Posts Tagged ‘wireless security cameras’


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Wireless Motion Activated Security Cameras

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Wireless Motion Activated Security CamerasAre you in the market for a new security camera? Do you have some questions that you need answers to? There are a lot of questions that people have when they are looking for a new security camera. Some of the most common questions about wireless security cameras are addressed within this article. A lot of people wonder how it is that these cameras are able to detect motion. Others are curious as to how the cameras are able to work wirelessly and what the point is of owning a wireless camera. When a lot of people think about wireless cameras, they wonder how the camera is going to be able to operate without a power cord.

What you need to know when buying Security Cameras

Beyond the power cord and how they work, you need to know how to install them. Everyone wants to save as much money as possible when it comes to installation, so having a security camera that can be installed by the average user is going to be a great benefit to retailers. A lot of people also want more than just a black and white camera, so having the option of color is a huge bonus for a lot of people. You never know when you are going to need the extra benefit of a color monitor. Then, there is the need for recording from a motion activated camera onto video that can be reviewed later.

There is a lot of information that you need to know about your new wireless motion security camera. We will try to detail everything that you need right here, so you can make sure you have all of the information that you need to make an informed decision.

Motion activated security cameras are actually digital video cameras that have a built-in motion detector. Whenever there is motion that is detected, the motion detector will turn the camera on and begin the recording process. You will never have to worry about the camera using any unnecessary tape because it only activates upon movement around the area. This will save you a lot of time and money in recording tapes.

The sensor that detects the motion is actually an infrared sensor. In reality, the technical name of the sensor is the Passive Infrared detector. How does it work? It works by performing a constant monitoring of the radiation within the general field of view for the camera. If there is a sudden change in the radiation, the camera will kick on and detect the motion to begin recording. The sensor assumes that the change must have been caused by a disturbance, so it needs to record. As long as the motion sensor is connected, the relay switch will tell the camera that it needs to turn on and start the recording process. Once the motion has stopped or the time runs out, the recording will stop. You can pre-set how long the camera is going to record once the motion has stopped, this way you will never have to worry about the camera running out of space.

A digital photograph is basically the same thing as digital video images. The main difference is the fact that the images are rapidly taken within a short period of time. You will be able to take approximately 30 frames per second, which are all going to be high quality with fluid motions. What exactly is a digital video? They are basically several thousand to a hundred thousand photographs all rolled into one video. You can only imagine what the size of a data file for one photograph is going to be. Take that size and then multiply it by roughly 300,000. This will give you an idea of how large one digital video file has the potential to become.

A typical digital video camera that is constantly running with a speed of 30 frames per second will create approximately 1MB of data for every frame that it is using. If you take that 30 frames per second and figure it out you are going to be using about 108GB per hour, so you can only imagine how much free space you are going to need. If you use one camera with 500GB of free space on the digital video recorder, you would use up all of the disk space in less than five hours of recording.

The Benefits of Motion Activated Security Cameras

Wireless Motion Activated Security CamerasThe great benefit of a motion security camera is that it only records when motion is detected. If you use this camera properly, you are going to reduce the size of the files that are being saved and conserve how much digital recording space you have left.

Another great benefit of the motion activated cameras is the amount of power they are going to use. Even though they are considered a wireless camera, there is the possibility that you are still going to have wires. You can use this camera to send video data to your digital video recorder through the use of radio signals. The cameras are still going to need to be supplied with a direct current form of power. You can use this through the standard power distribution and running a small wire to the camera. The other option is using a plug-in outlet to run your wire to the camera.

There is still another option for providing power to the cameras, beyond what was already mentioned. Some of the cameras are able to use rechargeable batteries for all of their power needs. This particular type of camera is going to use very little power through the use of the PIR sensor. The only time the camera is truly using the power is when it is on and recording. Since the camera is only going to kick on when there is motion detected, you are only going to use a small amount of power. As a result, you are only going to have to change the batteries whenever there has been a lot of recording time, otherwise they will last you for quite some time. This is just another benefit to this camera.

