Video Surveillance

Why All Businesses Should Have Video Surveillance
No matter what line of business we are in, we all want to feel safe and secure.  We want to be able to focus on making our business profitable and lucrative.  Video surveillance gives us peace of mind and security.  We want to be able to give our full and undivided attention to the day to day operations of the business we own. (…)

Video Surveillance from a Legal Standpoint
From a home security standpoint, disclosure is often an effective deterrent against crime.  Aside from the poor resolution of many of these models, depending upon the legal statutes in your city the footage may be inadmissible in a court of law even though a crime has been committed. (…)

Video Surveillance and Wireless Cameras
As with many of the other types there is the option of black and white or color imagery.  There are also wireless spy cameras available for discretion in surveillance.  Many of them come with weatherproof capability to allow maximum picture quality.  It is important to note that certain models have multi-camera operational capability in the same area.  This means more detailed surveillance for you. 
Another facet of the wireless camera is the use of wireless transmitters and receivers.  Due to less wires involved, these particular models are not as expensive as their counterparts.  You might want to opt for a system with outdoor environmental housing to protect the system from the elements.  Perhaps you want real-time imagery.  No problem.  The wireless cameras are versatile in their capabilities. (…)

What Are Some Potential Pitfalls to Avoid in Video Surveillance? 
If one is not careful, there can be an over-dependence on technology.  This can in turn lead to lax security measures.  Having a video surveillance security system does not mean other security precautions should not be adhered to.  Even with the latest in tamper proof video surveillance no security measure is 100% foolproof.  That is an important fact to keep in mind. 
Decreasing the risk of a crime being committed is not an excuse to become careless and apathetic.  The video surveillance system as a deterrent against crime can only do so much.  It cannot change human error.  Leaving confidential documents or valuables easily accessible to others is something that the CCTV may record but it does not change the fact that extra steps could and should have been taken to prevent such an act to begin with. 
In addition to video surveillance there should be security personnel on duty, contingent upon the size of your business of course.  While the surveillance system is enormously helpful in protecting your assets, your customers and your employees it’s not a reason to be lackadaisical in your duties by relying too heavily upon technology. (…)

Video Surveillance and the Vandal proof Camera
As is often the case these days, for every new security system there is a way to circumvent its effectiveness.  With this in mind, the Vandal proof Camera was born.  It is suited to be tamper-resistant.  One of the available models in fact is an explosion proof model specifically designed for factory settings.  It is easy to see where this particular model would be very popular, particularly being available for under $600. 
Mini-dome surveillance cameras are great for use in malls, retails stores, building entrances and other places where discretion is needed in a public setting.  They are small but they are also sturdy.  Heavy-duty metal casing and high impact dome covers make a good security investment as it would be quite difficult to compromise their housing. 
There are even remote control “intelligent” cameras available.  The least expensive model reviewed was $82. 
When considering this particular type of video surveillance there are multiple benefits to consider:
* Discretion
* Resilience
* Increased peace of mind
* Cost-effectiveness
* Increased security
* High performance
As is the case with other models, there are many selections to choose from and the price ranges vary greatly.  Again after researching different types based upon your business needs and the size of the perimeter to be protected, weigh carefully your options.  Going for the least expensive model due to pricing instead of considering all mitigating factors may not be the best choice. 
Varifocal lens, or fixed lens, there are several options to choose from.  The appeal of the Vandal proof models is their durability to withstand physical stresses.  Another thing that assists the Vandal proof models I their size.  It would be easy for them to go unnoticed due to their unobtrusive size and shape.    This gives you and the public peace of mind and security without being obvious about it.  You have the advantage of deterring crime without overtly broadcasting your intentions to the general public.  A decrease in pick-pocketing, shoplifting, burglary and other crimes as a result of effective use of video surveillance is definitely worthwhile.  The initial amount invested in the system will surely be counter-balanced by the decrease in productivity lost due to crime scene processing.

