

Movies on film are almost exclusively projected at 24 FPS. Television, however, does not have an internationally accepted frame rate. In Europe and many other countries, PAL and SECAM use 25 FPS, whereas NTSC video in North America and Japan uses 29.97 FPS. Other common frame rates are usually multiples of these.

Note: Converting video formats from one frame rate to another is technically challenging, and there are often unwanted visual side effects. This is especially true when the frame rates do not evenly divide. For example, converting 30 FPS to 60 FPS is fairly easy to do, but converting 29.97 FPS to 25 FPS is much more difficult. Making sure audio stays in sync throughout the conversion is yet another challenge.

Some digital video formats support several frame rates within a single format, allowing variable frame rate video recording and film (24 FPS) compatibility.

Frame rate	Media	Description
24 fps	Film; high definition video	This is the universally accepted film frame rate. Movie theaters worldwide almost always use this frame rate. Many high definition formats can record and play back video at this rate, though 23.98 is usually chosen instead (see below).
23.98 (23.976) fps	Film; high definition video with NTSC compatibility; NTSC	This is 24 fps slowed down by 99.9% (1000/1001) to easily transfer film to NTSC video. Many high definition video formats (and some SD formats) can record at this speed, and it is usually preferred over true 24 fps because of NTSC compatibility.
25FPS	PAL; high definition video	The European video standard. Film is sometimes shot at 25 FPS when destined for editing or distribution on PAL video.
29.97 fps	NTSC; high definition video	This has been the color NTSC video standard since 1953. This number is sometimes inaccurately referred to as 30 fps.
30 fps	High definition video; early black-and-white NTSC video	Some high definition cameras can record at 30 fps, as opposed to 29.97 fps. Before color was added to NTSC video signals, the frame rate was truly 30 fps. However, this format is almost never used today.
50 fps	PAL; high definition video	This refers to the interlaced field rate (double the frame rate) of PAL. Some 1080i high definition cameras can record at this frame rate.
59.94 fps	High definition video with NTSC compatibility	High definition cameras can record at this frame rate, which is compatible with NTSC video. It is also the interlaced field rate of NTSC video. This number is sometimes referred to as 60 fps, but it is best to use 59.94 FPS unless you really mean 60 FPS.
60 fps	High definition video	High definition equipment can often play and record at this frame rate, but 59.94 FPS is much more common because of NTSC compatibility.

Important: Many people round 29.97 FPS to 30 FPS, but this can lead to confusion during post-production. Today, it is still very rare to use a frame rate of 30 FPS, but very common to use 29.97 FPS. When in doubt, ask people to clarify whether they really mean 30 FPS, or if they are simply rounding 29.97 FPS for convenience.

What the Difference between IP Cameras and CCTV Cameras ?

Many have speculated that the area of CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras is coming to an end. These multi-purpose video cassette recorders and all their T-160 tapes are quickly being replaced by capture cards, embedded processors, codec, and more advanced devices. IP cameras have played a major role in phasing out CCTV cameras, as they offer many of the same benefits, yet provide much more. What’s the difference? Plenty! Let’s delve into some of the details and find out how IP cameras tower over their analog CCTV counterparts.

Remote Viewing

The major benefit of IP cameras is the luxury to view live video via the internet from any location in the world. While CCTV cameras can enable viewing over the internet, they require additional software and hardware components to function properly. An IP camera is integrated with all the necessary tools and doesn’t require any additional installations. Some of the newer models are even able to view live video on a cell phone or other mobile device over a 3G network.

Remote Recording

The primary function of a surveillance camera is to monitor a certain area when security and staff are unable to do so. While it serves its purpose for the most part, CCTV cameras are susceptible to security breaches, and the tapes they contain can be stolen. IP cameras enable recording to remote locations, which virtually eliminates such a scenario. Even if security is breached, the intruder will not be able to steal the tape or recording device because it is physically stationed at a remote location.

Wireless Capability

Because IP cameras leverage standard IP (Internet Protocol) networks, many of them are available in wireless variations to provide the ultimate in portability. All the device requires is a single cable for a power supply, which results in less work when installing the camera in the recording location.