One of the things that almost everyone is looking for is the way to save money on the installation of your camera. This particular camera is one of the easiest to install and operate on the market. Pretty much any do-it-yourselfer will be able to install and operate this motion activated camera in no time at all. How much more could you possibly ask for? You won’t have to worry about paying anyone anything extra to come out and put the camera up for you because you will be able to do everything yourself. As soon as you have the camera mounted, you will be able to begin the recording process. It will automatically begin recording as soon as you have everything all set up in the system. Once the system kicks on it will begin sending data to the digital video recorder, so that way everything can be stored and reviewed at a later time. This way you will not have to feel as if you are stuck without any options. You can have all of the flexibility that you are looking for in your new security camera.

The motion activated security cameras are loaded with features and options that make it one of the most versatile cameras on the market today. You will enjoy all of the features that this camera has to offer. It will truly amaze and astonish you because you will not believe how much you are going to be able to do with one simple camera.

If you are worried about recording possibilities, you don’t need to be. You will have the option of recording in black and white or high-quality color. This will give you the freedom and flexibility to be able to choose which one is going to work the best for your particular situation. You may determine that you have a preference for the color over the black and white, or vice versa. It is really a matter of what you are going to be using the camera for and how often you are going to be using it. The option to choose between color and black and white will truly give you everything that you have been looking for in your new security camera.

Speak to the Security Camera Pros!

Hopefully, this has given you the basic knowledge and information that you have been looking for to make an educated decision about your next wireless security camera. If you have any additional questions before making your final decision, we are here to help you out in any way possible. We want to make sure that you have the proper information before feeling like you need to jump into anything. The last thing we want is for you to be unsatisfied in your new security camera, so let us be the first one to help you make the decision that you have been debating on. We are ready and willing to address any concerns that you have about your new wireless security camera. Let us help you today!

 

High Quality Wireless Security Cameras

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

Are you looking for a high quality wireless security camera?  Look no further because Security Camera King has a great selection of only the highest quality wireless cameras in the security camera industry.

You may not be familiar a high quality wireless security camera and you may be asking yourself, what exactly is this?  Cameras that send their video image data via radio waves are referred to as “wireless” cameras.   However, this may be a misnomer because they may not be entirely wireless.

Wireless cameras need power and that may be provided by means of a wired power supply.  If that is the case then the camera isn’t totally wireless, even though the industry uses that term.  A truly wireless camera will usually obtain its power from on board one-time use or rechargeable batteries.

There are several different types of wireless technologies that may be used such as the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz or the 900 MHz technologies which are basically the same technologies that are used for land-line based wireless telephones.  These technologies usually present a clear transmission that is relatively strong and is definitively strong enough to support high quality wireless security cameras.

There is one “down side” to these wireless technologies.  They work on the principle of Line Of Sight or LOS.  LOS means that the maximum range stated by the manufacturer is valid if there are no objects between the transmitter (or camera) and the receiver.  However, this doesn’t mean that the wireless feature won’t work if there is (are) an object(s) between the two.  Instead, depending on the physical make-up of the object, the range is just reduced.  Many things can affect the maximum range of a wireless camera such as windows, walls, buildings, trees, fences and such.  So it’s a good idea to survey your camera placement before purchasing your camera(s).

There is also another type of wireless camera that doesn’t transmit its video data to a receiver which is then cable connected to a DVR.   This other type is an IP (Internet Protocol) wireless camera.  IP wireless cameras use WiFi to connect to a router or modem which then connects them to the Internet.  Once connected to the Internet, these cameras are usually viewable from anywhere in the world there is broad band Internet availability.  In addition, these cameras can also be monitored on 3G and 4G smartphones.

