Posts Tagged ‘home security’

« Older Entries

Choose an Article:

Home Security Motion Sensor

Monday, November 14th, 2011

One of the many home monitoring devices is the home security motion sensor.  There are several types of motion sensors and that even includes digital video camera systems.  In the following article we’ll take a look at a few home security motion sensors and see how they work.  Hopefully this will help you to decide what type of home security motion sensor you need.

A home security motion sensor system is an excellent tool to provide security and surveillance for almost any residential application.  Modern technological advancements have made this camera system incredibly versatile and reasonable priced as well.

A home security motion sensor system may be used indoors or outdoors (or both for a given system).  Outdoor sensors and cameras (as opposed to indoor sensors and cameras for example) are designed to be housed by a protective enclosure.  The enclosure protects the camera from weather, dust, and other objects.

A home security motion sensor camera may be rated according to the protection that is afforded to it by the enclosure or its casing.  This rating, an Electrotechnical International Commission (EIC) standard, is call an Ingress Protection rating, IP rating, or IP code.

The rating consists of the letters “IP” followed by two digits, for example IP65.  The first digit of the rating describes the extent the camera is protected from solid objects and the second digit indicates the extent the camera is protected from liquids.  The example IP65 rating means the camera is dust free and protected from water sprayed from nozzles in any direction.

The first digit of an IP rating for an outdoor motion activated security camera system ranges from 0 – 6 with 0 indicating that there is no protection against contact or ingress of objects.  As the number increases from 0 to 6, the rating indicates that the camera is protected from objects continually smaller in size.  A first digit IP rating of 6 indicates no dust and complete protection against contact.

The second digit of an IP rating for the camera ranges from 0 to 8 with 0 indicating that there is no protection from water.  As this digit increases in value the rating indicates progressive protection from water with 1 meaning protection from dripping water and 8 meaning continuous immersion in water.

A home security motion sensor security camera system also has a unique characteristic as indicated by its descriptive name.  The cameras only record video when motion is detected.

This is accomplished by an on-board Passive InfraRed (PIR) sensor.  The PIR sensor can detect the infrared radiation from objects in the camera’s field of view.  If the sensor detects a significant change in the infrared radiation in this view, it assumes it is created by a moving object; hence it detects “motion.”  The sensor is connected to a relay that turns the camera on in recording mode to capture the video images.  The camera shuts off or stops recording when the sensor detects that the motion has stopped or after a pre-programmed period of time.

This feature, though small and simple in design and appearance, can offer tremendous benefits in the functioning of a home security motion sensor system.  Since the camera will only record video when motion is detected, this can save a tremendous amount of file space used on the system’s Digital Video Recorder or DVR.

In addition, all of Security Camera King’s DVRs can be connected to the Internet, so if a camera detects motion, the DVR can be programmed to send you an email, alerting you of the fact as soon as it happens.

A less elaborate mechanism one could use is a PIR motion detector as the sole home security motion sensor.  This of course, would be wired (or transmitted by radio waves for wireless models) to an alarm system main panel which then could call specified telephone numbers.  When someone answers on the other end, a specific message, usually previously recorded by you, the owner plays.  However, this method though admittedly simpler and cheaper, will not be able to provide actual visual documentation of the perpetrators.

The PIR sensor on a home security motion sensor activated security camera uses a very small amount of power to stay on.  In fact, compared to the power required to capture video, the PIR sensor’s power usage is significantly lower.  Motion activated cameras that operate on battery power last significantly longer between charges or battery changing because the motion sensor, in effect, conserves battery power.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Personal Security | No Comments »

Web Based Wireless Camera Home Security

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Perhaps one of the most recent technological innovations in the area of digital video security is web based wireless camera home security. In the following article we’ll talk about what it is and how it works and hopefully provide you with enough information so you can decide if it is right for you.

Simply put, web based wireless camera home security is the use of wireless digital video cameras and the internet to provide security and surveillance for your home. A web based wireless camera home security system may be self- installed or installed by a professional. Likewise, the system can be personally monitored by you or by a 24 hour, 7 days-a-week professional monitoring service.

