Overview of the Types of Burglar Alarm Systems

Posted on April 30, 2012 by TinaCosta

Overview of the Types of Burglar Alarm SystemsIn today’s technologically advance world, it is helpful to understand the many different types of burglar alarm systems when searching for home security. Society has disintegrated dramatically and crime is rampant, even in the best neighborhoods, which is what has spurred the dramatic increase in the number of homes installing some sort of security system.

Three Main Types

Home security has become big business, which makes it all the more difficult to determine what type of system is best for the home. There are basically three main types of security systems available for installation: wireless, hard-wired and self-contained. Each of these systems is explained below. This information should help the homeowner decide which system is best for their home.

Wireless Burglar Alarm Systems

Wireless burglar alarm systems have become the preferred systems for home security today. These systems are comprised of various parts that work together to provide the security the homeowner needs. Today’s wireless system is technologically advanced and doesn’t suffer from the interference of radio waves like older wireless systems.

The typical wireless system is made up of parts that a DIYer can install with basic skills. The common elements of a wireless burglar alarm system include:

  • Control Panel: this is the heart of the alarm system where all of the programming of the system is completed.
  • Contacts and Transmitters: These are placed on the doors and windows and are used to send a signal to the control panel when movement is detected.
  • Motion Detectors: These are strategically placed throughout the residence, both indoors and out, to detect motion when the alarm is set to on. Once motion is detected a signal is sent to the control panel which then sends the alarm.

Wireless burglar alarm systems can be controlled by computers and smart phones making it easy to set the alarm from away from home or even disarm it for unexpected visitors.

Wireless alarm systems have advantages and disadvantages. They are easily expandable by simply adding more motion detectors. In addition to this, wireless systems can be removed and taken to a new home should relocation occur. However, because they are battery operated, the batteries must be checked on a regular basis in order to keep the system functioning properly. Additionally, wireless systems can be more expensive than hard-wired systems although as technology continues to improve the cost is coming down.

Hard-Wired Burglar Alarm Systems

Hard-wired burglar alarm systems are the older, more traditional type of burglar alarm system that is installed for home security. A hard-wired system is made up of the control panel which is wired to the home’s electrical system, a siren or loud alarm that is set off by any of the detection devices that are strategically placed throughout the home.

A hard-wired burglar alarm system is designed and installed using heavy duty cable that is installed to provide the power to the system. Additionally, the cabling that is installed helps to deter intruders because it is designed to set off an alarm should the cable pick up the signals from the sensors that indicate the presence of an intruder.

Like the wireless system, the hard-wired system has both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that the system is permanent and therefore considered more reliable. However, these systems typically have to be professionally installed which makes them more expensive and they can’t be moved with the homeowner, should the homeowner decide to relocate. Additionally, if more coverage is desired, the professional who installed the system will have to come back and add to it.

Self Contained Burglar Alarms

These are portable devices that operate on the basis of motion detection. They are very limited in functions and have very few features. However, they are the ideal choice when a portable burglar alarm is needed, such as when travelling and staying in hotels or hostels.

Camera Security Systems

In addition to the three security burglar alarms, there are security cameras that have become a very popular add-on to security systems. These cameras capture every movement in and around the home. The burglar alarm system works in conjunction with the camera to start the recording process whenever there is movement detected. These cameras provide added security for the homeowner.

If the burglar alarm doesn’t deter the intruder, the homeowner can rely on the camera to provide details of the intrusion and hopefully help capture the intruder. Security camera systems in home provide additionally peace of mind by videoing babysitters or any other action that the owner wants to see over a given time frame.

Understanding the many types of home security options and burglar alarm systems that are available will help the homeowner make a decision on which system best suits their needs. It is important

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Overview of Business Security Camera Systems

Posted on April 18, 2012 by TinaCosta

Every business reaches the point that they need to consider a security system and most businesses ultimately go with a business security camera system. However, before making the ultimate decision to install the security camera system there are many different factors that need to be considered. This overview of business security camera systems should help business owners determine if they are ready to install this type of security system.

Cost

Overview of Business Security Camera SystemsCost is a natural concern for any business and should be taken into consideration. The old saying that ‘you get what you pay for’ is especially true when it comes to business security systems. The average fixed indoor camera can cost anywhere between $60 all the up to close to $200, with outdoor versions starting at about $100 and going to around $300.

The key factor to understand with the cost of cameras is that these are simply the cameras and they are fixed cameras, not PTZ cameras that capture all movement by panning, tilting, and zooming. The cost of PTZ cameras is much higher, but worth the added cost.

Ultimately, cheap cameras have little or no tech support and no installation. It is much smarter to find a company that installs and supports business security systems and work with them to get the right system installed.

Fixed Cameras or Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras

As mentioned previously, PTZ cameras are much more expensive and so the business owner may question whether or not they need these more expensive cameras. The PTZ camera has motion which can be controlled from remote locations to capture more video data. However, part of the cost increase is due to the additional wiring that these cameras require.

PTZ cameras can be programmed to move to certain locations on a regular basis and then manually adjusted if needed. This allows the business to continually be monitored in a sweeping fashion with the PTZ cameras. The downside to these cameras is that they are complicated to program and often wind up in a fixed position, at which point the standard fixed camera, which is much less expensive, would have been a better choice.

