Posts Tagged ‘outdoor security cameras’

« Older Entries

Choose an Article:

Home Security Gate Camera

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

A home security gate camera can alert to you to approaching visitors long before they reach your door, prevent unwanted and unnecessary solicitors and assist in providing gate access control.

Home owners often start their residential digital video camera security system with a single home security gate camera. However, after using this camera for a while and realizing the potential security and monitoring power of a digital video camera, they usually return to purchase an entire digital video security system for the house and residential property. This is easy to do as there are systems that easily support up to four, eight, or even sixteen individual cameras.

A home security gate camera used in tandem with a remote electronic gate lock and opener can provide you with security guard “like” control of your property’s entrance. This can be accomplished by using a digital video security camera with audio capturing technology (or an intercom) and either a wired or wireless electric gate lock and opener.

When a visitor arrives at the gate entrance, the user can look at the security system monitor to see the individual’s face and/or the vehicle they are driving. Once the home owner has identified the visitor, they can press the remote gate lock and opener button to allow the individual to enter the property.

For individuals with large homes on abundant land and long driveways, this feature is particularly useful for controlling access to the residence. Some may want to modify the system a bit and use a two-way intercom so that a conversation can take place between the user and a visitor if need be.

There are some features available that you may want to consider before purchasing your home security gate camera. First and foremost, the camera must be an outdoor type camera. These cameras are specifically made with an enclosure or case that provides protection from the weather and elements. These cameras often utilize the International Electrotechnical Commission’s Ingress Protection or International Protection (IP) code.

The IP code consists of two digits, with the first digit representing protection from solids and the second digit representing protection from liquids; the higher the number of each digit the better the protection. The ranges of digits are 0-6 for the first digit and 0-8 for the second digit. An outdoor camera with a rating of IP55 or greater should work fine.

If you want a camera that can capture images ’round the clock (24/7), you may want to consider providing flood lighting at the gate for night time monitoring. However, a cheaper and much easier alternative is to use a home security gate camera that has infrared night vision.

Night vision infrared cameras work both in daylight and in darkness. The camera is sensitive to near infrared spectrum radiation “light.” The infrared light is provided by on-board infrared producing Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs. These LEDs are normally arranged in an array around the camera lens so that they provide a floodlight of infrared illumination in the camera’s field of view. This light is invisible to the human eye, but visible to the camera.

If you are interested in monitoring more area than just the gate or visitor, you may also want to consider a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera. These cameras can be remotely controlled by the homeowner to move horizontally or vertically to increase the camera’s field of view. Images can be enlarged by using the zoom function. Many DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) have programming that can automatically control PTZ cameras to track or follow objects.

Whether you have the security system installed by a professional or are installing it yourself, you may also want to consider a wireless, battery operated camera. Digital video cameras require that an RG-59 type coaxial video transmission cable be run from each camera to the DVR unit (or monitor if no DVR is used). In addition, each camera needs a low-voltage DC wire run to it for a power supply. A wireless, battery operated camera eliminates the need for any cabling and makes installation a snap.

There are a lot of choices for someone looking to purchase a home security gate camera. Today’s technological advancements have yielded a large variety of optional features that have made home security gate cameras even more powerful, providing the protection you need.

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

Outdoor Wireless Security Camera 500ft Range

Monday, October 18th, 2010

An outdoor wireless security camera 500 ft range is adequate for most commercial and residential applications. This type of camera is easy to install and easy to operate and can be purchased with many optional features that greatly increase its versatility. In the following article we’ll talk a little about wireless security camera technology and some of the additional features that can be purchased for these cameras.

There are a few key factors that separates an outdoor wireless security camera 500ft range from other basic security cameras. First, as its name denotes, this camera is an outdoor camera. Outdoor security cameras are designed to withstand weather and other natural outdoor elements that can damage the camera or affect the working quality of the cameras.

When a security camera is specifically classed as an “outdoor” camera, it often has a rating in the camera specifications that indicates exactly how much protection is afforded to the camera from external objects. This rating, called an Ingress Protection rating or IP code, is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard.