For the sake of information, we’ll separate web based wireless camera home security into two categories based on how the video signal is sent to the internet. One method involves the digital video camera sending its video transmission data via radio signals to a corresponding receiver, server, or DVR and the second method involves the digital video camera directly communicating with the internet. Each method accomplishes the same goal, allowing the home security cameras to be monitored, and in some cases controlled, via the internet.

Wireless digital video cameras can become web based wireless camera home security systems when they send their video transmissions via radio signals to receivers, servers, or DVRs which contain the technology to act as web servers and send digital information via the internet. These cameras normally use the 900 MHz or 2.4/5.8 GHz band technologies to transmit their video data. Incidentally, these radio band technologies are the same type used for land based wireless telephones.

These cameras contain a built-in transmitter and antenna with which they send the video data. This data can be sent to a corresponding receiver which is connected via a video transmission cable to the DVR. The DVR processes the signal and sends it via built in web server technology over the internet.

This method is not restricted to using a DVR. In fact the receiver can contain the web server technology and be connected to the internet for monitoring purposes and if so desired, a personal computer or DVR can be remotely located anywhere in the world there is broadband internet access to record the digital video files. The key here in this method is that the cameras transmit to another device that prepares the video data for transmission over the internet.

The alternative web based wireless camera home security method is to use wireless digital video cameras that can connect directly to the internet via a wireless modem or router. These cameras normally contain their own web server processing technology so they can package their video transmission data in a form that is compatible for internet use. These cameras usually send their signals via IEEE 802.11 format or WiFi to a corresponding wireless device such as a home router or wireless broadband modem which in turn is connected to a broad band internet connection. The cameras (as well as the DVRs mentioned in the first method) are usually referred to as wireless IP or internet protocol ready.

Regardless of which method is used to transmit the digital video cameras’ signal over the internet, a GUI or graphical user interface must be used to view and sometimes control the digital video cameras. For IP ready cameras, servers, or DVRS the GUI may be any typical web browser such as Windows Internet Explorer. On the other hand, depending on the manufacturer, the GUI may be a proprietary software program that must be installed on the device used to access the cameras’ data.

Web based wireless camera home security can be incredibly versatile in that the user can be notified via email based on a variety of “triggers” or home security cameras can even be monitored using 3G or 4G smartphones. Also, depending on the manufacturer and type, the cameras can even be controlled remotely over the internet. For example, a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera can be controlled remotely from thousands of miles away to move or zoom in on objects.

Regardless of which method you choose, web based wireless camera home security is easy to install and economically priced for just about any budget. Contact our security experts via Live Chat or Telephone at 866-573-8878 Monday through Friday 9AM – 6PM EST if you desire any additional information or would like to purchase one of our systems.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Other Security Articles | No Comments »

Batteries for Home Security Systems

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

There are many different types of batteries for home security systems. The following articles describes some basic battery facts and will help you to choose the right batteries for your home security system.

A typical “wired” security system consists of cameras, a Digital Video Recorder or DVR, and a monitor.

The DVR and monitor normally operate off of normal house current and have standard Alternating Current (AC) cords and plugs. Standard digital video cameras however, operate on Direct Current (DC) and normally operate off a power distribution box, a plug-in transformer/adapter, and or batteries. The plug-in transformer plugs into a common household outlet and transforms the AC power into DC electricity and a reduced voltage (usually around 12 volts DC or less as compared to 115 volts AC) and a reduced amperage (ranging from 400 to 2400 milliamps (mA) or more DC as compared to 5 to 30 amps AC). A power line carrying the lower voltage DC power is run from the power distribution center (or plug-in transformer) to each camera.

Some cameras, usually wireless types, allow the use of batteries for home security systems instead of power distribution centers or plug-in transformers. This eliminates the need to run a power line to the camera. If the camera is a wireless camera, this features makes the camera a truly wireless camera as there are no external wire connections needed for the camera.

Batteries for home security systems come in a range of sizes and types. Some cameras utilize typical battery sizes such as AA, AAA, C, or D cells while others require the use of a “battery pack.” A battery pack is usually a certain number of rechargeable batteries that are connected to each other and are held together by a plastic heat-shrink wrap. Before you stock up on a great internet bulk sale of batteries, there are a few things that you need to know to make sure you purchase the right batteries so you do not destroy your cameras.

