Archive for category: CCTV

Protect Your People and Property with Video Surveillance

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Video surveillance systems have undergone radical technology improvements over the past few decades. Gone are the days when you had to rely on a CCTV camera that provided blurry black and white images, which did little to identify perpetrators of theft and vandalism.

Seeing is believing…

Today’s video surveillance systems provide reliable, feature-rich, cost effective security to protect your people and property. Management tools allow you to monitor several locations from your office computer or mobile devices when you’re on the go.

The multi-megapixel resolutions of video cameras now allow you to zoom in on a face or license plate number. Smart cameras can be set to detect and report motion in designated areas, and even adjust to infrared for night time surveillance.

PhoneAmerica offers a wide variety of affordable cameras, monitors and recorders. Already have an existing video infrastructure? We have affordable IP cameras that can seamlessly integrate with your older equipment. After our experts look over your current surveillance set-up, you may be pleasantly surprised at how cost effective an upgrade to better technology can be.

Here’s how PhoneAmerica’s capabilities set us apart…

Industry Leading Partners & People – We source from security industry leaders and have relationships with proven local partners. Our team of experts is ready to apply the latest technical advances to your unique protection requirements.

Design, Build, Support – We’re full service. Our consultants, engineers and technicians design, implement and support innovative solutions – including allowing your mobile device to manage and monitor your systems anytime, anywhere.

Project Management, Inspection & Testing – Our team integrates every aspect of your solution from networks to endpoints to deliver uncompromising reliability.

Technical Assistance – We stand behind our products and services. Our responsive 24×7 team of experts is always on call.

Whether you need indoor or outdoor monitoring, PhoneAmerica can customize a solution that’s right for your business. Contact us today at (610) 296-2850.

 

Installing Security Cameras

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Thanks to the changing social structure, and increasing magnitude of antisocial activities, more and more businesses are relying on security cameras. It’s becoming so they are not a luxury any more, but really a necessity. Security cameras are being deployed in the domestic sector as well today. Those days are long gone when they were being used only by the corporate sector, and by the authorities of cities and towns in public places.

The question is whether these devices can be installed anywhere? Are there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration? The answer to these questions is that there are indeed certain things that need to be considered before the installation of security cameras. Let’s look into it.

Enough Power for Your Security Cameras

One of the most common issues that plague installation of security cameras is the lack of adequate power outlets. This is more so when it comes to installing outdoor security cameras. It is not a very wise decision to purchase an outdoor CCTV system, only to find that there are not enough power outlets or power sources to support the installation. You need to have a good idea about the power source and outlet points, and its impact on an effective CCTV system before you opt for the installation. It is not always a simple DIY project and you may need to consult a specialist who will be able to help. Also remember, the power connections should not be tampered with easily.

Selecting The Best Lighting Options

There is a very close relationship between installation of security cameras and lighting. If you like your CCTV cameras to keep a round the clock vigil on your premises, you need to ensure that there is enough lighting for the cameras to ‘see’ during night. However, you can opt for infrared cameras, which are equipped to ‘see’ clearly through pitch-dark nights, regardless of the weather.

Climate

This is yet another issue that needs to be considered before the installation of the security cameras. The general weather that prevails in the region has to be taken into account, prior to selecting a CCTV surveillance system. In most instances, outdoor cameras need to be secured in a weather-proof protective casings.

Maintenance of Secrecy

Though there are some installations that display the security cameras in plain sight, this is not necessarily a wise idea. This is because a criminal will easily be able to locate the cameras, and will work to evade them. While it’s a good idea to caution ‘those interested’ with a sign warning that the area is under the surveillance of CCTV cameras, the cameras should be installed in such a way that they cannot be easily spotted by outsiders. Hence, selecting the locations or points of installation of the cameras needs to be considered.

Opting Between Wired And The Wireless

The final point that needs to be considered for installation of a security camera system is the cabling. Running the cables all through your household or business might be a time consuming task, and the entire setup might look cumbersome after the installation has been done. Thus, your focus might shift to the wireless variety of surveillance system. This is primarily because setting up a wireless or cable-free system is less time-consuming. Moreover, it is easier to set up concealed security cameras using cable-free connections rather than trying to do the same with a cabled system.

About PhoneAM

At Phone America, we have the knowledge and experience to prepare a blueprint for your shift to VoIP. Call us today and we will guide you through the whole process.

Phone America Corporation is a leading supplier of advanced telecom systems for small and large businesses. We serve as a single point of contact for today’s growing communication needs, offering a wide range of telephone equipment, wiring, surveillance systems, telephone cost accounting systems, and voice processing systems.

Call (800) 836-3601 for a free evaluation of your current system and the system you will need to carry your business into the FUTURE.