The code consists of the capital letters “IP” and two digits. The first digit indicates protection afforded against solids and the second digit indicates the protection afforded against liquids. The first digit’s scale ranges from 0-6 with 6 being the best protection, and the second digit’s scale ranges from 0-8 with 8 being the best protection. A good IP rating is IP65 or IP66.

IP65 means the camera is completely protected from dust and water jets from a nozzle coming from any direction. IP66 means the camera is completely protected from dust and water projected by powerful nets in any direction.

The other key feature of an outdoor wireless security camera 500ft range is that the camera uses wireless technology and has a maximum operating range of 500 feet. Non-wireless digital video security cameras work by creating a digital picture and transmitting the digital video data to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or monitor via a coaxial video transmission cable. This cable, usually an RG-59 coaxial cable must be run from each individual camera to the DVR or monitor. Wireless cameras eliminate this video transmission wire.

Outdoor wireless security cameras with a 500 foot range contain the internal circuitry to convert the digital data into a radio waveform that can be sent with out cabling. There are various radio technologies used to do this based on the manufacturer, but some of the more popular are the 900MHz an 2.4 or 5.8 GHz band radio technologies. These are the same sorts of technologies used by land line based wireless telephones.

One word about the camera radio technology. This technology is usually based on range which is defined as the maximum distance between the camera antenna and the receiver (or DVR) antenna based on Line Of Sight or LOS. LOS means this range should be attainable provided there is a clear line of sight between the two antennae, i.e. no objects can impede or block the LOS.

If there is not a clear LOS, it doesn’t mean the camera will not work. Usually, depending on the object(s) such as glass, trees, or walls instead of the camera signal failing, the range is just reduced. How much the camera’s signal is reduced is dependent on the material that the signal must penetrate. For example, it is not uncommon for an outdoor wireless security camera 500 ft range LOS to work at a 200 – 400 foot range through walls.

Digital video security cameras are powered by low voltage Direct Current (DC) electricity. This may occur as a small wire that is run from a power distribution center or a plug-in adapter that can be plugged into the nearest wall outlet. Since wireless cameras have already eliminated the need for a video transmission cable, some manufacturers make models that are totally wireless’ the camera can run off of power from batteries or rechargeable batteries.

There are many cameras with optional features that can be purchased. A few of these features include:
• Audio Recording
• Infrared Night Vision
• Day/night low visible light operation
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) operation
• IP or Internet Protocol ready

This should give you enough working knowledge to help you decide if you need an outdoor wireless security camera 500 ft range. If you have any other questions or would like to make a purchase, contact one our Security Camera King’s security experts today.

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

Quality Outdoor Security Cameras

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

There’s nothing like a security and surveillance system with quality outdoor security cameras. A good quality camera is rugged and well protected from the elements, yet sensitive enough in function to produce a video image with only the slightest amount of light. Quality outdoor security cameras need to be maintenance free as well, since these cameras are often mounted high atop poles, buildings or other difficult to reach locations.

Outdoor security cameras are built with a protective case or enclosure that protects the camera from various types of debris and other matter. This is necessary because these cameras are often mounted in open locations that expose them to heavy winds, rain, snow, and dirt and dust. High quality outdoor security cameras are normally rated according to the protection the camera is afforded by the covering using an International Electrical code standard. The standard provides criteria for a rating called an Ingress Protection code or rating.

The ingress protection code is designated by the letters IP followed by two digits. The first digit corresponds to dry matter objects; the larger the number the smaller the matter that is prevented from entering the camera. The second digit corresponds to liquid. Quality outdoor security cameras should be IP rated and their rating should be at least an IP66 or IP67. Both ratings’ first digit (the numeral “6”) indicates that the camera is dust tight; no dust can enter the camera. An outdoor camera with an IP66 rating can also withstand powerful jets of water from any direction. An outdoor camera with an IP67 rating can also withstand being submerged in water up to one meter in depth.

When purchasing quality outdoor security cameras another key component to consider is the image sensing chip. Not all chips are made alike so it is important that your camera uses a quality manufacturer’s sensor chip. There are two different types of sensor chips. Both are electrical circuits that contain material that is sensitive to light. When the lens focuses the light image on the chip, the chip is able to convert the light energy into electrical energy which can then create a digital picture.

