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Micro DVRs

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

Micro DVRsThere are certain applications for surveillance and security where a “standard” Digital Video Recorder or DVR is just too large.  For these applications the best choice is a micro DVR.  Micro DVRs can be so small as to fit inside the casing of an ink pen.  Let’s take a look at a digital video system that uses standard size DVRs first, and then take a look at micro DVRs.

A standard DVR is about the size of DVD player.  The front of the DVR has buttons and switches to control the actions of the DVR.  The back of the DVR is where all the connections are made to cameras and other items.

A typical DVR has space for at least one hard disk drive; some have room for 3 or more plus a CD/DVD writer.  Like the camera, the DVR has Integrated Circuit (IC) chips dedicated solely to digital imaging.  These chips are known as Digital Signal Processors or DSPs.  Most standard DVRs these days also come with several other features that may or may not take up more space inside the DVR.

The DVR’s recording and storage unit is the “hard drive” also known as a Hard Digital Drive or HDD.  This hard drive is a relatively large device when compare to things like IC chips.   The hard drive contains magnetic plates that are written on by a magnetic head.   Since the device is digital the only thing the disk contains is a series of 0s and 1s.

The hard drive actually spins the platters (disks) usually about 7200 RPM while the magnetic head does the writing.  These are great for storing large amounts of data. However they are very intricate as well.  The space between the magnetic head and the platter is less than that of the thickness of a human hair.  This typically means that these devices are very sensitive and were not designed to take a lot bumping, vibrating, and the like.

In contrast, micro DVRs are very small.  There are no moving parts on a micro DVR.  That’s because micro DVRs use RAM (Random Access Memory) memory instead.  There are no moving parts on micro DVR because they do use RAM type memory.  The data is saved on RAM which has no moving parts.

This used to make micro DVRs nearly impossible to own because of the incredibly expensive RAM memory storage devices that include SD cards, Flash thumb drives, mini SDs, etc.  However, great strides have been made in RAM memory technology and today it is not cost prohibitive to purchase an SD card with 8 gigabytes of storage room.

In addition, video images can be incredibly large.  That’s because a video image is really nothing more than a digital picture taken many times in succession in a short period of time.  Typically, smooth video is obtained by taking from 15 to 30 pictures a second.  Let’s consider how much memory would be needed for just one hour of uncompressed video.  Most photographs these days run about 1 megabyte in size so will use this figure for our calculation:

1 MB (per picture) X 30 pictures (also called frames) per second X 60 seconds in 1 minute X 60 Minutes = 108,000 MB for one hour of video

However technology has also greatly improved in another area as well.  In addition to storage the micro DVR and even a standard DVR normally compress the files by using a CODEC (COmpression/DECompression) utility.  A CODEC shrinks the size of the video file while maintaining high quality of the video itself.  It does this by using special mini programs called algorithms that save space by not repeating the same objects.   For example, if a picture is taken of a football game with the sky in the back ground, the sky usually doesn’t change it’s appearance much.  A CODEC only saves information for the sky one time there fore reducing the overall size of the video image.

Micro DVRs take advantage of this as much as possible to extend their recording times on the portable recording media.

Where are micro DVRs used?  You’ll most likely find micro DVRs on all small specialty cameras such as hidden or disguised cameras.  Some of these camera are so small they do not have the option of saving their data on portable media that can be removed and replaced.  These cameras usually have a USB patch cord that they connect to almost any computer to download their files so they can be watched on the computer.

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VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Have you ever thought of using a VSI-Pro Text Inserter for your business?  Theft is normally thought of as an activity external to a business and its employees.  But sometimes, for what ever reason, theft can also be from within.  Is there a way a business owner can protect themselves from both theft and fraud?

In the following article we will talk about some different digital video security camera systems and using a VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter.

It’s proven fact that just the presence of digital video security cameras helps to deter crime and vandalism.   However, having an actual system cannot only deter the act, but should the perpetrator be foolish enough to try, it will document the whole event–including his/her face and the objects they are stealing.

