Future-Proofing Your Surveillance System

When searching for the right surveillance system, it’s obvious to want to go the cost-effective route, no matter if the application is residential or business.  But what if you spent the money in the present in order to save the money in the future? Future-proofing your surveillance system is getting more and more popular in the security industry. Following are three helpful tips to preparing your system for the future.

• PC-Based DVRs – A PC-Based DVR provides you the ability to utilize both analog and IP cameras. They are used in larger installation projects that may require maximum performance and flexibility. They contain upgradeable DVR cards that allow you to utilize the necessary software to incorporate IP cameras to your system at any point. So the next time you think about using a standalone DVR, think about if you will want to have features like facial recognition or object detection as part of your surveillance system. If that’s the case, future-proof your system with a PC-Based DVR, and use both analog and IP cameras to enjoy the best of both worlds.

• Use Cat5 instead of coaxial cable – So here’s an idea for the cost-effective buyer who still decides to purchase a standalone DVR instead of a PC-Based DVR. Go ahead and run Cat5 (Category 5) wire instead of coaxial cable. This way, if it comes time to upgrade your system to a PC-Based DVR with IP cameras, at least you don’t have to rewire your location. This will also save you money on installation because Cat5e is cheaper to run. Installs are also made more manageable because you can run power to one central location, rather than having it in several different locations.  Cat5e is also about 10-20% cheaper than coax wire, with installs sometimes being over 50% more cost-effective as well.

• Video Balun technology- Most video baluns provide a solid solution to extending your cable runs by using Cat5e/ Cat6 cable. By using this type of cable, you can upgrade your security system in the future by utilizing IP cameras (pending you have a hybrid PC-Based DVR). Also, video signal is stronger when using Cat5e, and since the wire contains 4 pairs, you can use one for video transmission, while the extra pairs can be used for power (or even PTZ control function for cameras using RS422 or RS485 protocol).

Surveillance System Maintenance Tips

I’ve spent well over 10 years in the field, going out and performing installations and service calls for clients and their surveillance systems.  Based on my experiences, I have compiled a list of helpful tips to help you prolong the life of your security camera system and ensure your investment lasts as long as possible. These are simple tasks you can perform yourself, or they can be something you talk to your provider about and have them come out monthly, quarterly, or even annually to ensure you’re maintaining a clean and productive system.

1)    Check the connections that attach behind the DVR to ensure they are not loose or brittle, as this can cause an unexpected cameras loss on the DVR.

2)    If your camera system is more than 2-3 years old, look at your power supply box; if the box has individual fuses on each camera, it’s time to update.  Most systems should carry a non-fused resettable power supply, meaning your cameras will be protected in the event the power supply gets jolted.

3)    If you notice from time to time you have dust gathering on electrical devices in and around your office, keep in mind that it will gather on your cameras as well.  Get a duster and regularly wipe them down – dust forming on the lens can cause a distortion in the view.

4)    If you have an outdoor camera in a weatherproof enclosure you can open, look at the seals and bushings around the housing – if it looks dry, cracked, or doesn’t fit correctly, then replace it with a new enclosure.  Moisture and humidity can easily enter camera housings and damage the cameras within. If the seal looks dirty, wipe it down with a dry cloth.

5)    Whether you own a PC-based or a Linux-based standalone DVR, make sure to perform a reboot on a regular basis. This helps the system have a cool-down period, and also in the event it receives and new firmware, updates these can changes can take effect and allow your system to be more efficient.

Five Reasons Why A Security Camera System Will Benefit You

1. Theft deterrent: We’ll go with the most obvious reason first. Nobody ever wants to get caught in the act, so if they detect cameras in the area, chances are they’ll most likely exit the premises post-haste!
2. Gives peace of mind through remote viewing: Ever go on vacation and wonder how the house is doing? Well now you can with the latest wave of CCTV software. View your cameras through the ease of your smart phone or internet. Also, if you think someone is entering your home while you’re gone, click the app on your smartphone, and have your home’s security at the tip of your fingers! There’s no more need to ask the creep next door to keep on eye on your property.
3. Tax write-off: Many people may not be aware, but securing your home with surveillance is a tax write-off. Implementing security and saving money is a win/win situation that’s hard to pass up on!
4. Reduces shrinkage: Many business owners realize that the majority of theft is internal. It’s time to keep your employees honest, and stop those sticky fingers! It also comes in handy whenever an incident happens and you have the physical proof to back up your claims.
5. Promotes safety: In a sense, CCTV ties everything I said together to enhance a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Having peace of mind knowing that eyes/cameras are everywhere gives people a sense of comfort. Plus it will severely reduce any mischief that could occur in a home or business.

