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Archive for the ‘Home Security’ Category

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The CCTV System Explained

Monday, December 5th, 2011

Closed Circuit TV or CCTV has become one of the most essential security equipments used both for personal or business use.  Basically, a CCTV system is a set-up of two or more video cameras hooked up to TVs located elsewhere in the property for easy monitoring.  You’ve seen these systems in movies, banks, casinos, retail stores, factories production lines, theaters, malls, schools, and even private residences.

A CCTV system is regarded as a closed and private transmission security measure that is limited in scope and cannot be accessed by anyone outside the system. This is the main difference with a regular TV which accepts signals from open transmissions.

Not long ago, this type of surveillance system used to be extremely expensive to operate because of the high-priced equipment and limited technology. This has all changed and it is now possible to buy an entire system in computer stores, from online dealers, and sometimes, even in the mall.

There are different kinds of cameras that can be used for the CCTV system. The choice would depend on:

  • Image Type – Colored of Black and White, Night Vision capable or dim lighting capable
  • Number of Frames/Second (fps) – The ideal number is 30 fps because it can capture at real time pace but 1 to 6 fps can do a reasonably good job in capturing images
  • Pan/Tilt/Zoom (PTZ) – This refers to the manipulation of the camera as controlled by the operator. Generally, the size of the area to be monitored will dictate if the PTZ feature is necessary.
  • Special Options – These are accessories that prevent vandalism, outdoor use, and special mini sizes
  • Power Options – It’s a choice between battery-operated or powered by electricity.

In choosing cameras, the options are between digital and taped. To tape data will need the VHS or VCR tape and analog recorders. This is more affordable than the digital CCTV which can consume hard drive space in less than 100 hours as compared to the tape which can record almost up to 1000 hours.

Installing a CCTV system is very basic. Choose between wireless and wired. The main problem with fixed wiring is that the farther away the cameras are from the main system, the more distorted the images can be. The only way to remedy this is by using high quality cables.  With the wireless transmission, it is ideal to avoid obstacles that would block the frequency even if there are cameras whose frequencies can penetrate through walls.  Also, the ideal range would be 150 feet for good data transmission, although 200 feet will still work.

Technical features aside, what about the ethics of having a surveillance system? Are there laws that govern the use of these type of equipment?

In the United States, there are 13 states that do not allow the unauthorized use of surveillance cameras in private properties. Many states have laws that make it illegal to have surveillance cameras in specific areas like locker rooms and public restrooms. There is no single law that encompasses all states. Thus, to determine the requirements for using a CCTV system, check your state and local laws.

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How to choose a Home Security Camera

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Surveillance cameras are being used every where these days, all the malls and almost all stores and small shops have installed surveillance cams to stop thefts and burglaries. You must have probably heard of the net of cams in the Las Vegas casinos, yes without cameras the surveillance staff wont be 1/10th as effective.

Taking the cue from the commercial segment many companies introduced home security camera a few years back, but, back then only the rich could afford the expensive home security camera systems. However, nowadays with development of technology, as home security camera is getting cheaper more and more people are able to afford them. Yes, today even a $30 cam can be turned into a home security camera, its no more a rich only option.

When selecting a home security camera, make sure it can take clear pictures in the radius you want to set it up. Systems like analogue closed circuit television may run cheap but its not worth the money. It saves recorded coverage to tapes which are not only expensive in the long run but will also take up a lot of space.

With the advent of internet and like I said earlier, development of technology, we have cheap yet good quality home security camera available that send live feeds to the internet and save coverage at a secured location. You can either watch the feds live or browse through the saved data at any point of time. Install two-three home security camera in a room depending on how big the room is and you can watch what is going on in your house from 5 miles or 5,000 miles away.

For those on a very tight budget, there are the fake home security camera which are very much like the original ones and some even swivel on their axis like the original ones but this strategy is only effective in preventing the crime rather than catching the crime.

However, if you arent on a budget you should go for tiny cams which can be hidden behind or within objects and are hard to find. These cams when combined with the right software can give you the perfect home security camera system. On the other hand if you want to make it clear to the burglars that your house is not a good choice, install a large cam, a must do for people installing fake cameras, at a location where it can easily be seen.