The secret to success of any good digital video security system is the proper placement of the cameras.  If you own a retail business and you are concerned about your revenue and suspect that something maybe happening at the cashier’s counter, you can always install a high resolution camera.

Generally, it best to use a dome camera placed directly over the counter looking down so that every money transaction appears on camera.   On the other hand, if you are concerned about the money exchanging hands and the identification of they buyer by seeing his/her face then a single cross angled camera will do the job.  So retailers even use two cameras for the checkout–one that zooms in on the money/credit card transactions and one that is sure to capture the face of the buyer.

There are issues with this method though.  Trying to get the camera to get the right shot every time especially on long or large counters can be difficult.  Generally, when we speak of counter transactions, it’s usually not the customer that’s suspect as much as the employee.  So does this mean we have to add another camera that focuses just upon the cash register display and keys?

This is where the VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter comes in to make your retail digital video security system complete.  So what is a VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter?  The VSI-Pro is a device that can overlay the transaction data from the cash register directly on the digital video frames of the camera that is capturing the event.  This means that you have documentation that tells you what the employee was charging at the cash register, while you can also see what the customer was buying.  In other words, you can have every cash register event documented to include the buyer’s identification, the items being bought, and what was being rung up on the cash register.

That’s a pretty power anti-theft and anti-fraud mechanism.  Any major mistakes can usually be identified by just watching the video footage and comparing the text inserted results with what you see on the screen.  But that’s not the only advantage of the VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter.

In addition to the above, the VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter has another potential benefit.  The unit has some programming capabilities such that you can program it to recognize exceptional events.  For example let’s say that you are interested in any transaction with a total greater than $100.  The VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter can be programmed with a trigger of $100.  That means every time the register records a purchase greater than $100, the camera snaps on, the text inserter inserts text and then everything shuts down waiting for the next customer to do it again.

This has a secondary benefit that we need to mention as well.  By using the programmable parameters option to trigger the system, your DVR is only recording a small bit of time compared to being on constantly.  That means it saves you a tremendous amount of storage capacity on your hard disk drive greatly increasing the time before the disk will need to re-write over itself.

If you are interested in purchasing a VSI-Pro Video Text Inserter make sure that it is compatible with your register type.  To find out what types are compatible, go to VSI-Pro Text Inserter product and under the OPTIONS box check the register model by clicking the little black down arrow on the right side of the text box.

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BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power Cable

Friday, April 8th, 2011

The BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power Cable is one item offered by Security Camera King (SCK) that combines two functions into one unit.  This cable provides the means for both video transmission from the digital video security camera to the Digital Video Recorder or DVR and the power supply from the power distribution box or plug-in transformer to the camera.

Video transmission signals are a special type of radio frequency signal.  These signals can be transported in many different ways.  For example, digital video cameras can send the video transmissions wirelessly using on-board transmitters and antennas to corresponding wireless receivers.  The other option involves using wires or cable.

There are many different types of wiring or cable that can be used as video transmission cable for digital video security cameras.  CAT5 Ethernet Twisted pair cable, for example, can be used to send video transmission signals depending on the strength of the signal and the length of the cable run.

The most popular type of cable however, is RG-59 Coaxial Cable.  This cable is advantageous for several reasons.  First it provides a prefect medium for which the signal can travel without excessive degradation of the signal.  Secondly, it is sheathed to prevent interference to the signal.  BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power Cable is RG-59 coaxial cable.

Our BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power cable is pre-cut to a length of exactly 100 feet.  Each end of the cable has a pre-installed female BNC type connector for connecting the camera end and the DVR end of the cable.  There is no need to mess with cutting or stripping wire and twisting or crimping connectors since that is already done for you.

In addition, our BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power Cable also contains a one pair (two wire) DC power supply cable.   This cable is terminated on each end with one male and one female PT-3 2.5mm power plug for easy connection to the camera and the power supply.