Video Analytic

More IP cameras are being implemented with video analytics to provide advanced tracking and motion detection capability. This technology is so sophisticated that it has the ability to distinguish between the movement of a person, a car driving down the road, or a tree merely swaying in the wind.

More Advancements to Come

CCTV cameras aren’t completely obsolete, but are light-years behind in comparison to IP cameras. IP technology allows individuals and businesses to effectively monitor their home or office premises with little to no security risks. Evolving rapidly, it’s almost certain that you will be able to do much more with an IP camera in the very near future.

What is IP camera ?

Network IP Cameras have been around for at over a decade now. Only recently have cabling installers began to pay attention to the technology because surveillance cameras have traditionally run on separate coaxial cable. Around 10 years ago, the first digital IP camera connected directly to a data network which changed the future of the surveillance camera industry.

During the early stages, the technology was not as professional as analog cameras. Most cameras were seen as ‘web cameras’, which were used to view objects or events over the internet or a LAN.

Today IP network cameras meet the same requirements and specifications as analog counterparts and in many areas surpass analog camera performance and features . Forecasts show that the network IP camera market share is growing at a much faster rate than its analog competitor and has surpassed the analog camera in market share.

An IP Camera is a networked digital video camera that transmits data over a Fast Ethernet link. IP Cameras (also called “network cameras”) are most often used for IP surveillance, a digitized and networked version of closed-circuit television (CCTV).

Benefits of IP camera over analog technology include:

• Remote administration from any location.
• Digital zoom.
• The ability to easily send images and video anywhere with an Internet connection.
• Progressive scanning, which enables better quality images extracted from the video, especially for moving targets.
• Adjustable frame rates and resolution to meet specific needs.
• Two-way communication.
• The ability to send alerts if suspicious activity is detected.
• Lower cabling requirements.
• Support for intelligent video.

Disadvantages of IP surveillance include greater complexity and bandwidth demands. One alternative for organizations with substantial investment in analog technology is to use a video server to, in effect, turn analog CCTV cameras to IP cameras. A video server is a small standalone server that converts analog signals to a digital format and provides the analog cameras with IP addresses.

Nevertheless, because it offers much more sophisticated capabilities, IP surveillance is increasingly replacing analog CCTV. An industry report from International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that shipments of IP cameras and related products will increase 75% between 2012 and 2015.

Using Wireless Internet CCTV to Detect Fire and Flood

Wireless internet CCTV cameras are more than just CCTV cameras. These cameras allow you to see your property from anywhere, over the internet.  More than this, they can be used to alert you not only to movement within the camera view, but also to emergencies like fire and flood as this article explains.

Most internet CCTV cameras have the ability to raise the alarm when motion is detected within the camera’s field of vision, giving you the chance to log in over the internet and see what’s going on.  However, many of the good quality cameras can raise the alarm when other events happen in the vicinity.  They do this by “listening” for signals that are sent from sensors when conditions change, for example in those extreme cases when there is a fire or flood, and by sending text messages or email alerts when such signals are received.

The type of sensor you use will depend on the type of event you want to protect against.  You could buy a heat sensor and set it to trigger when the temperature exceeds a certain level.  This could be used to detect a room becoming too hot, a freezer breaking down or a refrigerator getting too warm inside, for example.  You would use a moisture sensor to protect against flood.  This could be placed in a basement or near a washing machine.  Normal industry-standard sensors will work with all good makes of camera, but you should check the trigger voltage and wattage of each to make sure.  In all cases the sensor will send a change in voltage to the camera so that it can take action, as the next section explains.

To attach sensors to your camera, it needs to have a so-called digital input port.  Most of the reputable makes of internet CCTV camera have one.  Two wires are attached to connectors that make up the physical exterior of the port, and these wires run to the sensor.  The camera is programmed to recognize a change in voltage at its input port caused by a signal from the sensor, and to act upon it immediately.  Typically it will send you an email and also an instant SMS text message to your mobile phone or as many mobile phones as you choose.  You can then log in over the internet to see what is going on, and if necessary call the emergency services, all within seconds of your sensor detecting a problem.  Of course, it takes some technical work to get your camera working in this way, and you will need external service providers to handle things like sending SMS text messages.  If you don’t like the thought of setting this up yourself, I always advise getting a pre-configured camera and monitoring service from an internet CCTV provider.