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How Home Security Monitoring Works

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

Home security monitoring does not mean that there will be 24 hour a day surveillance of your home to ensure that your home is protected from a burglar. At least it does not mean that in a literal sense but home security monitoring does provide you and your family 24 hour a day protection from burglars and in some cases, even fire. The level of protection that you receive will depend on the complexity of your home security system and the capabilities of the security provider you have chosen. The one thing in home security monitoring that is relatively similar no matter which provider or system you choose is the sequence of events that occur while the security system is in use. This article will provide a brief synopsis of how home security monitoring works.

Just about every home security monitoring system is activated as the first step in the process. Usually the homeowner pushes a button or series of buttons on the keypad to turn on the security system. This sends the message that the security system should trigger if it is breached in any way. Once this happens the various components of the home security system are activated. This may include access contacts, motion detectors, security cameras and any other components of the home security monitoring system. These components remain activated until the homeowner returns home and deactivates the home security monitoring system. Again, this is usually accomplished by typing in a series of numbers in the keypad.

If there is a breach of security, the home security monitoring system will begin a sequence of events. In most cases the first event, upon detecting an intruder, is to sound a warning alarm. This is usually a low level alarm and the intent of sounding this alarm is to allow the home owner the opportunity to deactivate the alarm when they return home. The homeowner usually has approximately 30 seconds to deactivate the alarm before the home security alarm system takes the next step.

If the alarm is not deactivated two things happen simultaneously in the home security monitoring system. A loud alarm is sounded and a message is sent to the monitoring station that there has been a breach of security in the home security monitoring system. This message reaches personnel at a 24 hour per day monitoring station who respond to this message. The first response is to contact the homeowner to determine whether or not the home security monitoring system has been breached or it was a false alarm. If the homeowner does not respond to the home security monitoring personnel and supply them with a security password, the staff will contact the local police department and send them to your address.

Home security monitoring is a precise service that has a clear path of action. Most home security monitoring companies react and proceed in a very similar fashion when a security system in their network is breached. While each home security monitoring company may have differences they all generally work in the same way.

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How Does A Security System Work?

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

Protecting your family and your possessions is important to most people. A home security system may minimize the risk of having a burglar enter your home. Studies show that criminals will avoid risky ventures and will generally stay away from homes where there is some type of security device. Most thieves case the neighborhood to determine which homes are easiest to break into and will target those before risking getting caught by disarming an alarm system. Even if a thief does access your home they are likely to leave quickly (thus taking less and minimizing damage) when an alarm is sounding.

A security system consists of a key pad, usually located near the entrance of the home and alarms that will sound when there is an alert. You arm the alarm by pushing a button. If you are leaving home, you will have a few seconds to leave before the alarm is fully functioning. If re-entering, you will have a few seconds to disarm the alarm by entering a pass code.

A security system works by a variety of different means or a combination of them. Contacts placed on doors and windows will detect when they are opened. When you are not in the home, use of motion sensors can be helpful. Your home should not have activity when you are gone, so any motion detected will signal an alarm because it is assumed there is activity where there should not be any. Glass breakage detectors will sound if an intruder forcibly breaks a window or door in your home.

A combination of these sensors is recommended for maximum protection and security. Motion sensors alone may not provide adequate security and only work after someone has already entered the premises. These may also get triggered by active pets, causing a false alarm. Most alarm systems will allow you to remove this option when you are inside the house so anyone awakening during the night will not accidentally set off the system. Another good feature to have is a panic setting. These will allow you to immediately set the alarm off in case of an intruder. A special code is often assigned for cases of kidnapping or forced entry. If a criminal forces you to disarm the alarm, you can put in the special code. This will send a silent alarm to the police, alerting them of a possible hostage incident. No alarm will sound but police will be dispatched.

For maximum security, monitored alarms should be used. This will alert police when the alarm sounds. Generally a callback will be made to determine if there is an actual problem before dispatching authorities. If nobody answers or the secret word that was assigned is not used, police will then be dispatched to investigate. Monitoring is done on a monthly basis for a small fee. It also usually requires an annual permit that can be obtained inexpensively. False alarms where police are dispatched may be charged to the customer for needlessly sending out authorities, so be sure to call the monitoring company if there is a false alarm.

Using a home security system will provide comfort to the family. Knowing you, your family, and your possessions are secure from theft and break-ins is invaluable. Security systems are inexpensive yet provide a valuable sense of security.

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How Does A Home Security System Work?

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

Home Security System are used throughout the United States, people know what Burglar alarms are and what they are used for. Nevertheless they may not know how they operate. Let?s see how this protection system works in detail.

