Pci Dvr

Making the Right Choice While Looking for Cctv Security Camera

There are normally six things to look at before Selecting a CCTV security systems;

1. Camera Selection

2. Recording Options

3. Detection

4. Time and Date Stamping

5. Cable and Connectors

6. Camera Protection

1.0 Camera Selection

1.1 Location

Is the camera to be located indoors or outdoors? If outdoors then you need to ensure that it is appropriate for the environmental conditions that are likely to be encountered such as rain, snow, sun-glare, low light etc. Outdoor CCTV camera security systems Outdoor cameras should either be classed as weather resistant or mounted in a special enclosure to provide protection. All CCTV outdoor cameras provided by Voltek are weather resistant and the cable entry points are sealed. The leads are of sufficient length to enable connections to be made inside the building.

1.2 Light Levels

Choosing the right camera based on the amount of available light is very important for an effective security system. An ordinary colour or even monochrome camera will not give very good pictures in low light conditions although the monochrome will perform better than an equivalent colour one. Solutions available for low light conditions can include:

* B&W cameras with built in IR illumination

* Colour Day / Night cameras

* Use of additional security lighting

* Use of a separate IR illuminator in conjunction with a monochrome camera. When using IR illumination ensure that the range of the illuminators is adequate for your needs.

Light levels are usually measured in lux and although full daylight can be around 10,000 lux, dusk can be as low as 1-10 lux, complete darkness is 0 lux and side street lighting can also be less than 1 lux in some cases. The closer a camera is rated to 0 lux the better its performance in low light levels.

1.3 Colour, Black and White or Day Night Cameras

B&W cameras generally provide better image quality than colour ones at lower light levels. They are also usually cheaper than colour ones of equivalent specification. Colour cameras require the availability of good lighting and will generally provide better recognition capability. Day Night cameras provide the best of both worlds in an external environment. They operate as colour cameras during the day (or in good light conditions) and automatically change to B&W when the light levels drop. All Voltek Day Night cameras are supplied with built-in Infra-red illuminators which enable the cameras to see in darkness.

1.4 Wired or Wireless

Wireless CCTV cameras are easier to install. There is no cabling to run from the camera to the receiver and they are ideal for temporary applications, rapid deployment or where running cable is not desirable. TheDay Night wireless Security CCTV cameras cameras do however require a power source and whilst most will have the capability to be powered by batteries these do not have a very long life - a matter of hours in some cases. Wherever possible the cameras should be powered by the mains. Typical range for wireless camera systems is 100m free-space but this can reduce significantly to around 20 meters in a typical household environment. In some cases there is also the potential for interference when using wireless systems.

1.5 Visible Deterrence or Covert / Discreet Monitoring

For visible deterrence the use of larger cameras housed in traditional enclosures are ideal. For covert or discreet applications Voltek supplies Discreet or Covert CCTV security cameras that are:

* Very small and can be installed in covert locations, or

* In enclosures designed to disguise the presence of a camera.

Many of the cameras manufactured by Voltek are both stylish and discreet in the design of their enclosures and this makes them very suitable for domestic applications.

1.6 Audio

If the ability to monitor or record sound is important then the camera needs to have a built-in microphone. This enables one-way audio monitoring. Some cameras such as the SuperCam2 from Voltek have a 2-way speech facility that enables you to speak with your visitor without answering the door.

1.7 Camera Viewing Quality

The resolution, size and type of camera sensor will influence the quality of the viewable image.

Resolution – This is expressed as the number of television lines (TVL) that the camera is capable of producing. The higher the TVL value the greater the resolution and hence the quality of the images. A typical entry-level camera will be around 300 TVL with higher resolution cameras having a value of 400+ TVL.

Size – A larger image sensor will give a better image definition than a smaller sensor. For example, a 1/3” image sensor will produce a better image than a 1/4 ” sensor.

Type – There are 2 types of image sensor. CMOS sensors are mass-produced and used in entry-level cameras to provide cost savings. CCD sensors are used in professional CCTV cameras and provide a higher quality image.

It is important to remember that the quality of the recorder also influences the quality of the CCTV footage. For example, if you use a high-resolution camera but a low-resolution recorder then the CCTV footage that is captured will still be of low resolution.

1.8 Single Camera or Multiple Camera Systems

Do you need to protect and view a single area or multiple areas? If you are likely to require protection of additional areas at a future date then consider buying a system that can be expanded as and when required. Voltek has a range of products that will allow you to connect and use up to 4, 8 or even 16 cameras. These include:

Switchers - These are units that enable a multi-camera system to switch between the various cameras. The switching can be done in a number of ways:

* Manually by the user

* Automatic sequential switching between cameras

* Upon detection of movement by a PIR camera.

