The Reasons and Advantages of a Nanny Cam

The nanny camera used at homes can be very helpful and advantageous. Let us see the importance of nanny cams that are used at home to monitor nanny’s activities. Now, let us see the activities and benefits of these nanny spy cams.
These cameras are quite and cannot be found easily. Several house owners rely on this camera to check and know their nanny. The nanny camera can be easily hidden from any external place.
Do you know how good and trustworthy your nanny is? Here is a small device that can be used to monitor all the activities of your nanny. With this device, you can find out how well your children are taken care by the nanny.
These cameras can be installed in every room. This will help you monitor the activities of these homes. The spy camera can be directly installed to your desktop or laptop. This allows you to monitor all the activities from your work place as well.
The nanny spy cameras can be used to find out the activities and happenings at your home when you are away. Your son might say “no parties” when you leave home for an official meeting. In most cases, children do conduct parties whenever their parents are not home. In that case, you can find out what your son or daughter does when

What is 960H Resolution

960H is the new analog technology allow cameras and DVRs to capture up to 700TVL, the highest TVL available to date. 960H represents the number of horizontal pixels in the CCD image sensor. 960H is the highest resolution available for analog CCTV and provides a 30% increase in resolution in comparison to D1. The greater the resolution, the higher the definition of the video image. 960H enables the CCTV camera to obtain high resolutions of up to 700 TVL. A 960H DVR must complement the 960H camera to realize the high resolution video.
With previous D1 DVRs, although you may have a 650TVL analog camera, you can only record at D1 resolution which can clearly discern only up to 540TVL. With the new 960H DVR, not only can it capture high-resolution 700TVL cameras, but it can also enhance the recording quality of the existing cameras as its full resolution of up to 700TVL will be realized.
Some of the key points of 960H

• an increase in the number of pixels of nearly 30% resulting in significantly enhanced picture detail
• 700TVL highest resolution currently available in Analog
• Backward compatible with D1 cameras and DVRs
• Easily replaces existing analog installations
• Cost increase is minimal (5% to 10%)

What is the average cost of installing a CCTV system in your home

Closed Circuit Television or CCTV has been commonplace in pubs, car parks and shops for many years. Now, however, due mainly to the reduced purchase and installation price, they are becoming more popular with householders who wish to increase the security of their home. If you are thinking of installing CCTV in your home there are a few considerations to be made to ensure you end up with the best system for your needs.

Factors to consider

Before choosing a CCTV system you need to consider what you want it for. CCTV systems are available for four types of function; Monitoring, detecting, recognition and identification. In a monitoring image you will be able to see a wide area on the screen. You will be able to see people and cars moving about, but will not be able to tell what they are doing or who they are. In a detection image you will be able to see any major actions carried out by the person on the screen, such as a fight breaking out or a brick being thrown, but not smaller actions such as the lock on a car door being forced. You will not be able to identify the person in the image, or even whether they are male or female. A recognition image allows you to see more detail. If the person is known to you, you will probably be able to tell who it is, but if it is a stranger you won't be able to make out detailed facial features. You will, however, be able to clearly see what they are doing, so this option is a popular choice for homeowners wanting to see what people approaching their property are doing. Finally, the identification level image shows clear detail of the persons face. This is a good system to use, for example, on a door intercom where you want to record who is entering and leaving a building. This is the only level of CCTV image which is widely accepted in a court of law as evidence of a person's identity. The locations of the CCTV units are also an important consideration. The camera cannot be located on another person's property, for instance a tree or a lamppost, without the written consent of the responsible person or authority. You also need to check if the cameras are included on your home insurance or if they need to be named items, as they are targets for vandalism. You may want to look into liability insurance in case a camera falls and injures a third party. The siting of cameras should allow them to only observe activity on your own property. Viewing public space or other people's property is an infringement of privacy laws and could lead to prosecution. It is advisable to discuss your plans to install CCTV with your neighbours to diffuse any concerns they may have at the outset. You will need to think about what you want the CCTV to do. Systems are available which are motion sensitive and only record when something is moving in their field of vision. Others have built in infra red lighting so they can operate in the dark. Cameras required to monitor wide areas, such as a garden, work better with a fish eye lens, which produces a panoramic view of the area.