The Circuit

Home Security Systems are a simple electric circuit. To open or close a light, you simply throw a switch. In a burglar alarm it?s the same except the switch detects the movements of the intruder such as the opening a door or window.

Two categories

In a closed-circuit system, the electric circuit is closed when the door is shut. This means that as long as the door is closed, electricity can flow from one end of the circuit to the other. But if somebody opens the door, the circuit is opened, and electricity can’t flow. This triggers an alarm.

In an open-circuit system, opening the door closes the circuit, so electricity begins to flow. Also in this system, The Alarm is triggered when the circuit is completed.

Magnetic sensor
A magnetic sensor in a closed circuit consists of a few simple components.

– a battery powering a circuit
– a spring-driven metal switch built into a door frame
– a magnet embedded in the door, lined up with the switch
– a separately-powered buzzer with a relay-driven switch.

Control box

The control box is hooked up to one or more alarm circuits, but it also has its own power supply. Once the alarm is triggered, the control box won’t cut it off until somebody enters a security code at a connected keypad. In most installations the control box is kept in a veered place so that the burglar can’t even think of disabling it then the alarm goes off.

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Homeland Security Equipment – Gas Masks

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Homeland security is the number one goal for the United States Government and it should be goal for all the citizens. The deadly attacks on Sept. 11 and the recent London bombings have highlighted the importance of safety and security and emergency preparedness throughout the world. The homeland security threat level has been raised to elevated status by Texas homeland security department. As per the Texas homeland security department the elevated level is defined as:

There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the actions recommended under lower threat levels, agencies should consider:

Increasing surveillance of critical infrastructure and significant locations.
Coordinating emergency plans as appropriate with nearby jurisdictions.
Assessing and disseminating information and warnings as appropriate.

Emergency preparedness was discussed elaborately on National Public Radio (NBR) and was emphasized that safety equipment like gas masks need to be procured by every citizen of the United States and be prepared for any disaster from future terrorist attacks. They also mentioned that it is time for people to consider these warnings seriously and an action plan to safeguard themselves and their loved ones need to be formulated.

There are a number of products available on the market to protect you and your family from unexpected attacks on your safety, including products like gas masks that could be specified as Homeland Security equipment. Whether you are facing an intrusion of your privacy or a terrorist attack directed at your workplace, there are products available from fire safety equipment, gas masks to surveillance equipment which can provide an extra layer of protection. Even when your home may be insured against damage, insurance will not protect your health in the event of a fire. Even though you may never need to reach for the fire extinguisher, it is always safer to have it on hand in the event of an emergency.

Gas masks can provide you safety in the event of a breach of homeland security, such as a chemical or biological attack. They can also be used in industrial and agricultural environments in which there are a large number of airborne pollutants. When you need protection for both your eyes and respiratory system, consider the gas masks which has been approved by the EU and NATO as a personal protection device.

There are surveillance equipment like video surveillance equipment which would help guard your premises and aid you further in improving your safety and security. You may also look into audio surveillance equipment such as our phone line analyzer to ensure that your data transfers and conversations are protected. Homeland Security and the related products can help you take action to ensure your safety and that of your loved ones.

More information about of gas masks and how they work is at http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com/learnmore.html and to learn more about homeland security equipment visit http://www.bestsafetyapparel.com/arre.html

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Home Security Systems Info

Sunday, February 27th, 2011

It is vertical markets leaders in the home security, appliance and automobile industries that need to start scratching their heads and thinking about reaching new business owners. DVR system, digital subscription TV services, and home security systems are all dependant on a standard phone line to function. To combat this fear, many people are increasing the level of home security to protect their families and valuables.

This is the latest version of the drive-by garage door remote theft where criminal would use universal remote controls to open garage doors without arousing the suspicions of neighbours, police, or home security companies. The best way of making the most of any home security discount that your insurance provider offers is to ensure that your house is fitted with dead bolt locks, smoke detectors/alarms, and if possible a burglar and fire alarm that is monitored. For example, let’s say you’re selling home security products.

A classic piece of rubbish for the security book would be:-”We at ACME security have been leaders in the field of home security for over seventy years, winning the Queens award for industry on at least five occasions. Security Services Internet can be compared to services like ADT home security. There are less dramatic, but nevertheless fear-inspired, examples: Fear incites us to buy life insurance, to floss our teeth, to buy cars with airbags, to install home security systems and to purchase guns.