CCTV Surveillance Systems – Analog vs Digital

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Cases of terrorism, gate crashing, vandalism and other types of illicit activities have seen a sharp rise worldwide over the last few decades. As a result of this, companies are considering installation of state of the art surveillance systems. Even domestic households are not lagging far behind. The fact that a number of companies are coming up with new innovations in the field of surveillance, give people more options to choose from.

CCTV Surveillance Types

There are mainly two types of CCTV surveillance Frazer PA – digital and analog.

In the past, analog system was the only option available to users. As the name suggests, this video surveillance was equipped with analog based CCTV, which used to record on old fashioned video tapes. This technology can only record events.

The most vital limitation of the analog system is that it cannot broadcast live. This made remote surveillance not possible. The quality of image is often far inferior. Moreover, this also asks for frequent human intervention as the recording tapes need to be changed at regular intervals.

The Digital Edge

The scenario has drastically changed with the introduction of digital CCTV recording system. This digital system, uses a digital camera to capture the images. It then broadcasts them live to a remote location in the form of digital signals, over a Local Area Network (LAN) line.

Depending upon the type of server used, the images can be viewed live, recorded, reviewed, and even re-transmitted to anywhere in the world. Besides, the software that is used can also be upgraded for analysis of data collected. This makes tasks like selection of a particular flagged image possible. Apart from all these, digital surveillance systems allow a wide array of other functions.

Difference Between Analog & Digital

The basic difference between the two types of systems lies in the type of camera used. The analog cameras convert video signals into a specific format compatible with TV, monitor and VCR. However, digital cameras, which are actually IP-based convert the analog video signals into digital signals. This is done with the help of a specific encoder which comes up with an on-board web server. Thus the IP cameras basically operate like a network device helping with the viewing of images over an existing network or a web browser. This feed can be accessed by devices connected to the internet.

Even if all these can be overlooked, a digital system will definitely score far better than an analog one simply by virtue of its image quality. Moreover, the modern infrared cameras that are the pillars of the modern IP based surveillance system are equipped to capture clear images even in pitch darkness. This makes these vital when it comes to keeping 24×7 vigilance.

About PhoneAM

At Phone America, we have the knowledge and experience to prepare a blueprint for your shift to VoIP. Call us today and we will guide you through the whole process.

Phone America Corporation is a leading supplier of advanced telecom systems for small and large businesses. We serve as a single point of contact for today’s growing communication needs, offering a wide range of telephone equipment, wiring, surveillance systems, telephone cost accounting systems, and voice processing systems.

Call (800) 836-3601 for a free evaluation of your current system and the system you will need to carry your business into the FUTURE.

The Technology Behind CCTV Cameras

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CCTV CamerasTerrorist activities, robberies, thefts and hooliganism are affecting the lives of people all over the world. It is time to take up the cudgel and fight back. But how do we do that? You and I are just normal people leading a normal life – we cannot think of using arms against intruders or terrorists. The most plausible path is to keep a strong vigil on our offices, homes or public premises that we manage. This can be done when we have a good set of CCTV cameras.

Today, CCTV cameras are used for surveillance at business hubs, public transport, and even apartments. In spite of the huge popularity of these gadgets, we hardly think about the cutting edge technology that drives them. In fact, credit goes to the underlying technology that has led to such high quality devices. Let us learn a few things about the quintessential CCTV cameras, which ensure all-round protection.

CCTV Camera & CCD

The mainstay of a CCTV camera is its Charged Couple Device (CCD) sensor. The function of this device is to convert light into electrical impulse or signal. The electronic circuit inside the camera converts electrical signal into video signal output. This output can either be displayed live on a monitor, or can be recorded. However, the way this video signal output is treated entirely depends upon the type of the camera that is used.

CCTV cameras usually use CCD chips, which are specifically designed to suit consumer camcorders. Previously, chips used were half-inch image diagonal. However, the demand for reduced camera size has resulted in development of one third-inch and very recently quarter-inch chips.

CCD chip cameras are categorized into 2 main varieties – Analogue cameras and digital cameras.

Digital Cameras are available as: –

  • Medium resolution monochrome
  • Medium resolution color
  • High resolution monochrome
  • High resolution colors, and
  • Day/night cameras

CCTV Cameras & DSP

Day/night cameras provide color images during the day and monochrome at night, even in complete darkness. Monochrome cameras offer Infra Red (IR) sensitivity. This why, they can be used with covert IR illumination to track intruders and trespassers. Even a few years back analogue CCTV cameras were the ones used for surveillance. With the introduction of Digital Signal Processing (DSP), users now have the option of using digital security cameras, which produce improved quality of color images.