Video Surveillance and the Small Business Owner
You’ve gotten your business to this point.  A successful business plan, financial backing and you’ve done your research showing sustainable development.  But don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet.  Your job is not complete.  Just as important as all the hard work you’ve put into making your business successful up to this point, is the security of your assets and property. 
With a wide variety of video surveillance equipment to choose from and a broad spectrum of pricing ranges, there is a product for any budget.  You may run your business out of your home, or have an office in town.  It really doesn’t matter where it is located.  Your clientele needs to know that their information is in a secure location and that the chance of a security breach is minimal. 
Based upon your type of business and its size, you will be able to determine what type of system suits your security needs most.  There are black and white security cameras to choose from or color security cameras.  There are also night vision security cameras and infrared illuminators, network ip cameras, wireless cameras and my personal favorite vandalproof cameras.  The initial investment in a good quality surveillance system to ensure business continuity in combination with an alarm system means you can feel confident about the protection of your business. 
This in turn means your clientele are confident in conducting business with you, secure in the knowledge that their private and personal information will be handled discreetly and confidentially.  With identity theft on the rise, many are concerned about having their personal information hacked or stolen.  This investment in security equipment increases your chance of retaining your client base and building upon it in the future. (…)

Video Surveillance and the Protection of Your Home
What comes to mind when you think of home?  Hopefully, a safe and secure place where you can escape from the pressures and insanity of the outside world is paramount in your thoughts.  It has been said that a man’s home is his castle.  This could apply to anyone who owns a home. 
Some of our most valuable and precious treasures are contained in our homes, and this goes beyond any material possessions no matter how valuable that we may have in our inventory.  Our family is our most precious commodity and most of us want to provide a secure, worry-free environment for our loved ones. 
Video surveillance aids us in the attainment of that particular goal.  We can integrate video surveillance and alarm systems into one network.  This means we can combine our motion sensors, and monitor visitors before they approach the premises.  Let’s face it; knowing that you can be recognized and identified in the event of a crime would act as a major deterrent for most garden variety criminals.  It simply isn’t worth the risk. (…)

Video Surveillance and Network Video Recorders
Many of these particular systems can be used in a stand-alone environment or configured to a client/server set-up.  Imagine if you will for a moment the convenience of being able to record from 16 to 32 IP cameras by installation of software. 
No matter what the size of your operation, there is software available that allows you to network video recorders.  Unlike some of the other video surveillance systems, this one is perhaps the easiest to use as it requires software configuration in combination with your own computer. 
This is perhaps one of the more pricey groups of video surveillance systems but certainly worth the money to the technically savvy consumer.  This may actually be a more convenient set-up since the hardware purchase tends to be most expensive investment when obtaining video surveillance equipment. 
The network surveillance recorder easily allows for user friendly accessibility and anywhere from 4 to 32 IP cameras.  It also has multi-camera monitoring/recording capability.  There is also the Intelligent Motion Detection with pan/tilt/zoom into recorded images.  This particular brand of video surveillance is ideally suited to security, industry, quality control and retail as it runs over a computer network. 
Some of the features of Network Video Recorders are as follows:
* Intelligent Motion Detection
* Customized Layouts
* Server/Client separation
* Integration with other software
* Dual monitor
* Dynamic masking capability
* Export of AVI files
* Pan/Tilt/Zoom by image
* Audio support
* Alarm notification by e-mail
* Automatic layout change
As you can see from the above there are many advantages to this particular system.  It is considered user-friendly although it is best-suited to those well-versed in computer technology.  Of the models reviewed the lowest priced system was $780.  The highest was $9,125. 
Just as an aside, the Network Surveillance Recorder provides up to 500GB allows for MPEG/JPEG video compression and compatibility with external storage systems.  Remote operation makes this a good choice particularly with its flexible recording and playback capability.  Its unique features make it an ideal choice for IP security monitoring operations.  Weigh all choices carefully for cost-effectiveness and functionality.