Consider these technology services related keyword examples and the results they yield on Google:

* Home Office Supplies: 450,000,000 results
* Satellite TV: 61,900,000 results
* High Speed Internet Access: 123,000,000 results
* VOIP: 112,000,000 results
* Long Distance Services: 67,000,000 results
* Internet Conferencing: 40,600,000 results
* Web Hosting: 295,000,000 results
* Home Security Systems: 481,000,000 results

If a person wanted to a comparison shop for these technology services, they would spend days, even weeks, going through all of these results, in order to find the best deal on all of these services. Some less than obvious facts are that new business owners are 150% more likely to install a home security system in their home within the first 6 months of starting their business.

$1 per click to Google to advertise under the keyword phrase burglar alarm, but if they wanted to advertise using the keyword phrase home security systems they pay approximately $5 per click to Google. This may be the ideal time to install that home security system you’ve been thinking about.

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Home Security Systems – Protecting against more than just break-ins

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Home Security Systems – Protecting against more than just break-ins

When most people think of monitoring their home security system they think primarily about its ability to alert the police of a break-in. What they aren’t aware of is the lesser know capabilities of the modern alarm system, which is environmental monitoring

For example: you can monitor the amount of carbon monoxide that is present in your home. Smoke Detectors, water level sensors and low temperature devices
can also be monitored by home security systems. Although monitoring of these devices is becoming more popular it will be some time before it becomes a regular feature of every system.

News accounts have helped push the awareness of these capabilities. Every time there focus is placed on the effects of radon gas or other dangers such as fires in the home there is an increase demand for this type of monitoring.

Unfortunately it takes a tragedy to motivate most people to take action. Adding environmental monitoring devices to a new security system or existing ones is relatively simple. Once installed, the alarm system is programmed to make an audible sound or silent alarm depending on what type of device is being monitored.

If you have a low temperature sensor to prevent freezing pipes you wouldn’t want the siren blasting you out of bed in the middle of the night but you would want to know if there is too much carbon monoxide in your home.

For those who are aware of the full capabilities of an alarm system it may come down to the cost issue whether or not to add extra equipment. Although cost is a valid concern one should also consider all the risks involved.

A break-in takes a human and a conscience decision to target a particular house. Where as fires and other acts of nature are not so discriminating. Think about all of the things that run on electric in a home. Any one of them has the potential for starting a fire.

Dont get me wrong; Im not talking about spontaneous combustion but normal wear and tear to the electrical cords etc. A fire or a flooding basement can damage an entire house costing many thousands of dollars. A break-in on the other hand is less likely to reach the same level of damage

When put into this perspective its not as hard to justify the cost of the equipment versus the potential risk you can avoid. Check with your insurance agent to see what discounts they give for monitoring your home security system.

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Home Security Systems – Best Way to Keep your House

Monday, February 7th, 2011

Home Security Systems – Best Way to Keep your House Safe

The number of burglaries and property violations are continuously increasing so an alarm monitoring system may be a perfect solution to prevent thefts. Recent research has proven that owning a home security system makes you 3 or 4 times less likely to be burglarized. Who knows, maybe acquiring a home alarm system may even save your life! Many times thieves and burglars prefer robbing a house without a home alarm system than a house that has one installed.

What can a home security system do? Well it can monitor a house 24 hours a day, and if something unusual occurs, it sends an alarm signal through the phone line. After the signal is received, a phone call is made to your house to see if everything is all right, and if no one answers or the incorrect password is provided then the local police is alarmed.

Setting a home alarm system up takes only one hour, and then it will work for months. It should be tested periodically however in order to make sure everything works just fine. In case a power failure occurs, the home security systems are equipped with a battery that can keep them running for 24 hours.

If you decide to purchase a home alarm system you should also follow some simple security rules. If you do so you can be sure that the chances that your house becomes the ‘victim’ of a burglary will be greatly reduced.

First of all you should always secure your windows and doors, because these are the places through which burglars enter the house. Their locks must be strong. Also, you should try not to keep things that may attract burglars outside, in order not to turn your house into a target. It would be advised to try to let people know that you own a home alarm system.

Furthermore, there are some other small things that can keep burglars away – always have outside lights turned on, so that burglars can’t use darkness to hide, get a guard dog to watch over your yard, and talk to a neighbor to watch over your house while you are away.

But the home security system remains the best method to keep burglars away. It is a small investment that protects all the investments inside the house.