First, your camera is rated to be powered by a certain number of Volts (V). The voltage of electricity can be thought of as the pressure of the electricity. Just like the pressure of water in a pipe determines how fast the water travels through the pipe, the voltage of electricity determines how fast the electrons travel through the camera’s electronic circuit. DO NOT attempt to use batteries that result in a different total voltage than what the camera specifies. When purchasing replacement batteries whether they are one-time use or rechargeable, the total voltage must be identical to that specified by the camera. (For example, if the original battery pack that came with the camera is 12 volts you must use a replacement battery pack that is 12 volts).

The second rating for the batteries for home security systems is the Ampere or Amp Hour (Ah). The rating for camera batteries is usually very small so instead of Amp Hours it is more common to see milliampere hours or (mAh). The milliamp hour is one thousandth of an Ah. Where voltage is the pressure of electricity, the mAh is basically the strength or capacity of the battery. Normally, the greater the mAh rating of the battery, the longer it will provide electricity per charge.

You should NOT use batteries with lower mAh ratings than specified by the camera manufacturer. You can use batteries with the same voltage but greater mAh to increase the run time of the camera between charges.

Finally, if your camera uses a battery pack, be certain that you purchase the proper battery pack connector. These connectors vary between battery pack types and manufacturer so it is important to make sure that you have the right size and type connector that will match your camera.

Using batteries for home security systems has it’s advantages and disadvantages. The biggest benefit of battery operated cameras is that there is no need to run any cable or wire to the camera which greatly reduces the installation time and cost. In addition, cameras may be mounted in strategic areas that offer the greatest possible surveillance that may not otherwise be possible if the camera required a power supply wire or transformer.

The biggest disadvantage of using batteries for home security systems is that there is a limited run time before the battery “runs out” of current. There is also an added expense of purchasing replacement batteries as even rechargeable batteries do not last forever.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Other Security Articles | No Comments »

Wireless Home Security Cameras and Monitors

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Providing your own home security in the form of digital video camera systems is becoming one of the most popular methods of residential security and monitoring. In addition, wireless home security cameras and monitors are become increasingly popular as well because of their versatility in application, ease of installation and operation, and reasonable pricing that makes them affordable for almost any budget.

What is the difference between “wired” and wireless home security cameras and monitors? Basically, “wired” digital video home security cameras use some sort of cable, usually an RG-59 coaxial cable to transmit their video signals to the monitors and/or Digital Video Recorders or DVRs. This cable is similar to the same cable used by most cable television companies. Although professional installers normally mount the cameras and run the cables using the least obvious arrangements, some homeowners may find the cables a bit too obtrusive, especially if they install the cameras themselves and use a different method.

Visibility of the cable isn’t the only reason for using wireless home security cameras and monitors. Sometimes it may be necessary to mount digital video security cameras in locations that may be difficult to provide cable to or in areas that are so far apart that it is easier to use a wireless system instead. For example, many complete home camera systems are used in rural homes that may contain lots of acreage and additional detached buildings such as garages, shops, or barns. If these buildings are located a significant distance from the home, cabling may seem impractical so a wire home security digital video camera is used instead.

One specific application of wireless security cameras and monitors is when they are used as baby monitors. Wireless digital video cameras can provide you with the peace of mind of monitoring your baby 24/7 and make great baby monitors. The digital video camera that is used for this purpose is usually a wireless night vision infrared camera and monitor system.

Infrared cameras used as wireless home security cameras and monitors, especially as baby monitors, are extremely popular and useful. The camera contains one of two special electronic sensor chips, known as a Charged Coupled Device or CCD or a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS. These chips are sensitive to infrared radiation in the near infrared spectrum. This infrared radiation or “light” can be seen by the sensor chip (and therefore the camera) but cannot be seen by human eyes. That’s why infrared digital video cameras make great baby cams!

Infrared wireless home security cameras normally have an array of infrared Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs that surround the camera lens or are located somewhere near the camera lens and are pointed in the same direction. These LEDs bathe the target area with infrared light (in this case a baby crib for example) but this light does not disturb the baby because the baby cannot see it.

Often times these baby monitor systems are wireless home security cameras and monitors. The signal is sent using by the camera using radio waves to the monitor. Since the monitor is not connected by any type of cable it can be conveniently moved from room to room to maintain surveillance of the baby.