Smartphones and Surveillance

MPRMS Security App

One of the most asked question I hear daily in the CCTV industry is, “May I view my surveillance system from my smart phone?”  We can all recognize the crazy growth of smartphone usage over the past few years, and at the rate the CCTV industry is climbing, it makes since that the demand for viewing a surveillance system over a phone would increase.

The “phone application” feature is one that allows business owners, executives, and parents a peace of mind that allows them to focus on more important tasks other than the accountability of an employee, husband, or son.

Setting up an app is not always as straight forward as you might be told. All apps require a minimum of three things: IP address, password, and port numbers. The specifics might not always be known by the user, so having technical assistance could be crucial.

You do want to confirm with your CCTV supplier what apps are compatible with your DVR. However, please do not be intimidated by the ease of use these applications provide. Many new and exciting features are soon to hit the market in the way of smartphone viewing, and this promising growth is sure to please home and business users alike.

Some popular smartphone surveillance apps:

• GeoVision GV-iView for iPhone
• GeoVision GV-aView for Android
• MEye for Android
• MPRMS for iPhone
• MPRMS for Android

Assessing Your Access Control Needs: Getting Your Foot in the Door (Part 2)

Nathan’s last article on access control solutions was set out to help you understand the different types of doors.  Part 2 focuses on different types of locks.

Access Control can be installed in several types of applications. Doors types are usually pretty common, and there are several different locks that can be installed on each style.

Electronic Strike:

This device can be installed on many different styles of doors but will generally require a metal frame to help support the lock (a door is only as strong as the framing that supports it).

Magnetic Lock:

This is commonly used when either the frame is not hollow and cannot support a strike. This is a very common lock you’ll find if you have glass or solid metals doors.  You may also find this style of lock on any application that is secured by a double door, whether it be glass, metal or wood.

Electric Bolt:

This lock is designed for special applications. You will typically find this type of lock on gates or secured fenced-in areas.

Keep in mind not all doors require a lock mechanism.  Access control can be implemented on several different applications that do not look like your typical door. For example, access control software with a valid badge reader can authorize the opening or closing of parking garage or access gates that you may encounter from within your vehicle. Another example would be electronic sliding doors that you may encounter while walking into office buildings, hospitals, or airports. Again, these doors use a motor to drive the doors open and closed, and they can be monitored by the access control system to give the ability to secure them at any certain time, in addition to providing access to only certain personnel.

Wireless Security Cameras = Future Company Growth

Some companies take on change while others resist it.  Does anyone remember Eckerd’s drug stores?  If not, I don’t blame you.  Resistance to change is what ended Eckerd’s run as a strong force in the drug store market.  Meanwhile, taking on change helped keep Walgreens alive, with the addition of the drive through pharmacy, among many other things.  The point is, change is inevitable.  Simply put:

You can either change and progress, or resist change and fade away.

source: www.activerain.com

One area that is often discussed in the security camera market is wired vs. wireless security cameras.  Customers want wireless.  Installers want wireless.  Dealers want wireless. 

Question: What are RELIABLE and COST-EFFECTIVE wireless solutions?

Short answer: Hard to find.

They are becoming more readily available with time, but this is a change that WILL happen.  It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN.

Being in the security camera industry for almost 6 years, I have not been too pleased with the variety of QUALITY wireless solutions available, analog or IP, until the past year.  This area promises significant growth in the coming years, since we are continually moving towards a wireless world.  Could you imagine your iPhone, Android device, Blackberry, or iPad being wired to another device?  Basically, NOT wireless?  Absolutely not!  This is the mindset that most end users are thinking with, as we are becoming a more wireless society.  On the dealer and installer side, there are some significant profit advantages to wireless security camera solutions, as well, such as ease of installation, increased range and reduced human resources.

Ease of Installation: Wireless solutions offer an ease of installation, when compared to wired solutions.  This can reduce the amount of time that installers are on the premises, making for less interruptions and a happier customer.

Increased Range: Wireless camera solutions offer an increased range, when compared to wired solutions. This can allow you to cover larger premises that previous wired solutions may not have been able to handle.  The increased range of wireless will allow installers to handle 30-40 foot ceilings, cement walls and multi-tenant installs, among many others.

Reduced Human Resources: Wireless solutions require a reduced amount of human resources, when compared to wired solutions.  Since there is no cable pulling, line testing, etc., this will allow installation companies to have more installers at more sites.

Here’s to wishing you a Happy New Year and continued success in 2012!