The siting of cameras should allow them to only observe activity on your own property. A recognition image allows you to see more detail. It is advisable to discuss your plans to install CCTV with your neighbours to diffuse any concerns they may have at the outset.

Costs to consider

The initial outlay for installing CCTV will entirely depend on the specifications you require, as well as whether you are installing it yourself or using a professional installer to do the job. As well as the initial outlay there are ongoing costs to consider. To keep a CCTV system working well they need to be serviced regularly. For many systems this will just be a clean of the camera lenses and a check of wiring etc. but VCR systems will also require a head clean to function effectively long term. Around 7 days worth of images should be stored at any one time, so 7 days worth of storage needs to be available, either in the form of data storage or VCR tapes. VCR tapes can only be recorded over around 12 times before they lose quality, so if you are choosing a VCR system you will need to factor in this ongoing cost as well. Finally, the CCTV monitoring equipment should be kept in a secure place, as having a theft take place that includes the CCTV equipment would defeat the object of the system, so the purchase of a secure cupboard also needs to be factored in to overall cost.

Around 7 days worth of images should be stored at any one time.

What is the cost of a Home Security Camera System

A home security camera system lets you see who's at the front door before opening it, watch a "blind" spot on the side of your house, keep an eye on your vacation home from a distance or tape a child-care provider . In the past these systems were most often designed and installed by professionals, but changes in low-cost technology provide many more low-cost do-it-yourself options. A modern closed circuit television (CCTV) system usually includes multiple cameras, a DVR (digital video recorder), cables and a monitor.
Typical costs:

• A stand-alone Internet security camera that sends images to your web browser starts around $30-$50, but expect to pay $75-$250 for a useable basic camera, and it can be $300-$1,000 and up for a high-resolution, durable-construction model. Prices increase depending on the image quality, and features such as color, audio, pan/tilt and e-mail alerts. These cameras work independently from a computer, allowing you to watch real-time images via cell phone or the Internet. Cameras in the low- and medium-price ranges deliver fairly low-quality images and often run on batteries.
• An install-it-yourself closed-circuit television (CCTV) preassembled kit with four cameras starts around $200-$400; averages $500-$1,000 depending on the quality of the components and features such as night vision, remote monitoring; and high-end kits can cost $1,000-$1,800 or more with extras such as extra large hard-drive storage capacity. You might require additional cable or other materials to adapt a kit to your specific circumstances.
• Instead of a preassembled kit, some people prefer to buy all the components separately so they can get exactly the system they need (number of cameras, cable lengths, etc.) Cameras are available for around $50-$250 each, depending on type and size; concealed cameras (in smoke detectors, clocks, signs, etc.) can be $200-$400; DVRs run $250-$1,000 or more; and monitor screens start around $100-$500 but can be $500-$4,500 ; and cables average about $15-$50 each, depending on length. A Popular Mechanics writer^[1] tried out a $300 starter kit with one camera, adding five additional cameras at $230-$250 each for a total cost around $1,500, then spent $4,000 on a do-it-yourself installation with multiple high-end cameras and extensive hard-drive storage capacity.
• Hiring a security company to design and install a complete CCTV camera system (including the cost of the equipment) starts around $1,000-$2,000 for a small, basic system (1-4 low-end cameras) but a professionally installed system can easily run $2,000-$9,000 or more. One advantage of hiring professional installers is that they will help you fine-tune what can be a complex system until it meets your needs. What should be included:
• Your choice of systems will depend on the quality of images you need and how much you're willing to spend. A stand-alone Internet camera is the least expensive option, but usually has the lowest quality images and a shorter battery lifespan. Whether they're do-it-yourself or professionally installed, most CCTV system cameras have either a combined video/power cord or, if they're wireless, just a power cord. CCTV systems generally have better images than low-cost Internet cameras, and let you watch several images on a monitor, then select the one you want to enlarge and view as needed.
• Some systems are triggered by motion detectors, so you only watch or record when there's action. Spyshopsusa.com describes the various types of CCTV cameras.
• If you're installing your own system, draw a diagram of your home's layout to determine where you want cameras and how many, required cable lengths, obstacles that might block wireless signals, and other variables. If you hire a company to design and install a camera system, they will tour your home with you to determine exactly what's needed.
• Once the number and position of cameras and other equipment is decided, installation usually involves screwing in mounting brackets, running wires, drilling holes through walls or floors and connecting the equipment.