Using wireless internet CCTV cameras in this way really broadens their role.  Seeing your home from wherever you are is just the start.  Attaching sensors and programming the cameras to act upon their alerts turns your camera into an all-round automated property monitoring system that keeps you informed about any problem in your property, within seconds of that problem arising.

The future Security Moves on solar power

Solar panels generate power directly from the sun. They convert the sunlight that they draw directly into electricity; this form of power is friendly to the environment, as there are no harmful gases or chemicals that are used in producing this power. This is therefore better for the environment.

The solar panels are made up of a collection of individual silicon. A single solar cell can produce about 0,5volt. Solar cells are grouped together to create a panel, which can produce up to 24 volts output. Solar panels can also be wired in parallel, this will increase the power output creating more power, and if wired in series, this will increase voltage for 24, 48 or possibly even higher voltage systems.

The three types of solar panels are mono-crystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous. At present, PSS Distributors is concentrating on two types, mono-crystalline and polycrystalline. We already discussed in my earlier post.

The differences between the panels are as follows:

Monocrystalline – All crystals face the same direction. This form of solar panel is the most effective, but the cost factor is a lot more expensive. Slices are cut at sizes of 0,2 and 0,4 mm thick. These are then put together as individual cells, wired together in the panel. Manufacturing temperature is around 1400 degrees Celsius.

Polycrystalline – Crystal faces have different directions, grains are not parallel and can also be called multi-crystalline. These panels are less expensive, but can also be less efficient. The cells are not single crystals but a block of many crystals. Manufacturing temperature is a bit lower than Monocrystalline at about 800-1000 degrees Celsius.

Amorphous – This is the angle of the adjustable solar panel, which can be changed two or more times during the year. This helps increase the solar output by approximately 25%.

When you have decided on the location of the solar panels, ensure you have a good amount of sunlight between the times of 9 am – 4 pm. It is not advised that solar panels be placed in the shade, but remember that heat build up can cause the panel to be less efficient. There should always be spacing around the panels, this will ensure that there is sufficient cooling and ensure that the panels do not build up to much heat. 

Solar panels should always face the equator for effective coverage. So if living in the southern hemisphere, the solar panels would face in a northern direction. The angle of the panel should only be changed twice per year. In winter +15° latitude and in summer -15° latitude. This will increase the solar panels output by a further 25%.

Tracking solar panels are the most effective type as they follow the sun, but the cost of these units are expensive and during winter, may not be as effective. Solar panels are a more cost effective way of ensuring constant power as well as ensuring that the environment remains emission free and allows the environment to remain green.

Having now completed the construction of a 9, 4-megawatt solar farm in the province of Turin, the company turned to address the problem of guaranteeing the highest possible levels of protection.

“The client asked us to design a solution in which the network infrastructure was both sturdy and scalable so that it could be used simultaneously by the security system, the video-surveillance system and the other equipment used to monitor the production of electricity. Moreover, in compliance with the applicable laws in force, the video-surveillance system had to ensure low luminous impact at night and, therefore, had to be able to operate satisfactorily without any lights on, except in exceptional circumstances,” explains Claudio Toaldo, owner of Sicurtel, the company that built the plant.

The plant took about two months to complete, including meetings with the client and the realisation of the design plan.

Given the distance of the perimeter (about 4000 metres) and the possible electromagnetic interference caused by 12 inverters installed on the field, Sicurtel decided to construct a closed ring fibre-optic Ethernet infrastructure using O-ring technology with 12 field switches and an extended temperature range of -40°C/+75°C.

The network hosts 28 ERMO 482 X PRO Cias microwave barriers and 11 Ulisse Compact IP 36 + Videotec 110 mt IR cameras.

The Cias barriers are connected on the field via 15 485/Ethernet IB-FMCREP-ETH converters and are controlled by means of an IB-SYSTEM IP server.

