Surveillance Systems FAQWhat are the components of a surveillance system?
1. Cameras - wireless, wired, varifocal, fixed lens, etc
2. DVR - Digital Video Recorder - standalone or built in. The "brain" of the surveillance system. Receives recordings from the cameras and allows managing these according to its features (continuous recording, motion activated, etc.) Stores recordings on its hard disk. Most DVRs are networkable and allow remote Internet viewing.
3. Monitor - standalone, your computer
4. Cables and connectors - to connect the cameras to the DVR, and the DVR to the monitor. Wireless cameras do not require cables for connection to the DVR but Wireless Receivers are needed to receive the camera's recordings. These receivers will be connected to the DVR.
Which type of Security Camera should I use?
Security cameras come in many different styles including dome, bullet, infrared, IP, and hidden. The security camera that will work best for your application will depend on several factors such as whether you will use the security cameras inside or outdoors, during the day, nighttime, or both. Security cameras come in black and white or color and come with all of the required mounting hardware. The security cameras casings are weather resistant and do not require added external protection. Most security cameras have a fixed 4 mm lens that allows you to see facial features out to about 35 feet and provides a 70° angle of view. Resolution levels for black and white security cameras are about 400 lines, any higher and the benefits are minimal. For color cameras, the higher the resolution the better. Infrared security cameras allow an image to be seen in little or no lighting conditions. Most infrared security cameras are bullet style and can be used inside or outdoors. The cameras have infrared lighting installed around the outer edge of the lens which allows the security camera to see in no light 25 ft or more depending on the camera model - even further with a little bit of light (like street lighting or an outside light.) Dome security cameras provide a different look. If you have any concerns about tampering, check out our vandal proof cameras. Hidden cameras allow you to capture video without anyone knowledge. Most hidden cameras are designed for indoors use.
What is a varifocal lens?
A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied, namely, you have a zoom capability. Most varifocal lenses have an auto iris feature. Also referred to as "wide angle lens".
What is a fixed lens?
A fixed focal length lens will not zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal. This can be important in low light situations.
What is a Wireless Security Camera?
Security cameras require two wires: one for power, and one to transmit the captured video to a display or recording device (TV, DVR). Wireless cameras only require one wire - for power. The video is transmitted wirelessly via transmitter and receiver devices. A wireless camera is a combination of the camera plus a built-in wireless transmitter to send the video. A wireless receiver will receive the video and transmit it to the DVR.
Do these wireless receivers operate through walls up to two feet thick?
Yes, as long as there is not too much metal in the wall.
How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?
You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver.
Will a cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras?
Cordless phones that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and receiver. Wireless Internet, networks and Wi-Fi can cause interference too.
How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit?
Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2500 feet -- assuming clear line of sight areas.
What is a wired security camera?
Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR or computer monitor or TV.
For what applications should I consider an IP camera?
IP cameras should be considered for large installation sites that already have a high bandwidth network installed - especially if the cameras will be spread out over a wide area. For example; Hospitals, Schools, etc.
Can I get audio in my hidden camera?
No you cannot. According to United States federal laws, audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera. This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras. Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies, with the exception of body worn cameras. Title 18, Section 2512.
What features should I look for in a CCTV Digital Video Recorder (DVR)?
All DVRs are definitely not made equal! There are several factors that are critical to consider when purchasing a DVR, especially when comparing prices. The most important features to look at are the number of cameras supported, frames per second (fps), compression technology, hard drive space, network connection / remote viewing capability, motion detection, scheduling, and ability to save video to a CD or flash drive.
How many hours will a DVR record?
The amount of time a DVR will record is based on the size of the DVRs hard drive, the number of cameras recording and the frames per second. Our stand alone DVRs use 3.4 GB per camera per day. A 4 camera stand alone DVR with a 250 GB hard drive will record for 18 days. An 8 camera stand alone DVR with a 250 GB hard drive will record for 9 days. A 16 camera stand alone DVR with a 500 GB hard drive will record for 9 days.
Using RG 59 Cable vs. Plug and Play Cable?
There are two basic approaches to connecting security cameras and digital video recorders (DVRs). You can use Plug and Play cable or you can use RG59 Siamese cable. Both cable types have video and power cables wrapped in one package. Plug and Play cable is very easy to use. The connectors for power, video and audio are all pre-attached. All you have to decide is what length you need (we offer 25, 50, 100, and 150 ft. models). This cable type is a good choice for homeowners who do not need a cable run longer than 150 ft. The RG59 Siamese cable is more heavily shielded so it is more durable and can be run for longer distances (up to 1000 ft without a repeater). Its heavier shielding makes it less susceptible to interference. Florescent lighting in particular can interfere with camera signals. The RG59 is purchased in 500 or 1000 ft. rolls and each camera run is cut to the exact length needed. You will need to cut the cable to length and attach the connectors.
What is a Plug and Play connection camera?
It is a camera with an RCA Video plug and a power plug for easy connection to DVR or TV. Connect the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the DVR or TV.
Do the Plug and Play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the DVR or TV?
Yes, you need to buy the length of cable you need. We offer the CA-25, CA-50, CA-100 and CA-150.
Surveillance Terminology
CODEC - A term referring to any technology used to compress and decompress large files such as audio and video files for efficient data transfer.
Digital Video Recorder (DVR) - A digital video recorder is a computer that converts the incoming (analog) signal from the cameras to digital, compresses it, and stores it. The DVR replaces the function of a multiplexor (or quad or switcher) and a security VCR. There are many advantages of digital video recorders over their analog counterparts.
fps - Frames Per Second - the number of still frames (pictures) that give the illusion of motion, which appear in a single second. 30 fps is considered “real time”. You need at least 30 fps for each camera for real time viewing or recording with your cameras.
H.264 Compression - The latest MPEG4 compression technology, released in 2003. H.264 provides excellent video compression. You get the same quality image as MPEG4 even at the higher resolutions like full screen D1.
IR - Infrared - IR LEDs are used on Day/Night cameras which allow the camera to record in the dark.
LUX - The measurement of low light needed for the camera to view and record properly.
NTSC - National Television Standards Committee; the analog video representation standard used in the US and South America. Compared to PAL.
PAL - Phase Alternating Line - the analog video representation standard used in Australia, and most of Europe and Asia. Compared to NTSC.
Resolution - Refers to how much detail can be captured on a camera or displayed on a monitor. Cameras typically capture about 380 horizontal lines of resolution. High resolution cameras may capture 450 lines of resolution or more. The higher the resolution, the more detail that can be captured in a picture. The monitors and recording devices can generally handle at least as much resolution as the cameras can capture.