The two types of sensor chips are called either a Charged Coupled Device or CCD or a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. Each of these sensors works a little differently but both still produce the same result; a digital video image. Not only should you look for sensor chips built by quality manufacturers but the size of the chip can be important too. CCDs and CMOSs normally range in size from about ¼ inch to up to 1 inch or more. Generally the larger the size of the chip the larger the size of the video produced and the greater the resolution or clarity.

Probably one of the most popular quality sensor chips used in many quality outdoor security cameras is the Sony 1/3 inch Super HAD II CCD. This is not the only quality sensor ship available of course, but it is very popular. This chip produces video resolution of at least 420 TV lines and is capable of producing video with up to 600 TV lines of resolution. This chip is also used in night vision infrared cameras as well.

Another characteristic to look for in quality outdoor security cameras is called the signal to noise ratio. It is normally written in the cameras specifications as “S/N.” The higher this number is, the clearer the picture produced by the camera. A good quality camera will have a minimum S/N ratio of 48dB, although there are cameras that have rations as high as 60 dB or higher.

High quality outdoor security cameras should also be accompanied with good quality service and support. Look for camera vendors that offer free technical support for installation and setup of your cameras. In addition, vendors should service the products that they sell.

Finally, quality outdoor security cameras should be rugged enough to last for years once they are mounted and installed and really should require no maintenance. However, look for cameras that have good, comprehensive warranties. A good warranty for an outdoor digital video camera will cover a period of at least 1 year but better warranties will offer 3 years of coverage.

Remember when shopping for your quality outdoor security camera that there are several characteristics of the cameras to look for and the cameras should come with service and support. A good quality outdoor security camera will provide you with years of satisfying service.

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

CCTV Outdoor Camera

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

A CCTV or closed circuit television outdoor camera can provide security and surveillance outside of buildings and in open areas. CCTV outdoor cameras can be purchased with several highly specialized features for use in all sorts of applications from businesses to residences; and thanks to current technological advancements, these cameras including their optional features, can be purchased at affordable prices making them a desirable addition to any security system.

A CCTV outdoor camera differs from a CCTV indoor camera by the enclosure it is contained within. A CCTV outdoor camera must be able to withstand typical weather conditions as well as other natural and unnatural environmental objects. Cameras are available that can withstand dust storms, being submerged in water, and even certain types of explosions.

These cameras are often rated according to the protection the camera and contents are afforded by external matter. This rating is an International Electrical code standard rating called an Ingress Protection code or IP Code. Most CCTV outdoor cameras are rated IP66 or IP67. A rating of IP66 indicates that the camera is completely dust tight and can withstand powerful water jets from any direction. An IP67 rating indicates that the camera is completely dust tight and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water without causing damage to the unit.

A standard CCTV outdoor camera either uses rechargeable batteries, or more commonly is connected to a power supply source using a thin wire. The supply source is usually a low-voltage direct current of about 12 volts and is supplied by a plug-in adapter type power source that comes with the camera. It may also be supplied by a larger power source center designed for use with a larger system. In addition, the camera is also connected to the processor, monitor, dvr, or a personal computer by a coaxial cable. Each camera must have a cable that is connected to the central unit.

However, a CCTV outdoor camera may also be purchased as a “wireless” camera. Wireless CCTV outdoor cameras may still need to be wired to the power source, but do not require the coaxial transmission cable. Instead, these cameras have built in radio technology that sends the video image signal to a receiver using the 2.8 or 5.8 MHz band. The receiver then transfers the signal to the central unit.

A CCTV outdoor camera is actually a digital video camera that can provide high quality, high resolution full-color video. It does this by using special electronic sensing chips called a Charged Coupled Device or CCD or a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS. The extremely sensitive CCDs can be manufactured so that a high quality color video can be produced with vary little available visible light, such as the light available on a clear non moon-lit night. These cameras are usually called day/night CCTV outdoor cameras.