Multiple Security CCTV cameras with Switchers The cameras are connected to the switcher and the output from the switcher can be viewed on a TV or it can be connected directly to the recording device such as the VCR or DVD recorder. CCTV switchers can typically allow connection of upto 4 or 8 cameras. The Spectrum control units from Voltek also have additional built-in functionality such as automatic video activation and time and date stamp. It is important to remember however that using a switcher will only allow you to view and record one camera at a time.

Standalone DVRs - Use of digital video recorders allows single or multi-camera systems to be viewed and / or recorded simultaneously.

Voltek supplies a range of 4, 8 and 16 channel DVRs allowing you to install a very comprehensive cctv system.

PC-Based Security Systems - These make use of a PCI card that is fitted inside your computer. They will allow connection of upto 4, 8 or 16 cameras and help turn your existing PC into a sophisticated cctv system.

2.0 Recording Options

If you want to be able to record your CCTV footage then the following factors need to be taken into account:

* Maximum length of recording time required

* Quality of recording

* Method of recording:

o Continuous

o Manual

o Event Led - i.e. when your system detects motion

* Recording Equipment

o Analogue

o Digital

* Capability for storage, retrieval and transfer of cctv footage

2.1 Domestic VCR

This is a simple and low cost option that can provide good quality footage recorded in real time. VCRs can be used to provide continuous recording of up-to 8 hours or event led recording when used in conjunction with a PIR camera and a VCR activator. When using PIR cameras to carry out event led recordings you need to consider the start-up time for the VCR. For example, if the recorder takes a few seconds to actually begin recording each time it receives the signal from the camera then the event may have elapsed before it is recorded (a person walking across the camera range may have passed the field of view before the image is captured on tape). In these situations a separate PIR detector could be used to trigger the recording and overcome this problem. The other thing to bear in mind is that you cannot set the VCR to record a TV channel whilst the camera input is selected.

2.2 Domestic DVD Recorder

These operate on a similar principle to the domestic VCR but offer the additional benefits of:

* Higher quality digital recording

* Increased storage capacity

* Improved search and retrieval capability

However, for disk only recorders the start-up time before recording actually commences is generally longer than a VCR. To overcome this it is recommended that recorders with a built-in hard drive are used

2.3 Standalone Digital Video Recorders

These are rapidly becoming the most popular method of recording CCTV footage. Essentially a DVR is a standalone piece of hardware that is designed exclusively for recording CCTV footage. It has a number ofDigital Security camera recorders clear advantages over the traditional analogue systems and these include:

* Storage Capacity – Days, weeks and even months of high resolution recording is possible through use of large capacity hard drives

* Consistent Quality Recording – No deterioration of image quality no matter how many you overwrite onto the recording device or how long you store the images for

* Viewing and Retrieval – Quick and easy access of footage due to digital format

* Transfer and Storage – The digital format allows ease of transfer and storage of footage. Transfer and storage capability is further enhanced by DVRs with built-in CD writers and USB ports.

* Remote Access – Many DVRs have the capability for remote access from anywhere in the world through use of a remote PC

* Multiplexed Recording – Capability to view and record multiple cameras simultaneously.

2.4 PCI Cards

These are digital video capture cards that can be fitted inside your existing PC to allow the connection of multiple CCTV cameras. The functionality and benefits of PCI cards is very similar to that of DVRs.

3.0 Detection

Even with systems that have a very long recording capacity, it is not always desirable to record continuously. Event-led recording is a more efficient means of capturing relevant footage and can be achieved by:

3.1 PIR Movement Detectors

Some cameras have PIR detectors built-in and for those that don’t it is possible to install a separate PIR as part of the overall system. In multiple camera systems with PIRs the footage that is being displayed on screen will automatically change to the area that has detected movement.

3.2 Video Motion Detection

This is used in digital CCTV systems and works by analysing the video signal from a camera. Changes in signal are recognised as movement and subsequently used to trigger recording if required. All Voltek digital systems allow users to mark one or more rectangular areas within the display screen and only when motion is detected within these areas will the system begin recording. Where possible, use of PIR movement detection is preferable rather than video motion detection, as it more reliable particularly for external use.

4.0 Time and Date Stamping

This feature superimposes the time and date onto your CCTV footage. Having this feature can be really useful to identify when an event occurred and was recorded, particularly if the footage is to be used for evidence purposes. For domestic systems Voltek offers a separate time and date generator that can be added to your system. The Spectrum control CCTV securyty cameras has this facility already built-in. The facility is also integral to all the Voltek range of digital CCTV systems.

5.0 Cable and Connectors

Security camera wires connectors Cameras can be connected in a variety of ways. All our domestic cameras are supplied with 20m of cable and scart and / or phono plugs to connect directly into your TV, VCR or DVD recorder. All our professional cameras are supplied with 20m of cable and BNC connectors that will plug into our range of digital recorders. The Voltek camera leads can be extended upto 100m in total by the use of appropriate extension leads. Co-axial cable with a local power supply to the camera can enable the camera to be sited upto 250m away from the monitor or recording device. Detailed information on connectors and cable for each of the Voltek cameras is available on the relevant product page on the website.