Video Surveillance and Financial Institutions
Whether you are representing a credit union, a bank or some other financial institution security is a major concern in this day and age.  It is challenging to keep up with the constantly changing technological advancements available on the market.  Obsolescence is an ongoing challenge to overcome. 
Despite comprehensive background checks, one cannot deny the perversity of human nature.  And thus we have the advent of video surveillance.  In God we may trust, but others we need to see proof from.  The question remains, what kind of video surveillance best serves the needs of this particular clientele? (…)

Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras
     Many people have decided on using wireless video surveillance cameras.  Wireless video surveillance is basically the same as using a normal camera setup except your cameras transmit the signal via WiFi or a predetermined channel directly to your recording devices.  There are advantages and disadvantages to using wireless video surveillance however. (…)

Video Surveillance Systems
     There are many different types of video surveillance systems available on the market today.  Depending on what you need a video surveillance system for, there are many specialized cameras, monitors, and recording devices available.  Homes and businesses are just a couple places people use video surveillance systems. (…)

Video Surveillance Equipment
     There are many factors you will need to consider before you purchase your new video surveillance equipment.  What is the primary use you will be using this equipment for?  Where are you going to place it?  What type of equipment do you need and at what time of day do you need it to be in operation?  These are just a few basic questions you should ask yourself before buying video surveillance equipment. (…)

Video Surveillance Camera
     There are many different types of video surveillance camera on the market today.  Depending on the type of video surveillance you need, there are specialized cameras that can suit your needs.  A typical video surveillance camera is fairly small but easily seen by everyone.  Hidden video surveillance cameras have very specific uses such as making sure a nanny is treating a child properly.  Infrared and night vision video surveillance cameras can be used for those that need the maximum amount of security during night time hours and for companies that are in high crime areas or are open 24 hours a day. (…)

Video Surveillance
     Video surveillance has been in use for many years.  Its primary application has been a part of a business or home security system.  Video surveillance also is a wonderful deterrent for criminals.  Many businesses have signs that let you know you are entering an area that has video surveillance and might even have a monitor set up so you can see yourself at the entrance or near cash registers.  Video surveillance has helped law enforcement greatly by letting them get a good look at suspects, vehicles, and events throughout any given day. (…)

PC Video Surveillance
     PC video surveillance is a great home security tool that is very simple to set up and use.  Anyone with a PC and a webcam can easily have the ability to monitor a location of their choice whenever they like.  The great thing about a PC video surveillance system is that you can check on it from anywhere you happen to be.  If you have a laptop, you can view any webcam you have set up on your home PC or even have alerts sent to you.  Alerts can be set for certain times or when movement and noise is detected in your home.  Emails can be sent to you with a snapshot of what exactly caused the camera to start recording. (…)

Illegal Video Surveillance in the Home
     Video surveillance is mostly legal in the US.  There are, however, exceptions that may get you in trouble if you aren't familiar with them.  Illegal video surveillance in the home can occur if you have set up a covert surveillance system in a room you are renting to someone, or in any room where people are likely to be undressed.  The bedrooms and bathrooms are not a good place to set up video surveillance and really, there shouldn't be a need to do so in these areas. (…)

Digital Video Surveillance
     The days of VHS tapes piled all over an office are slowly coming to an end.  With digital video surveillance becoming cheaper, many businesses and homes can afford to make the change away from old tape based systems.  Digital video surveillance has many distinct advantages over older analog and tape systems.  There are no tapes to change, the quality of the recordings doesn't diminish over time, and the quality of the recordings can be very high.  You can even use your home computer to run all of your digital video surveillance equipment with the addition of an inexpensive PC card. (…)

Audio and Video Surveillance System

     An audio and video surveillance system is a better choice for many people as opposed to just a video surveillance system.  By adding in the ability to record audio, not only can you observe what is happening but you can listen to what is being said as well.  This has many benefits over standard video recordings because you can see and hear everything just like you were in the room.  Many businesses are using an audio and video surveillance system so in the case of a robbery or even a claim by an employee, it is very easy to review that specific date and time and watch and listen to what happened for yourself. (…)