This video transmission cable is also shielded to prevent interference from the proximity tot he power cable and from any outside sources.  The impedance of the BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power Cable video transmission cable is 75 ohms.

The “BNC” in BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power cable doesn’t refer to the cable as much as it does the connector type.  In fact, most cable used with BNC fittings is RG-59 coaxial cable (and not BNC cable).

The BNC is a radio frequency connector that is commonly used with coaxial cable for television, radio, and other radio-frequency related type equipment.  BNC is an acronym that is used when referring to these special connectors.  In fact, the “B” in BNC-100 CCTV Video and Power cable stands for bayonet mount, the actual locking mechanism used by these connectors.  When to connectors (a male and a female type) are joined together, they are pushed into one another and twisted by their “collar” to lock them together.  Just like the way a bayonet is mounted on a rifle.

 

The remaining two letters of BNC stand for its inventors, Paul Neill and Carl Councelman.  One must agree that BNC is a much easier way of referring to the connector than by saying “Bayonet, Neill, and Councelman” connector.

 

If you have any further questions about the BNC-100 CCTV Video and power cable or BNC connectors or would like to purchase the cable please contact one of our security experts either by on-line “Live Chat” or by telephone at 866-573-8878 Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM EST.

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Video Security Camera Systems

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

Nothing can provide better protection than video security camera systems.  Today’s systems can be “tailor built” to suit every individual need and with Internet availability you can have absolute control almost anywhere you go.  Security Camera King features several different video security camera systems in our on-line catalog of security equipment.

In the not to distant past, video security camera systems were tools that only a commercial or industrial business or a very wealthy household could afford.  That is no longer true, thanks to incredibly reduced prices, mostly attributed to the “digital revolution.”  As computer and electronic technology advances, components become smaller, more powerful, and less costly.  This holds true for the digital video security system industry as well.

In fact, not only have video security camera systems become smaller, more powerful, and less costly, but the components themselves are becoming like self contained mini-units which makes installation incredibly easy.  For most systems all that is needed is to mount the cameras and power supply, run the cables, and set up the Digital Video Recorder or DVR.  It has become so easy that you can install most complete systems as a do-it-yourself project in one weekend or less.

A standard video security camera system today consists of digital video cameras and a DVR.  Of course, many users prefer to use a full-time monitor to display the cameras’ images, but it is only truly necessary to set up the system.  After that, the monitor can be removed and the system can continue to operate with the settings you have chosen.

The operation of video security camera systems is pretty straight forward too.  The camera’s main function is to capture video (and audio if so equipped) and send it to the DVR.  The DVR stores the video and makes it available for viewing.  The monitor provides the means of output for the system; it displays the cameras’ captured video.

Are video security systems really that simple?  Well yes and no, but thanks to digital technology, the units can be constructed in such a way that the user doesn’t really need to concern himself or herself with the actual mechanism of function; they just need to make sure everything is placed (mounted) in the proper locations to make the system work.  The following is a closer look at how the video security camera system works.

We’ll begin with the digital video camera.  Inside each digital video camera is a sensor that can change light energy into measurable impulses of electricity.  There are two different sensors that function in two entirely different ways, yet produce the same end result, electronic video data.  The sensors are called a Charged Coupled Device or CCD and a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS.

After the sensor converts the light energy into electrical energy, that energy is sent through a series of on-board Integrated Circuit (IC) chips that interpret the electrical impulses.  These may include Digital Signal Processors or DSPs and analog-to-digital converter processors.  Once the data is prepared and digitized it is ready to leave the camera and travel to the DVR.

The DVR receives the digital video from the camera but it is in “raw” form, meaning it has not received fine tuning adjustments or the proper compilation of the data to create a digital video file.   The DVR has its own DSP and central processor that immediately begin to work on the data sent by the cameras.

The cameras’ data is analyzed and any fine tuning adjustments are made by the DVR.  Next, the DVR employs a COmpression/DECompression (CODEC) utility that has one specific purpose; the CODEC reduces the video image file to a fraction of the original size while maintaining a minimal loss of quality.