6.0 Camera Protection

If your camera is likely to be a target for vandals then consider protecting it with one of Voltel wire cages is a Security camera wire cages

must. This not only saves your Security cameras from Vandalas but protects any evidences collected during the vandal acts.

We at For your Home along with Voltek really hope the following guide will help you in selecting the perfect security cameras for Your Homes and Gardens

About the Author

We at For your Home are well experienced in helping you make better homes and gardens. You are always welcome to visit our better home and garden online store at http://www.foryourhome.co.uk and our complete home security CCTV cameras systems at http://www.foryourhome.co.uk/home-security/c/1115.html

Satellite TV Online Easy Suggestions In Turning Your Computers Into TV

Satellite Direct

Some of the good benefits that our high technology brings are the different modern inventions that we have in our hands right now. Our way of living has become more high tech as people become more modernized. With these high technologies; we become more comfortable in our way of living. A good example of this is the transformation of our personal computers into televisions.

Easy tip-  To find more satellite direct facts pay a visit to your desired search engine online.   An internet search engine is built to enable you look up advise  on the web. They perform the job just by filing expertise  taken from vast amounts of net pages. The valuables in each world-wide-web site is studied to determine how you can index it to retrieve later on. The index allows details  in order to be observed rapidly.

Listed here are 2 sites to use: Bing.com or cuil.com

Keep reading for several practical tips.

Its indeed a great experience of watching TV in your laptops or computers. Eventually, this would mean dealing with computers and would require your knowledge about it. This will definitely use a TV tuner to transform your PC into TV. The different types of TV tuners appears on USB sticks, Express Cards, PCMCIA cards and also cards that you will insert inside the PCI slots. They allow you to view television on your computer, turning your PC into a multimedia entertainment center. Most of the devices come with video recording software which works like a digital video recorder (DVR). Along with the package is a remote control making you more feel relax on your favourite couch and enjoy the movies. Among these TV tuners, the simplest to install are USB or Express Card tuners. Below are some easy steps when installing the USB or Express Card tuners:

The first thing that you will do is insert the USB or Express Card into a spare USB jack or Express Cards. You have to attach the supplied antenna to the antenna jack on the tuner device.

Next, insert the supplied disc into the disc drive of the laptop or PC. The installation process will start and the software will recognize the tuner device you have attached and install drivers for it. The computers software will automatically set up the software that you need for the TV tuner and recording programs operations. Allow the installation to complete.

Super-quick hint-  For additional Tv on pc information try Podcasts.  Podcasts are similar to web radio shows. A podcast is audio content that may be delivered electronically as an MP3.  You may them listen to the Podcast in your iPod.

Where could you discover Podcasts?  That’s easy, merely go to 1 of these directories: Odeo.com / GetAPodcast.com

Daily podcasts will provide you the choice to register to the podcast. As a subscriber you get alerted when ever there is a new Podcast. You'll be able to then download the content on your iPod and listen on the run.

The applications you is install can already be run. When you run the application for the first time the Setup dialog box will appear to prompt you to scan for channels. On the list left panel, click on the Digital TV option. From the list, choose New and type the name you would like to label this channel collections then press OK.

Next, click Program Scan. This allows the device to look for channels that are available. Remember to keep the antenna in a steady position while it’s scanning for channels. When the scanning process is done, a list of TV channels will be listed in a box. To have the channels save, select apply.

Lastly, choose the “TV Monitor” option in the software wherein after that there will appear a live TV playing. You can change the channel by simply pressing the Up and Down button on the remote control. Move your antenna into a different place or positions if the channels won’t be accepted. If you have a laptop, move it closer to the window. Re-scan whenever you move the antenna.

It would surely be a big help for you if you would follow the easy tips mentioned above. Then enjoy watching TV in your personal computer with the movies that you really love.

If I need a second monitor working on a computer 750 feet away, what type of wire/cable should I use?

I tried to find a video card with a BNC Output, but apparently there is no such thing.....they only seem to come as "Input" on capture cards. This is a work-related question, and its bugging me. Im installing a security camera system, and the company wants a monitor at the DVR (Straight up normal computer with a capture card and large hard disk), as well as the back of their MASSIVE warehouse. The DVR has an open PCI Express slot, aswell as PCI. Any advice???

750 feet is a long way, it's unlikely that any normal kind of cable will get a high frequency analogue signal that far without too much deterioration in quality, and certainly your video card wouldn't be able to drive the signal.

You will need something quite different and specific for the purpose, unless of course you can put a second computer at the remote location and use some kind of remote desktop, but ethernet over copper is typically limited to half that distance even at 10MBPs, so you would need optic fibre.

Transmitting the signal over UHF is likely illegal at the power you would need, so I guess that's out too.

I would say a couple of ethernet cards capable of fibre and another machine at the far end of the warehouse, and do it over remote desktop.

Lorex QLR464 4 Channel PCI DVR Card