DSP is basically operated by some computer microchips, or ‘chip sets’. These chip sets have replaced integrated circuits in camera heads.

The DSP technology comes in two categories – standard DSP and premium DSP. Standard DSP cameras offer more reliable image quality than their analogue counterparts. They are also capable of operating under a wider variety of lighting conditions. Premium DSP cameras are equipped with richer functionality, which includes intelligent backlight compensation (BLC). BLC can be programmed or customized to suit the specific needs. These value added features make the Premium DSP cameras highly popular. These cameras facilitate better surveillance at town centers and market complexes which witness higher footfall. One of the main features is the ability to latch onto and track individual moving objects.

Equipped with the above knowledge, you can go ahead with buying a good CCTV surveillance system for your office or home. Complex CCTV cameras that exceed your surveillance needs maybe an overkill. Make an informed purchase so that you get the best surveillance at a pocket-friendly price.

About PhoneAM

At PhoneAM, we have the knowledge and experience to prepare a blueprint for your shift to VoIP. Call us today and we will guide you through the whole process.

PhoneAmerica Corporation is a leading supplier of advanced telecommunication systems for small and large business environments. A total service company, PhoneAmerica serves as a single point of contact for today’s growing communication needs, offering a wide range of telephone equipment, wiring, surveillance systems, telephone cost accounting systems, and voice processing systems.

Please call (800) 836-3601 for a free evaluation of your current system and the system you will need to carry your business into the FUTURE.

5 Advantages of Digital Video Surveillance

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Video SurveillanceSurveillance and security is a prerequisite for running a business without having to worry about thefts and vandalism. Surveillance systems took a huge leap as it moved from its poor quality grainy videos to the clearer and sleek looking digital format. The digital video surveillance systems are helping billions of businesses across the world keep their offices and manufacturing units safe and under constant surveillance.

If you are still using the near-obsolete analog video surveillance systems then it is time to upgrade to its latest digital version. However, even before you go gung-ho over the idea, here is a list of advantages that a digital video surveillance system offers. This will help you to understand what you have been missing till now:

#1 Minimizing losses due to vandalism and theft:

This is one of the primary reasons why you had opted for the old video surveillance system but if the captured images and videos are blurry then recognizing the faces of miscreants and vandals will become even more challenging. However, when you are opting for the digital video surveillance system, you will be able to store more images and videos. The more important feature is that the images and videos are sharper and clearer. You will be able to zoom on the images to get a closer look at the faces of perpetrators. Even the security agencies and police will find it easier to nab the criminals.

As a business owner you will be able to press charges against the criminals and prove your case in the court of law without any doubts. Incriminating evidences can be easily drawn once, you learn about the identity of the trouble makers.

#2 Quick installation and better implementation

Installation of analog systems involved higher number of equipments whereas the digital video surveillance systems use only a few hardware equipments that can be installed without any hassle. You will be able to complete the installation of cameras and viewing consoles with minimum wiring. Installation can be carried out by almost anyone and you might only require little help from the technicians provided by the vendors. Effective monitoring of the surveillance area is possible and the video feeds can be streamed to any location you desire. Your security team will find it easier to record the feeds and can even store greater amount of surveillance feed in the form of digital files.

#3 Remote Monitoring

The latest video surveillance systems come equipped with IP cameras whose feed can be streamed on any device, including tablets or Smartphones. The video feed from the latest IP cameras can be streamed to any device that has an internet connection. You will just need to log in to your surveillance system from your tablet or Smartphone and receive the feeds. Monitoring the surveillance area will be a cakewalk when you know that you can catch a glimpse of all the events occurring within your office, factory or warehouse premises.

#4 Lower costs and Higher scalability:

Digital video surveillance systems are less expensive than the analog equipments. The reason is simple – you need to make only a small investment on the infrastructure to operate the digital system. The wide viewing angles offered by digital video cameras automatically decreases the number of cameras needed to cover a greater surveillance area. Thus, you are able to cut down on your initial investments.

Higher scalability is another big advantage offered by digital video surveillance. If you wish to put more space under surveillance, you can easily do so by connecting new cameras at strategic locations. You will neither need more wiring nor will you be compelled to invest more money.

#5 Distributed Intelligence

Security footage covered by the digital video surveillance systems can be used to pick specific events and movement patters. The security department will be able to get alerts in case the cameras pick up suspicious or unnatural movements. Thus, security personnel do not need to sit in front of the monitors throughout the day.

About PhoneAM

At PhoneAM, we have the knowledge and experience to prepare a blueprint for your shift to VoIP. Call us today and we will guide you through the whole process.

PhoneAmerica Corporation is a leading supplier of advanced telecommunication systems for small and large business environments. A total service company, PhoneAmerica serves as a single point of contact for today’s growing communication needs, offering a wide range of telephone equipment, wiring, surveillance systems, telephone cost accounting systems, and voice processing systems.