Besides being convenient for security camera systems, high quality wireless security cameras are also found as hidden, covert cameras.  Security Camera King carries a full line of these cameras to fit just about any situation.  The following is a partial list of some of the high quality wireless security cameras that we offer for purchase:

  • Black and white or color button camera
  • Black and white or color Phillip’s head screw camera
  • Wireless dog baby monitor camera
  • Black and white or color wireless motion detector
  • Black and white or color wireless wall clock
  • Black and White or color wireless “EXIT” sign
  • Black and white or color wireless desktop speakers
  • Black and white or color vanity mirror with touch activation
  • Black and white or color carbon monoxide detector
  • Black and white or color wind tunnel camera
  • Black and white or color Alarm clock camera
  • Black and white or color cordless house phone camera
  • Black and white or color CD/Boom box camera
  • Black and white or color wireless suspended animation clock camera
  • Black and white or color utility box camera
  • Black and white or color Air Wick air freshener camera
  • Black and white or color tissue box camera
  • Black and white or color down view smoke detector
  • Black and white or color emergency camera

Most all of these hidden wireless cameras contain high quality 3.7mm wide angle lenses, a 1/4 or 1/3 inch CCD or CMOS sensor, and of course a transmitter and antenna.  Most also run on battery power or they are wired into the electrical appliance that they are in.

So if you are looking for a high quality wireless security camera, talk to one of our security experts to help you find the one that is right for you.  You can contact our security experts by on-line “Live Chat” or by telephone at 866-573-8878 Monday through Friday from 9AM to 6PM EST.

Wireless Camera Outdoor Security Systems

Monday, December 27th, 2010

If you are looking for an excellent method to provide outdoor security and surveillance, consider using wireless camera outdoor security systems. Not only do these systems provide excellent security, but wireless camera outdoor security systems are a snap to install. They make for an easy do-it-yourself installation project with the most difficult task being what type of camera to purchase.

Wireless camera outdoor security systems are component systems consisting of the wireless outdoor cameras, a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), and an optional monitor. Not all of the components are placed outside, in fact usually only the cameras are located outside with the DVR and monitor located nearby indoors.

The system works by capturing high-quality color video images with the digital wireless outdoor cameras. The video images, in the form of electronic signals, are converted from analog signals to binary or digital signals and sent to the DVR. The DVR and video processor converts the information into a digital video file that can be viewed in real-time (live) and/or saved on the DVR for later use.

The wireless camera outdoor security system cameras have two of many additional features that make the system unique. First, the cameras are outdoor cameras, designed specifically for use in places that do not provide shelter or protection from the weather and other elements. Second, the cameras send their video signals via wireless radio waves instead of video transmission cables. Let’s take a closer look at each of these features.

Today’s digital security camera is a relatively small, light-weight piece of modern technology, especially when compared to cameras that were used 20 years ago. However, even though modern technology has yielded great improvements and additional features, the cameras are still designed to be used indoors, under protective cover of a building for example. However, wireless camera outdoor security systems cameras are designed for use outdoors.

Outdoor cameras contain digital video cameras that have a protective case or closure that prevents damage to the camera from the weather and other elements such as rain, snow, and dust. Many outdoor security camera manufacturers provide a rating as to the protection that is provided by the enclosure. This rating called and Ingress Protection or International Protection Code (IP Code) is a standard that is developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (EIC). The purpose of the rating is to provide a more specific, standardized description of the protection instead of a generalized description such as “waterproof.”

The IP Code consists of two digits and is normally expressed like this: IP37. The first digit refers to protection from solid objects and ranges from 0 to 6 with 0 meaning no protection and 6 indicating the camera is dust tight and completely protected from damage from dust. Digits 1 through 5 indicate protection from increasingly smaller solids. A 5 indicates that ingress of dust may occur, but not in a quantity enough to damage the camera.