What are the benefits of Dummy/Imitation Cameras

Homeowners increasingly recognize the need for effective security in and around their property and this includes for many a surveillance system or the appearance of one for the deterrent element it affords. Equally, when businesses struggle in a difficult economy, more and more owners turn to a CCTV camera system or the use of a dummy CCTV camera set up as a tool to help keep honest people honest, and keep dishonest people away from their premises. Full property surveillance can be cost prohibitive and in the case of business may also require extra staff to monitor the system. With a dummy CCTV camera, homeowners and business owners alike can give potential pilferers the impression that some or all of the home or business is covered by 24/7 video security.
Pros of Dummy Security Cameras
Dummy CCTV cameras provide a way for those who are not technically savvy, or those that are on a very limited budget to put a veil of security in place for their home or business. These cameras are virtually indistinguishable from real security camera system devices. Units are shaped like a real camera, come in various designs, even come with the blinking lights people associate with security cameras, although the reality is that a camera with a blinking light is more likely a CCTV dummy camera than it is a real CCTV camera.
More important than the lights and the shapes are the mock cabling that clearly define the dummy CCTV security camera as one with the potential to provide video feed to a security system. Despite the growing availability of wireless CCTV kits, the presence of cabling lends more credibility than a simple camera that does not appear to be attached to a recording device.

Other advantages exist beyond the cost of the actual cameras. Installation is much easier on a dummy CCTV camera, requiring less time or involvement of a professional installer. There is no cabling to pull and connect, just the short cables required to make the camera look like a real security camera. These cameras tend to modify behavior best when used in conjunction with signage and stickers warning people that they are under surveillance.
A commonly accepted positive influence of incorporating fake CCTV cameras into a real security camera system is that it extends coverage. The most value you realize from dummy cameras is the keeping honest people honest effect. A true criminal will attempt to outwit a security system, regardless of its expense or comprehensiveness of coverage.

Mock warnings and dummy cameras keep people who would normally be honest but are tempted for some reason to follow their natural tendencies instead of the pressure to get something for nothing or misbehave in some manner. Thinking that they are under surveillance can push people to do the right thing and not engage in illegal activities.
Possible downsides of a Dummy CCTV Camera
The fact of the matter is that installing dummy security camera is really so much decoration. Because it is not recording, it provides neither increased visibility of what is going on around your premises nor does it provide material for the police or an investigator to use in the course of apprehending real criminals.
The largest risk comes if the “fake” nature of your security cameras becomes known. Some thieves are well educated in the true design and installation of real security systems. These masters of the break-in recognize quickly when a home or business is not making use of or monitoring a real camera system. By testing security system responses, he or she may quickly come to the conclusion your cameras are fake. If it is discovered, you may find that thieves and other criminals talk to one another and your business or home could suffer from a terrible run of theft and vandalism if those are problems in your area. Sadly of course, a fake CCTV camera will naturally not provide the evidence needed for prosecution either.
Any camera system, real or dummy, is most effective against property crime. If the crimes in your area tend to be either violent or alcohol related, no camera will impact the likelihood of these crimes. This is because violent or drunk people generally do not care about consequences or consider the implications of their crime being caught on tape. It is only the rational criminal that worries about this type of security coverage.
In the end, a real and dummy CCTV kit will have similar preventative effects for certain types of crime. If you have concerns about protecting your home from burglars, or crime in a public place, such as inside a store or in the parking lot of a business, these dummy cameras may be an inexpensive way to gain the benefits enjoyed by more comprehensive security systems. Properly deployed, installed and with attention called to them by appropriate signage, these are just one tool in reducing the cost of shrink and increasing the overall site security of your home or business.