Another type of highly specialized CCD can produce a high quality monochromatic or black and white video under conditions of total darkness, i.e. when there is absolutely no available visible light. This CCTV outdoor camera is called an infrared (IR) night vision camera. The camera uses IR Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs to provide IR illumination to the target area. For the CCD, this is like using a spot light or flood light to illuminate the target area, but the human eye cannot see IR radiation so the illumination is invisible to humans. These cameras are called IR night vision cameras. They produce high quality color video under visible light conditions and high quality monochromatic or black and white video under IR conditions.

CCTV outdoor cameras may be purchased with other features as well. Many cameras can also record audio in addition to video. Other cameras can be purchased with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. Used with motion detection programming, these cameras can automatically track objects or individuals.

A CCTV outdoor camera can have a huge selection of features, accessories, and options that make this camera versatile in application. In addition, modern technology has not only brought highly specialized features to these cameras but has done so at a reasonably low price that makes them economical and affordable to purchase and use.

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

Wireless Night Vision Outdoor Security Camera

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

A wireless night vision outdoor security camera is a digital video camera with highly specialized features. Modern technological advancements have made these specialized features available at a very affordable price while offering high quality video images.

Outdoor security cameras differ from their counterparts the indoor security cameras, in that they are enclosed in a case that protects them from weather and environmental elements. Wireless night vision outdoor security cameras are often rated according to the protection that they offer. This protection is often described using an International Electrical Code standard called an Ingress Protection rating, International Protection Rating, or IP code. Most wireless night vision outdoor security cameras have an IP code of IP66 or IP67. IP66 means that the camera is dust tight and that water from powerful jets in any direction will have no harmful effects on the camera. IP67 means that the camera is dust tight and can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter in depth.

Digital video security cameras create images by using one of two special electronic sensor chips. Some digital security cameras use a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS chip to create high quality color video images. Most wireless night vision outdoor security cameras use a Charged Coupled Device or CCD to create high quality color video using available visible light and high quality monochromatic or black and white video images using infrared (IR) radiation.

CCDs are highly sensitive to light energy known as photons. The CCD is able to transfer light energy into electrical energy in a somewhat similar process that a solar cell transfers sunlight into electricity. The electrical energy created by the CCD can be measured and digitally manipulated to create a video image. This is how a wireless night vision outdoor security camera creates high quality video in visible light conditions.

A wireless night vision outdoor security camera has a highly sensitive CCD that not only captures visible light but is inherently sensitive to radiation in the near infrared spectrum. This allows the camera to produce high quality video images in conditions of total darkness, with absolutely no visible light. These cameras contain an collection of IR Light Emitting Diodes or IR LEDs that surround the camera lens. The LEDs emit IR light that is not visible to the human eye, but lights up the cameras target area or field of vision like a flood light or spot light. Usually, the more LEDs that surround the camera lens, the farther the range that the camera can produce IR video in total darkness. Since IR radiation is not in the visible light spectrum, IR video is monochromatic or black and white.

Another specialized feature of a wireless night vision outdoor security camera is that it does not require a coaxial cable to transmit its video signals to the systems processor. “Wired” security cameras must be individually cabled to the processing unit. A wireless camera utilizes the 2.8 or 5.8 MHz radio band to transmit its video data by using an on-board antenna. The information is transmitted to a corresponding receiver that is normally located in the same area as the processor. After the receiver obtains the video signal it transfers it to the processor where a digital video file is created that may be viewed on a monitor or stored for later viewing or archival proposes.

Wireless night vision outdoor security cameras are available in different transmission ranges. The range is known as Line-Of-Sight or LOS. This means that the maximum transmission range stated for the camera is under conditions where there is an unimpeded line of sight between the camera’s antenna and the receiver’s antenna. Objects between them reduce the range, depending on the object’s size and material. Wireless cameras have LOS range capabilities of several hundred feet.

Additional features available for wireless night vision outdoor security cameras include the ability to record audio and the pan, tilt, and/or zoom (PTZ) functions. PTZ functions allow the camera to move in several directions and the zoom feature functions like a variable telephoto lens. These features can be controlled automatically or they may be controlled manually by remote control.

A wireless night vision outdoor security camera can be used anywhere that outdoor day/night video security and surveillance monitoring is needed. These cameras are often used for perimeter monitoring for both businesses and residents. In addition that can be used to provide monitoring for parking lots, driveways, and outdoor structures.

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

« Older Entries