Archive for category: Surveillance

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.

Home Surveillance Systems

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Thanks to the deteriorating law and order, it has become imperative to keep a 24×7 strict vigil on all properties – public, private, commercial, and even homes. This has seen the emergence of a wide variety of state of the art home surveillance systems.

IP Cameras

The core of home surveillance systems are sophisticated cameras which are now based on IP technology.

The concept of a surveillance camera is quite old. However, the cameras of the yester years had severe limitations. The cameras we practically blind at night, and the images could only be watched on specially designed monitors.

Modern IP cameras are of very high definition. The introduction of night vision and infrared technology and IP based technology has brought in a sea change in the world of home surveillance. The images are now sharper, and can be sent over the Internet to places miles away. Hence, it is possible to see live pictures captured by cameras even in a different continent. The introduction of all weather and infrared cameras ensure that images can be taken even when it is pitch dark and can be sent, recorded and played over as many times as needed.

Today, home surveillance video can be seen on any display device as long you can connect that to the Net.

Wired or Wireless

When it comes describing the modern surveillance cameras, they are of two types – wired and wireless. The types of cameras used basically depend upon the purpose and the place where they are set up.

The security system itself can also of two types – Monitored and Unmonitored. Of the two, a monitored system is much more expensive. If you analyze the efficiency of the two types of systems, both have their own good and bad points. There are a number of points that need to be taken into account before deciding which one you use.

Wired Cameras

Wired cameras are generally trickier to set up as there is a need to guarantee the wiring is done properly and hidden from prying eyes. However, these cameras are capable of offering much better quality pictures since they send signals at much higher bandwidths.

Remote Access & Management

Modern state-of-art home surveillance systems allow uninterrupted remote access. Users have the ability to activate as well as deactivate their systems according to their need and can alter the area under the surveillance.

Apart from cameras, home surveillance systems also include mechanism to make a premise absolutely foolproof by managing locks and other security facilities.

Modern home surveillance systems, in every form and type, are almost indispensable in today’s socio-political context. The only thing is that people need to keep in mind is that they have to opt for the appropriate type of surveillance system for the right purpose.

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.

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.

Facts & Myths about IP Surveillance CCTV Cameras

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IP Surveillance CameraSecurity and safety are very high on everyone’s priority list. If you are worried or overwhelmed by all the technical specifications while choosing an IP CCTV camera, it is better to learn a few things about the same.

IP surveillance CCTV is still shrouded in mystery and not many are aware of its features or uses, so there are a number of myths associated with it. When you are learning about IP CCTV, some of the factors that you have to take into account are images, video quality, cost and the difference between analog and IP CCTV.

How An IP Camera Works

IP security cameras work in tandem with a dedicated network over which the video and images are transmitted. The images and videos are further transmitted over the Internet and can be viewed on smartphones, desktops and dedicated monitors. The captured videos and images can be stored on servers, standalone storage devices and flash storage devices. From banks to health facilities, IP CCTV cameras are being used by everyone to provide high degree of security to the residents.

If you have decided to go ahead with the purchase of an IP CCTV surveillance system then you should gain some knowledge about it. You also need to ensure that you buy only the surveillance system that suits your security needs and budget. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the myths and facts pertaining to the IP surveillance CCTV camera as it will help you to understand the system better manner and make it easier for you to decide on the system that suits your needs.

Myths and facts about IP Surveillance CCTV camera:

  • IP CCTV surveillance is very expensive – There is a myth in the market that IP surveillance CCTV camera will drill a big hole in your pocket. People often shy away from IP CCTV because they feel that analog systems are more affordable. The costing associated with acquiring IP surveillance CCTV camera depends on various factors like the quality of the cameras and accessories that you would purchase. There is a wide range of IP CCTV camera available in the market, which suit different pockets and you can easily choose the one that fits into your budget.
  • IP surveillance is not yet proven – Buyers often are misled by retail sellers that IP cameras are still not proven and that it is not very popular. This is one of the biggest myths because the fact is that these cameras are being used by numerous business organizations, hospitals, schools and even being installed by homeowners for a long time now. The network based surveillance cameras have proven to better than the analog cameras and have helped nab perpetrators at various points in time at several locations around the world.
  • Video transmission will disrupt regular network services – Offices or business installations that IP cameras use the same network for data transmission as well as the video or image transmission for the security surveillance. However this never really creates any problem because the overall bandwidth usage is never really taken up by the videos. The video streamed is stored on dedicated servers or storage devices.
  • IP transmission is not at all secure – The IP transmission of videos and images is as secure as your network. Thus, if your network has a proper firewall then there is nothing to worry while using IP CCTV surveillance camera.
  • IP surveillance is not reliable – The speed of your internet connection and its reliability determines the performance of your IP surveillance system. Thus, if you have a reliable internet connection then there is nothing to worry about.

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