The second digit refers to protection provided from liquids and ranges from 0 to 8, with 0 indicating no protection and 8 meaning that the camera can be submerged continuously in water deeper than 1 meter. Typical ratings for wireless camera outdoor security systems are a 5 (no harmful effects from water projected by a nozzle) or a 6 (no harmful effects from water projected by a powerful jet). Examples of good IP ratings for an outdoor camera is IP55 or greater.

The second unique feature of wireless camera outdoor security systems is the wireless function of the camera. Normally, digital video cameras send their video data via coaxial cables such as RG-59. A cable must be run from each individual camera to the DVR. However, wireless cameras convert their data into radio signals and send the data to the DVR as a radio wave.

There are several radio wave technologies used today but one of the more common is the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz technology, the same that is used for land-line based wireless telephones. The camera sends out the signal using its own transmitter and antenna to a corresponding receiver. The receiver is usually located near the DVR and is connected to it by a cable. Some DVRs even contain their own receiver technology, eliminating the need for a separate receiver unit.

Installation of wireless camera outdoor security systems is easy and mainly consists of mounting the cameras and setting up the DVR and/or receiver. For more information, contact one of Security Camera Kings security experts today.

Wireless Spy Camera

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

There are times when covert digital video monitoring is needed and nothing can fulfill your security and surveillance needs like wireless spy cameras from Security Camera King. We offer a full line of wireless spy cameras that maintain their concealed identity, transmit their video images without the need for wire hook-ups, and produce high resolution digital video.

Digital video security and surveillance monitoring can be classified into two different types based on whether the monitoring is obvious or purposely intended to be concealed. In the security video industry, these two categories are often referred to as covert (meaning hidden, stealthy, or concealed) and overt (meaning obvious, open, or unconcealed). Covert cameras that broadcast their digital video using radio signals are often referred to as wireless spy cameras.

Wireless spy cameras can be classified into two different types as well based on how the camera achieves being overt. Wireless spy cameras do this by either being incredibly small or disguised as some other object other than a security camera (or some cameras may use a combination of both). The incredibly small types of cameras are often referred to as pinhole type cameras and these are often designed to be disguised as very small objects as well. In order to understand how this is possible, let’s take a look at an incredibly small wireless spy camera and see how it works.

Digital video cameras work by focusing light images on a sensor that can transfer the light energy of the image into electrical energy. There are two different sensors that may be used for this purpose; a Charged Coupled Device or CCD or a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS.

Each sensor performs the same task (transfers light energy into electrical energy that can be measured) but goes about it in a slightly different way. Typically, CCDs have provided a higher quality picture while CMOSs use much less electricity to operate. However, as electronic technology advances both are producing high resolution video images with a minimal amount of power needed to do the job.

These sensor chips, usually in the shape of a square, can be very small, as small as only 1/4″. Today’s electronic technology can produce incredibly small Integrated Circuit or IC chips that house the circuitry for processing video images, converting them to radio signals, and transmitting them to a receiver. Advanced lens physics and manufacture can produce a small wide-angle lens as small as 3.7 mm for example. Combine all three of these technologies and you could produce a wireless spy camera as small as the head of a screw or a button that produce high quality video images. In fact, Security Camera King carries two such cameras, our 2.4 GHz wireless button camera and our 2.4 GHz wireless screw camera.

Wireless spy cameras labeled as “2.4 GHz” refer to the technology that is used to transmit the wireless signal. A 2.4 GHz wireless spy camera uses the same high-quality dependable technology to transmit its radio signals as many land line based wireless telephones. The transmitter and receiver are tuned to a frequency in the 2.4 GHz radio wave spectrum.

The term “wireless spy camera” may impart a connotation of negativity associated with its name. It’s important to note that wireless spy cameras are not necessarily used for this purpose but may be used for the sake of aesthetics in appearance. Our 2.4 GHz Wireless Dog Baby Monitor Camera is a fine example.

Some wireless spy cameras may be used as standalone monitor systems. That is, the camera/transmitter unit comes with its own receiver/monitor. These units are usually designed for monitoring and not recording so although they may come with their own portable, handheld LCD monitor, they often do not record. Our wireless dog baby monitor camera is a good example of this; typically it is not necessary to record baby monitor transmissions.