How long can your home or business DVR record for

It's not easy to choose the suitable DVR for your home surveillance or business.
How long my DVR will record and store video ? This is a very common question when people try to choose the DVR.
The times of record and store of DVR depends on following factors:
1. Record Mode
2. Record Image Quality
3. The record size.
4. The size of Hard drive
5. Frame Rate
1. Most of DVR can support 24 hours and Motion detection, Alarm detection record methods.
When use different method for record, the strogage time will be different. 24 hours means the DVR record in every second, never stop, It will requre the biggest storeage space (due to the video files is continuelly filling harddirve space).
Motion detection recording means only record when video camera detect movement, then it will start to record, no motion, then no record. Motion detection & Alarm detection method can save more space that means with more record time.
2. Record image quality means the video file size, low quality image will occupy less space, and extend more record time. High resolution quality images means big file size, it will occupy more storage space and with less record time.
3. When record video, DVR can select the record size (or image size), record size changes the amount of data place in the harddrive.
Commonly DVR record video at CIF (352 * 288), now some DVR can support record size of D1(704*480). The big size of image, the less time DVR can record.
4. For Harddrive, the bigger storage size of the drive, the longer of record time. Typically for harddrive, it should start from 500 GB and it can reach to 2 TB. Most of DVRs can connect to 2 pcs of 2TB SATA harddrive.
Some big size DVR can put into 4 pcs of harddrive (like 97 series DVR).
5. Frame Rate, movie records and plays at 24 fps (pictures/frames per second). Real time recording for DVR systems is 30 fps. Most of time 15 frames a second looks good but may miss some details that would provide help in theft, slip and fall, and many other incidents. Unless storage time is a real problem we recommend 30 fps. Basically, more frames means more pictures and more pictures means more data, also means less record time.
At last, how many days can record of 500GB DVR with 4 camera at CIF record mode ?
For CIF record mode, each camera take almost 300M per hour, then 4 camera X300M= 1.2GB, 500GB DVR approximately 18 days.

How to create a static Ip address for your dvr

You must choose "Static" on the DVR

For example, you first choose DHCP on the DVR to automatically obtain the proper settings such as DNS, Subnet Mask Default Gateway etc... Write these down. Then choose Static IP on the DVR and manually enter all of the DHCP settings "except the IP Address" The IP address needs to be changed to an IP OUTSIDE of the range of the DHCP such as 103 if the DHCP is Default Gateway - 192.168.2.1 / Beginning 192.168.2.2 with a maximum of 100 this would leave 192.168.2.2 to 192.168.2.102 as the range for DHCP leases. You need to choose a Static IP outside of this range such as 192.168.2.103to ensure the IP does not conflict or change when the DVR reboots or another CPU is issued an identical IP address. You can get this information from the router itself while logged into the main page. It tells you the maximum, just need to know a little math =) To ensure the Static IP you choose is not in use go the the START Button and click Run and Type CMD or Search and Type CMD. On Run it will pop up, on Search you have to right click CMD and choose "Run as Administrator" after Windows finds it. Type PING*space*192.168.2.XXX it should NOT Respond. If it does that IP is in use and you have to choose another. (Do this before you Port Forward). You may need to unplug the DVR from the Router while you do this, then plug it back in.

Each Port needs to be forwarded to the Chosen Internal Static I

Remember to forward ALL ports required. Sometimes you can have more than 1. Example (Port 9000 - Media) (Port 7777 - Command) (Port 80 - HTTP) (Port 0100 - Mobile) Refer to your DVR manual under "Network" for specifics. Remember the IP needs to be Static on your DVR.
Go to portforward.com for a list of routers and specific step by step directions on forwarding ports on your router.

Adjust the Bandwidth Setting

Ensure that the Bandwith setting on your DVR is set at or below the maximum allowed bandwidth for the DVR locations ISP. Example: Contact the ISP and get the Bandwidth setting (256k, 384k, 512k etc.) and set the DVR at or below this number or it may not load at the offsite location. Some DVR's only allow access to this setting via the web interface. Access it locally while plugged directly into the router by typing in the DVR's Static IP in you web Browser (usually only Internet Explorer works) to access the DVR and change the setting there.

Operating System Issues

Most DVR's do not work with MAC unless there is a parallel Windows Operating System installed and Internet Explorer is used.

Bridging the Router

It is suggested that the Router have a "Full Bridge" to the Modem. If you can plug directly into the Modem and access the Internet you are halfway there. Contact your ISP and have them remotely access your "Laptop" that is plugged directly into the Modem. They need to do some specific setting adjustments this way. They will guide you through the process of setting the router up also. Just make sure you insist on a "Full Bridge" between the Modem and Router and ensure that you can access at least 3 websites from the Modem "with the Patch Cable plugged in" YOU MUST USE A LAPTOP to do this.