Please call (800) 836-3601 for a free evaluation of your current system and the system you will need to carry your business into the FUTURE.

The Complete Guide on Wireless and Outdoor Cameras

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Both homes and businesses need to know how to protect themselves. Setting up a surveillance system is therefore important. If you are a business that has a lot of dealings with the public, such as a restaurant or a retail outlet, it is vital to make sure that you have some kind of CCTV system put in place. When it comes to surveillance systems, you will find that there are a lot of choices. A lot of the time, these security cameras will be hooked up to a central system via wires. However, wires cannot always reach all parts of you infrastructure. To counter this, wireless and outdoor cameras are available, and these can end up being a lot more efficient.

Why Use Wireless Cameras?

Wireless cameras are useful for a number of reasons. A wireless security camera can be placed almost anywhere. While you will sometimes have to use a wire for power, the “wireless” part means that information is sent through a radio band. There are cameras that you can get that will be powered by batteries, however. A lot of the time, these can be used at the likes of festivals where there is no power outlet to hook them up to. Both analog and digital wireless cameras exist. With digital wireless cameras, the transmission signals are encoded as digital packets over a specific bandwidth. There is also a wider transmission available. Quality of video and audio is also a lot higher.

For analog cameras, a transmission range of three hundred feet or ninety meters is available. Theoretically anyone with a wireless receiver can receive the signals. But wireless cameras and receivers have a number of security measures including encoding to ensure only the designated receiver is able to get and view the signals. Others receiving the signals will only see noise. Wireless transmission of video could be affected by other wireless signals in the atmosphere, but technology has advanced far enough to make this moot now. Wireless cameras, for short distances, can transmit very clear videos.

Using Outdoor Cameras

Outdoor cameras are frequently wireless and will often only have a cable that allows the transmission of power and energy. Outdoor cameras are also designed to be durable and withstand a wide range of different types of weather. If you plan on getting surveillance cameras for your home or your business then you need to take a look at whether or not it is water proof. Even if you do have some kind of shelter protecting the camera, you need to make sure that other forms of damage cannot occur. There is no telling what kind of elemental extremes may end up causing problems for your outdoor camera.

Useful Applications with Camera Systems & DVR

Wireless cameras, particularly those that rely on battery power, are more portable and versatile. While the recording time will be a lot shorter, you will be able to use analog and digital security cameras for a range of different purposes.

It is always a good idea to protect your business and this is one of the best ways of doing so. You will always be able to track those who come in and out of your property. You will also have something that can provide you with evidence should a court case happen to occur.

4 Reasons Camera Surveillance can Better your Business

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When shops and businesses were first established by men thousands of years ago in the market places of ancient civilizations, they became the benchmark of the trading and commercial activities that human beings became engaged in, in the years that followed. However, a common problem that has always plagued shops, showrooms, workshops and offices has been the unaccounted for damage that is caused to the properties inside the establishment and this was something that needed to be addressed as soon as possible. In order to fill this gap in the market, the surveillance camera was invented. This could record and deliver a live feed of the events taking place inside the business establishment on a second by second basis.

The video camera in itself was an improvement on the traditional camera that was first invented which could capture photographs and had to be operated by someone. However, the real game changer emerged when inventors discovered that the video camera could be used as a security and surveillance measure if it could be operated without constant human interference. In that regard it could be said that camera surveillance became a revolutionary device in the world of safety and security and before long more and more businesses started using it in order to boost their security cover.

Camera SurveillanceNow, every business establishment needs security guards and other people to keep a watch on the premises at all times for security reasons but it is not always possible for human beings to be in the know about all corners of the office. A fire might have broken out in one corner of the office and everyone might be oblivious to that fact since there might be no one manning that corner of the office. However, if there is a surveillance camera there then the security personnel will be able to check the live feed of the fire and immediately rush in to the spot to douse the fire with fire extinguishers and prevent the damage of property. So, as the reader can understand the surveillance camera works as a pair of electronic eyes for the security personnel at the office. In that regard it can be said that in this day and age, camera surveillance is an indispensable part of the security machinery at any office. More and more offices are going for camera surveillance not only for the cutting age surveillance that they get but also because of the fact that it helps businesses to cut down a lot on the spending that they have on security personnel at the office.

Nowadays, there are numerous camera manufacturers who specialize in the manufacturing of surveillance cameras and it is no wonder that more and more businesses are going to them to get their offices wired with the latest model. It has saved many businesses a lot of money by providing timely alarms for any security breach and in the long run it has proven to be one of the contributors to towards the actual turnovers that the businesses generate.

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