Other cameras may be designed to use with a standalone video security system that includes a DVR   for storing video. These cameras may or may not come with a receiver, so it’s important that you check on this in the camera’s description or specifications area.

Sometimes the greatest advantage of using digital video security cameras is the ability to monitor and record activities without any indication that video monitoring is occurring and Security Camera Kings wireless spy cameras do just that. Check out our vast selection by clicking on “Security Cameras” then “Wireless Hidden Cameras” on the left side of our web page.

Motion Activated Wireless Security Camera

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Here are some common questions we’ve had about motion activated wireless security cameras:
• How do these cameras detect motion?
• How does the wireless function work and why would I need it?
• What provides the power for this camera?
• Can I install this camera myself?
• Does this camera produce color or black and white video?
• How do I record the video from a motion activated wireless security camera?

In the following article we will answer these questions and provide you with some general background knowledge concerning a motion activated wireless security camera.

A motion activated wireless security camera is a digital video camera that contains a built in motion detector. When the motion detector senses motion, it turns the video camera on so that it may begin recording digital video images. This means that the camera is only recording video images when the motion detector senses movement.

The motion sensor itself is an infrared sensor. In fact, the name of the sensor is a Passive InfraRed or PIR detector. It works by constantly monitoring the infrared radiation (IR) in the cameras general field of view. When a sudden change in this radiation occurs, the sensor can detect it, and assumes it is caused by an object in motion. The PIR motion sensor is connected to a relay switch so that when motion is connected, the relay switch turns on the camera to being recording. The recording session ends when either the motion has stopped or after a pre-programmed period of time after the motion has stopped.

Digital video images are basically the same thing as digital photographs however they are taken very rapidly in succession. High quality fluid motion is created by taking up to 30 photographs (in video talk these are called “Frames”) per second or 30 FPS. Digital video then is basically many (on the average depending upon the total length of recording time) several thousand to hundred thousand photographs. Imagine the size of a data file for one high quality digital photograph. Now multiply that times 300,000 for example, and that’s how large the digital video file could be.

A digital video camera running constantly at 30 FPS, that creates 1 Megabyte(MB) of data for every frame, creates 30 MB per second or 1.8 Gigabytes (GB) per minute or 108 GB per hour. Using one camera constantly with a 500 GB Digital video Recorder or DVR, would use up all the disk storage space in less than 5 hours recording time.

A motion activated wireless security camera however, only records video when motion is detected. When used properly, this greatly reduces the size of the digital files and conserves DVR storage space.

A second benefit of using a motion activated wireless security camera is power conservation. A motion activated wireless security camera may not be totally wireless. Although these cameras use radio signals to send their video data to a receiver of DVR, they still must be supplied with low voltage Direct Current (DC) power. This is usually accomplished by using a power distribution center and running a small wire from it to each camera or by using a plug-in outlet transformer and running a wire from it to the camera(s).

However, there is a third option for providing electrical power to the camera as well. Some cameras can utilize rechargeable batteries. These cameras use very little power for the constant “on” state of the PIR sensor. The greatest power drain on the system is when the camera is actively recording. Therefore a motion activated wireless security camera can also greatly conserve on power consumption and therefore extend rechargeable battery usage periods, another great benefit of this type of camera.

The camera is easy to install and operate so any “do-it-your-selfer” can install and operate the camera. Once the camera is mounted, and the system is set up, the camera will automatically begin functioning, sending digital video data to the DVR so that the video data can be stored on the hard disk drive.

A motion activated wireless security camera has many other features and options that make it a powerfully versatile security tool. In addition, the camera can record in black and white or high quality color.

This should provide you with some basic knowledge about a motion activated wireless security camera. If you have any addition questions or would like to purchase a camera or system, please contact one of Security Camera Kings security experts today.