Facial Recognition Technology in CCTV Camera Systems

Although there have been many advancements in security applications, one of the most intriguing developments in the security marketplace is facial recognition. Whether you’re trying to protect mass transportation, identify a known hot check writer at a bank, or requiring details on who may be entering a secured entrance, you’ll notice facial recognition technology’s importance in today’s society is definitely on the rise. Sales, licensing and integration of facial recognition hardware and software generated approximately $390 million in 2009. So we know there is certainly a market for this equipment. But while the technology gets closer and closer to popularization, we still have a way to go before we start seeing it implemented in regular daily usage.

There are specific algorithms that call for certain frontal activity, but unless an individual voluntarily self-identifies, the program is not likely to be able to do nothing more than to record the individuals image and do some good old-fashioned investigating. And since the quality of facial images is driven by the performance of the system, good lighting and subject orientation as well as motion, all play a part in the ability to obtain a good facial detection.

These types of systems are being installed mostly in civil identification projects, which do offer controlled environments. Applications include matching people to their supposed passport photos, or making sure a customer at the Department of Motor Vehicles hasn’t already applied for (and received) a driver’s license. Facial recognition is quickly gaining acceptance in virtually any situation where you can cut down on a person’s ability to create a fake identity.

Geovision, a leading manufacturer in surveillance software, incorporates video analytics in their security systems such as Face Detection in Object Index, which is used to detect human faces in the video and save them as thumbnail image index. It is suggested to be installed near the entrance and exits. Once there is an index with headshots of each individual, you can then use that information to either allow or deny access.

When implementing this type of software, it will certainly make security officers, guards or surveillance directors more efficient, however this technology is still years from becoming automated.

Home Camera Systems, Smartphone Control, and Soccer Moms: Just Tap the App!

The United States military uses cameras to insure the security of the country by protecting the borders and seeking out aggressors. All over the world, cameras on unmanned planes called “drones” are flown by pilots located in Tampa Florida. Their job is to gather information and even combat enemies if needed.

But now, a new breed of soldier is using this same type of technology to protect her home and keep a watchful eye on the kids while her husband is napping on the couch — she is the “Soccer Mom.”  In today’s advanced technological world, we find Soccer Moms becoming more and more prepared for the rush of a crazy weekend by keeping their homes in clear view with security cameras.

A trip to the lake, grocery shopping, and baseball games scheduled with three kids all at different times can be difficult to manage, but with the birth of the home security camera combining with the power of smart phones, it’s just as easy as “tap on the app”.

Kelly Morrison is a 24-hour soccer mom in Frisco TX, and while living up to the stereotype of racing her SUV all over town to get to a game, she now has a better view of what is going on while she’s away.

I asked Mrs. Morrison a few questions about the changes in her life with her new home security system.

• What is the biggest benefit of having home cameras? “Making sure my husband is not just watching ESPN, but instead feeding Conor before the baseball game!”  She jokes, but with a simple “tap the app” she can look in her kitchen, kid’s room, hall, den, backyard, front yard, front door, driveway and garage.

• Do the kids like the camera system? “Yes and no. I have a place where they do homework, and since I’m home when they are, it’s nice that their dad can see them while he’s on the road.  If they have any real issues they know it’s not only viewed by my husband but we can also review the information for any clarification to get the real truth out.  I am not saying that our kids do bad things, but ever since we added the cameras they know what the real world expects and how you should act even at home.”

• Does your husband like home security cameras? “Yes – definitely; he comes from a military background, and he travels all week.  It’s really nice for him to simply tap the screen to see if our dog Jeter is in the backyard or sleeping on our bed.  He feels comfortable knowing that if anyone did something to the home, then our evidence can be presented to local law enforcement to help catch the perpetrators.

• Do you see any drawbacks to having a home camera system, and what advice would you give others in the market for one? “We don’t think there are any drawbacks, but we would stress that when you purchase the main system, make sure you have room to add future cameras.  We started with a four camera system, but in less than one year we upgraded to a 16-channel system.  My husband bought a new Harley, and yes, that needed a new camera on it.”

• When did you decided to purchase your system? “We got the idea to do this from a special offer in a local supermarket, but when we realized that a good setup required professional attention, we called local experts that supplied the equipment, guidance, and prices we were looking for.  It kept my husband from falling out of the attic, and our cameras were tailored for our needs.”

As Kelly walked me out to my truck she took out her phone, and within a few seconds she showed me all the cameras up on one screen in real time.  “This is the best thing that a parent can have, and that is the ability to see their kids when they are just old enough to be home alone”.   Upon leaving, I didn’t just keep the phone number of the company they went with for the cameras — I made an appointment.  Kelly the “soccer mom” sold me on the system simply by showing it to me on her phone.

What started off as an interview on the benefits of home security cameras ended up being the best investment I could have made for my home and family.