There are many different types of CODECs.  As technology improves, a newer CODEC is eventually produced, “out shrinking” digital video files as compared to the previous CODEC.  Security Camera King’s video security camera systems all use the latest and most efficient CODEC called “H.264.”  It provides maximum file reduction while maintaining video quality as much as possible.

After compressing the data the DVR creates a digital video file and saves it on its hard disk drive.  In addition, the DVR makes the file immediately available for viewing on a monitor.

If you are interested in purchasing a video security camera system, check out our on-line catalog or contact us by “Live Chat” or telephone and speak to one of our security experts today.

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Security Alarm Systems and Security Equipment Products

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Security Camera King, in addition to digital video security systems, offers a full line of security alarm system and security equipment products. This includes counter surveillance, personal protection, and audio recording devices. Supplement your digital video security system with additional security alarms system and security equipment to maximize your protection potential.

If you are looking for cost effective security alarm system and security equipment products to supplement your digital video security system or to use as a standalone alarm system without digital video security, Security Camera King suggests our HomeSafe Wireless Home Security System. This system includes a wireless motion detector and a wireless door/window sensor, a keychain remote control for arming and disarming the alarm system, an AC adapter, and of course a central control panel.

Like most security alarm systems, the HomeSafe Wireless Home Security System works by placing sensors on accessible doors and windows (usually the doors and windows on the first floor). The door/window sensor (often referred to as a point or zone) can detect vibration or door/window opening and will notify the central control panel if that event occurs (often referred to a trigger). However, instead of running a wire from each sensor to the central control panel, this system uses wireless technology to enhance the performance of the system and make do-it-yourself installation quick and easy.

The central control panel can handle up to a total of 9 zones or points (sensors). (Security Camera King sells additional sensors as part of our security alarm system and security equipment products.) When any of the sensors are triggered, the sensor sends a signal to the central control panel. The panel then initiates a 105 dB alarm.

If you opt to connect your unit to your telephone line, the central control unit will, in addition to activating the ear piercing alarm, automatically dial up to 5 telephone numbers. When the first pre-programmed telephone number answers, a pre-recorded message will be played. Plus, that party will have the option of listening in on the room, broadcasting their voice through the central control unit, or disarming the system. If the first number dialed doesn’t answer, the unit will continue by dialing the second number and so on.

The central control unit has a 16 digit display that includes date and time and is easy to setup and program. It also provides for remote arming and disarming by telephone. The unit also uses a standard 9 volt battery (not included) for backup in the event of a power failure.

Security Camera King also offers counter surveillance devices as part of our security alarm system and security equipment products. Our Wired or Wireless Camera Multifunctional Detector can “sniff out” radio frequencies emitted by cameras and microphones ranging from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. This device also includes an LED signal strength meter and audible or vibrating alerts. In addition to radio frequency detection, this device also uses laser visual detection to find camera lenses, from wired or wireless cameras, up to 10 feet away.

Security Camera King also has bug detectors as part of our security alarm system and security equipment products. These detectors cannot locate the bug, but they can tell if there is one anywhere in the immediate area by “sniffing out” 1 MHz to 3 GHz radio frequencies.

We also carry a wide selection of various personal protection equipment including:
• Airsoft guns
• Animal repellent
• Car safety devices
• Diversion safes
• Folding knives
• Handcuffs
• Mace Pepper Sprays
• Personal alarm devices and
• Tasers and stun guns.

If you are looking for audio recording devices we offer two 576 hour digital phone/room recorders. These are professional grade recorders that also have a built-in FM radio. Voice activated, Line-In input, and MP3 encoding are just some of their available features.

So remember, Security Camera King doesn’t just sell digital video equipment but we sell a variety of security alarm system and security equipment products. If you have any additional questions about our products or a specific product, check them out by clicking on the appropriate category on the left hand side of our web page or click on the “Live Chat” button at the top of the page or call 866-573-8878 Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM EST to speak with one of our security experts.

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