Remember, wireless home security cameras and monitors are not restricted to use as baby monitors only. These cameras and monitors are great for many different types of applications where a wireless camera and monitor would by useful.

Wireless home security cameras can be purchased with almost any feature or additional option that is available for their “wired” counterparts. Some of these features include: cameras for outdoor use or indoor use; cameras that can record audio as well as video; cameras that have Pan-Tilt-Zoom or PTZ functions to increase their field of view; day/night vision cameras; several different camera types or shapes such as box, bullet, and dome cameras; and even cameras that can be networked using the internet (called Internet Protocol ready or IP ready cameras).

If you are considering the purchase of wireless home security cameras and monitors, talk to one of our security experts today. They can help you determine what components or system best suits your needs and budget. You can contact our security experts by using either our live chat feature or by calling the toll free number: 866-573-8878 Monday thru Friday from 9AM to 6PM EST.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Other Security Articles | No Comments »

Color Cameras for Home Security

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Security Camera King offers a full line of color cameras for home security. Innovative technological advances have yielded a vast diversity of color digital video cameras with almost unlimited versatility for home security. These cameras now offer features that, not long ago, would have been cost prohibitive or simply unavailable. In addition, today’s color cameras for home security are light weight, easy to install, and simple to use.

There are three basic types of camera based on shape; box, bullet, and dome. Each can be useful as color cameras for home security. Generally speaking, the dome camera is used most often indoors because of its low profile design. Box cameras may also be used indoors but are a bit more conspicuous. Usually, box cameras cannot be used as outdoor cameras unless they are placed inside a protective enclosure. Bullet cameras may be used indoors or outdoors, however these cameras are frequently weatherproofed and designed for use specifically outdoors

A typical home security system consists of the color digital cameras, Digital Video Recorder or DVR, and a monitor. The cameras capture a video image and pass it on to the DVR where it is processed and stored. The monitor is used to view the image in real-time (live) or review older footage.

Digital video color cameras for home security normally use one of two sensors to produce a video image: The Charged Coupled Device or CCD; or the Complimentary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor or CMOS. When these sensors were first used the CCD was more expensive and produced a higher quality video image but recent technological improvements have put the CMOS on close to, or even par with, the CCD.

When considering purchasing color cameras for home security, it’s important to know a little information about the sensors since they affect how the camera produces an image and even more so, the price. These sensors range in size from about ¼ inch up to 1 inch or so. Generally, the larger the chip the higher the resolution (quality) of the video image produced.

These sensor chips can be built so they are very sensitive to light. Color cameras for home security that contain these types of sensors are called day/night vision cameras and can produce high-quality color images with very little available visible light.

These sensors are also inherently sensitive to certain types of infrared radiation. Using infrared Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs as spotlights, cameras with these sensors can create high quality monochromatic video in total darkness. (The infrared light created by the LEDs is invisible to the human eye.)

There are other options to consider when purchasing color cameras for home security use. Digital video cameras require that a coaxial RG-59 video transmission cable be run from each camera to the DVR. If you will be installing cameras where cabling would be difficult, you may want to consider the wireless camera option. Wireless cameras transmit their video signals via built in transmitters and on-board antennas to a corresponding receiver unit that forwards the signal to the DVR.

Another convenient option is to use IP ready color cameras. IP or Internet Protocol ready cameras for home security systems contain their own server so they can be connected directly to the internet. These cameras can be viewed and controlled using either a simple web browser such as Internet Explorer or their own computer software. You can network your entire home video security system with these cameras using just an internet connection to each camera and can monitor them anywhere there is internet access.

If your home security system requires that your cameras not be obvious, there are several hidden or disguised camera options available as well. These cameras, designed for covert use (they make great nanny cams for example), are designed to be hidden or disguised as other objects. Security Camera King stocks a wide selection of the cameras that appear to be other objects such as smoke detectors, motion detectors, exit signs, sprinkler heads, speakers, wall clocks, telephones, thermostats, clock radios, and many others.

So if you are in the market for digital video color cameras for home security use, check out all that Home Security King has to offer. Not only do we offer color cameras for home security use but we also offer the entire system, whether you need a 4, 8, or 16 channel system. To view our catalog of products click on the appropriate heading in the left sidebar of our home page.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Other Security Articles | No Comments »

« Older Entries