The Videotec cameras used for the surveillance system guarantee lowest environmental impact during nighttime monitoring and are also fitted with a powerful optical zoom for close-up inspection when necessary.

Sicurtel considered the Milestone XProtect system to be the only fully integrated platform that could manage all the field equipment on an IP platform, hence satisfying its client’s requirements.

“We decided to use the Milestone XProtect Corporate video management and recording system,” continues Toaldo, “because it allows you to record video images and transmit them to the security company’s control room. This enables the control room to handle emergencies and, at the same time, collect information on any alarms detected by the system and recorded by one of at least three pre-set cameras, which the Milestone video management software (VMS) immediately focuses on the security barrier section that triggered the alarm. This is extremely helpful to the work of the security companies, as they are able to quickly and effectively verify all intrusion attempts”. 

The system provides the end user with real time data on the production of electricity. The XProtect Smart Client can be used from the company’s headquarters. Furthermore, XProtect Mobile is a useful and powerful tool for maintenance operators. It is used to remotely plan and verify all interventions, whenever and wherever they are. 

The Milestone VMS supports a number of I/O IP modules to allow the operator, the end user and the security company to use XProtect Smart Client to turn on the lights installed along the perimeter when an alarm is triggered at night, to monitor anomalies detected inside electrical substations or special situations such as a lack of power supply.

“The possibility to integrate the anti-intrusion security system, the video-surveillance system and the electricity production monitoring equipment within the same network infrastructure means that the end user has full control over all the systems installed at the solar farm and, at the same time, can realize important economies of scale, while paving the way for all future upgrades to the systems,” highlights Toaldo.

The solution guarantees efficacy and timely interventions by technical assistance teams managed by Sicurtel using remote systems. In particular, all the routine maintenance operations and interventions to resolve any malfunctions detected by the system that do not imply the replacement or repair of and field devices or equipment are managed via the Internet.

Protecting Your Outdoor Property with Wireless Security Cameras

You can protect your home better by covering the outside areas of your property. This will ensure that intruders are stopped at the periphery itself and they do not come close to the actual building – whether it is a home or office. You can use the alerts sent by outdoor security systems to take timely actions. For outdoor use, wireless systems are the best option. Let us look at one of the most effective security devices for outdoors – wireless security cameras.

Wireless security cameras offer a very advanced level of security. However, outdoor and indoor security requirements are different and therefore, the cameras installed inside your home might not work for outdoors. It is essential to consider the following points:

Coverage – Do you need to monitor the lawn and garden area or do you want to see only the entrance of your property? Will the garage and driveway need separate cameras? Answering such questions will help you in deciding your requirements. Also decide the angle that you need for surveillance. Wider angles are preferable for outdoor purposes as they cover a large area in one go.

Picture Quality – Low screen resolution cameras are cheaper but the quality of picture is not very high. If you want to have clear pictures, choose cameras with high resolution. There are many cameras that can have both low and high quality resolutions. You can alter the settings as per your requirements.

Wired or Wireless Security Camera – Big obstructions like walls and trees can disrupt signal from your wireless camera whereas wired cameras are difficult to install in remote places. Hence, you might like to choose the camera according to the landscaping of your property.

Features – Do you want to record data at all times or only when motion is detected? Do you want sound recorders as well? A camera that can zoom will be particularly helpful for outdoor security needs. Dwell on such requirements before selecting your camera.

Installation – How will you mount the camera? Will it hang from a place or attached to a wall. You can opt for cameras will multiple installation options like straps, adhesives, etc.

Climate – Outdoor cameras need to tolerate the vagaries of nature. They need to be protected against extreme temperature and moisture conditions. Choose cameras that can fit into the weather conditions at different times in the year. In case the camera is sensitive, you can build enclosures to protect them. Various IP/IK ratings are in there.

Recording – Will you use your camera only for surveillance or do you want to record data as well? In case you need to record data, choose the source that will receive feed from the cameras like TV, computer or VCR and connect your camera to the right source. Additional software will also be required in case of wireless cameras.

Monitoring – If you are selecting a monitoring agency to keep a tab on your property, it is always better to involve them while installing wireless cameras in the outdoor areas. You can also employ a professional from these agencies to do the installation.