Are Infrared Cameras Necessary?

This is something that only the business owner can answer. If the purpose of the camera is to catch intruders after business hours, then the answer would be yes, unless there are always lights on inside the business. However, if the purpose of the cameras is to keep a keen eye on employees and their behavior, infrared is not necessary.

Businesses that are installing outdoor security cameras should consider infrared. These cameras provide their own light source when there isn’t enough light to get a clear picture. The downside to an infrared camera is that the LED light on it alerts anyone nearby that there is a camera present. However, for capturing images in the dark, the infrared is the only way to go.

Lens Size and Camera Sight

The next important factor when considering a business security camera system is how wide the area is that the camera is able to see. This size of the lens determines the size of area that the camera is able to capture. A large lens will be able to capture a large area and greater distance than a small lens. For example, a 50mm camera lens can capture images up to 75’ from the camera; on the other hand, a 3.6 mm lens can only capture imagers about 12’ feet away.

Multiple Cameras

Many business owners think they only need one security camera, the one that faces the entrance and for some people that might be enough; however, most businesses need multiple cameras and different types of cameras for different locations. Business security specialists can create a custom security plan and point out the areas that are vulnerable and should have cameras. However, if the cameras are being used simply for employees then the cameras need to be installed where employees are or go, which means multiple cameras throughout the building.

Battery Backup or Straight Electrical

Once a business understands the camera, lens and costs, the last thing that is important is the power supply. The system will no doubt be powered by electricity; however, just as the computer network in a business must have a battery backup, the camera security must have a battery backup. When the power goes out, the business needs to be protected and a batter backup provides that security. The backup should have at least a two or three hour window if not more. The battery backup needs to be powering not only the camera system but also the DVR or other recording device as well as all cameras on the system.

Business security camera systems are an important part of any business and should be seriously considered by every business owner. Research and the help of a security company can provide the business with the exact system they need.

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Understanding the CCD Security Camera

Posted on April 10, 2012 by TinaCosta

Understanding the CCD Security CameraThere are several types of security cameras available when shopping for home or business security systems. Understanding the CCD security camera is the first step in deciding on the type of camera to use in the system set up. The following information will help explain the CCD camera and how important it is in the camera security system.

Digital Security

Before learning about the CCD camera, it is important to have an overview of how digital video and camera surveillance security works. These systems can be found in homes and businesses and provide security by recording activity during the day or when the business is closed.

Typical video security systems are made up of three main parts: the monitors, the video recorder, and the camera. The camera is a vital part of the system as its job is to catch any images that are made by light reflections. These reflections are then converted to an image that is electronic and then stored on the DVR and possibly viewed remotely if desired.

There are other components to the system that make it operate such as sensors and control panels; however the main components are the camera as and recording device.

The Camera

The camera is the integral part of the system that works using multiple components such as the lenses and the integrated circuit chips. The field of view is the area that the camera is able to pick up with its lens. This field of view is what will be recorded and is considered the video image.

The lens size determines the field of view that will be on the video image. Larger lenses provide a much larger field of view. The standard lens on a digital camera has one field of view due to having a single focal length. On the other hand, varifocal lenses are able to be manipulated to alter their focal length and thus a larger field of view.

The CCD security camera is the sensor chip of the security system. The CCD (charged couple device) sends out tiny electrical impulses when focused light reaches it through the camera. CCD cameras can have multiple CCD chips and multiple filters.

These electrical pulses are then calculated and read by the IC chip (analog to digital processor). The image from the camera is now a digital image and will continue to be processes by the camera. This further processing is the automatic adjustments that the camera makes to the brightness, color, and other attributes that create an overall digital image of high quality.

After the CCD security camera creates the video image, the data is directed to the DVR where it is stored for archival and viewing purposes. The data that is sent to the DVR may be digital or binary data; however it will be transformed to a digital video file that can be watched on the recorder or a computer.

CCD security cameras are exceptional security cameras that have the ability to use infrared light to create video. This feature of the camera makes it more versatile by allowing to be used in many more locations and even in the darkest of areas. CCD infrared works by having many IR LEDs or infrared producing light emitting diodes located around the lends in a circular manner that are basically providing massive amounts of light to the camera. This light is not visible to people and so the camera is not noticed.

Choosing a Camera

The average homeowner who is looking for a security system may want to research the many different options that are available. The CCD security camera is just one of the many cameras that are available. Professional security companies can offer the best advice on what type of camera and system is best for the proposed area.

CCD security cameras are an excellent choice due to their versatility and infrared capabilities. This allows the homeowner to place them in dark areas of their yard or home and feel secure knowing that the camera will pick up any movement despite how dark it is in the area.

Once the type of camera has been determined, it is simply a matter of finding the best supplier and the best price. The Internet has many reputable security system suppliers. Prices can be compared using different shopping tools online. However, before a purchase is made, the company should be checked out to make sure there are return options, warranties and that the company has a good reputation.

CCD security cameras should be considered one of the top choices in security cameras when a new security system is being installed. Security systems are ideal deterrents and provide security options for homes and businesses that want to be able to record any events that occur.

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