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Home Security Systems – An insiders guide to saving you

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Home Security Systems – An insiders guide to saving you money

Monitoring your home security system has never been easier but there are several things you need to consider before committing yourself to a long term monitoring agreement with any alarm company

Alarm companies dont make the majority of their profit from selling security systems, it comes from accumulating a large base of alarm-monitoring contracts. In fact these monitoring contracts are so profitable that they are frequently bought and sold like mortgage notes.

Tip #1 Ask if they are an authorized alarm dealer or a represent a marketing company.
Marketing companies have learned to flood a market with fantastic offers on security systems with the sole purpose of selling the contracts at a profit. They often use any sub-contractor available, which can lead to poor customer service once the marketing company leaves town.

Once you find a reputable alarm company ask them to come out to your home and give you a quote. Youll find that most will quote you a basic security system at a reasonable price. These basic security systems generally include an control panel, keypad, motion detector, a couple of door contacts, inside siren, a yard sign and warning decals

Tip #2 Make sure the equipment can be monitored by any alarm company not by just the one selling it to you. If they use proprietary security equipment you could be left
in a bind should you become dissatisfied with their service for any reason. Ademco, DSC,& Caddx are well known manufacturers and can be monitored by any one.

Some companies offer low a low installation charge of $99.00 or will give you a FREE security system. Many do so if you put a security sign in your yard for advertising purposes and commit to a long-term alarm-monitoring contract.

Since the installation charge doesn’t cover the true cost of the equipment and labor, you are charged a substantial monthly fee to recoup their investment. These deals or equipment leases aren’t necessarily bad but make it hard to evaluate the true cost to you over time.

The best way to evaluate your contract is to ask the salesman to give you a quote to purchase the security system outright and show the home alarm-monitoring fee separately. Most of the time you are better off buying the alarm system because your monitoring fee will be much less.

For example. Say for $99 your monitoring fee is $35 per month for 3 years
you total cost for monitoring your home alarm is $1359.00 Your fee
will remain $35 per month or even increase.

On the other hand say you pay $599.00 installation and $20 dollars a month your total cost is $1319. Not only is your overall cost less but from year 3 on your will be saving $180 per year. This savings would be better spent on upgrading your alarm system to include fire monitoring and added perimeter protection

Tip #3 Dont pay additional charges for medical or fire monitoring.
Its ok to pay for the equipment needed but some companies charge $2-$5 extra for these services. These options are easily programmed into the alarm system and dont require any additional effort to monitor.

Is A Basic Security System For You?

The answer is probably not. Basic systems only cover your doors and are supplemented by the use of a motion detector. This detector is usually mounted in the main hallway to catch a burglar crossing the center of the home. If they come through a bedroom window and never pass by the motion detector, the alarm system will never sound. Imagine being home at the time this happens. Basic security systems are best used as a deterrent to a break in and to notify the authorities an alarm condition exist.

Adding perimeter protection such as window contacts or glass break detectors should be high on the list of upgrades. These types of upgrades not only activate the alarm system instantly but also will give you piece of mind while you are home.

Protect Your Financial Interest Not Just Your Home

Get all quotes in writing and make sure the quote is a binding quote.
At a minimum the following should be included in your contract.

Length of contract and if / how it renews. Does it renew automatically?
What type of notice do you have to give to terminate the monitoring agreement

Will your fee increase and is there a limit on the increase. If at all possible lock in your monitoring fee for the entire contract otherwise you could see an increase every year.
Dont be afraid to walk away on this point alone.

Do you own the equipment or is it a lease? A lease means lower initial installation cost but high monitoring fees.

Warranty:
Most of the alarm equipment comes with its own warranty in addition to what is offered by your company. Specify the warranty for each item so that you arent charged if it fails.
Also specify how long the warranty on labor is. Expect to pay some labor cost for replacing under warranty items

Service Calls
Alarm technicians are usually well trained to diagnose and fix problems with your security system. Be prepared to pay in the neighborhood of $55 per hour. The fee can seem high when compared to your original installation cost but is not out of line. Think about how much you pay for your car or computer to be worked on.

How long is the response time to service your alarm system.
48 hours is a reasonable time.

Do they provide an installation certificate for your home owners insurance
Many insurance companies offer a discount for monitored home security systems.

Dont Wait Until You Have A Break-In To Get An Alarm System!

You can replace most things but you may never replace your sense of security in your own home.

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