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General Security Camera Information
Years ago there were only a few
types of security cameras available in the security systems market. Today
things have changed quite a bit. At one time there were only tube security
cameras. Today all of the security cameras we use for closed circuit
television (CCTV) use a special computer chip called a CCD. These security
cameras are a lot more dependable than their tube counterparts and produce a
better picture. These chip security cameras are much less expensive to produce
as well. All of these factors have made the use of CCTV more affordable and
practical for a wider variety of applications.
What's an "Outdoor Security Camera"?
Outdoor Security Cameras the
capabilities of the security camera and lenses must be configured to perform
according to the variations in illumination and temperature. Due to exposure
to humidity and freezing, most of the high performance security cameras are
not appropriate for outdoor exposure; instead, either use an indoor-outdoor
bullet security camera or an enclosure to maintain steady temperature and
humidity.
What's an "Indoor Security Camera"?
Indoor security cameras are
limited to operate within limited temperature ranges.
What's an "Indoor-Outdoor Security
Camera"?
Indoor-Outdoor security cameras
for medium to high image quality, these security cameras are both cost
effective and versatile. They can be installed either indoors of outdoors
without any need for a heater and blower enclosure.
What's a "Dome Security Camera"?
Dome Security Cameras are among
the most versatile. They can be used for both indoor or outdoor applications.
They also offer a good aesthetic appearance.
What does LUX mean?
LUX is a standardized method by
which to measure a security camera's sensitivity to light. The lower the
number, the less light it will take to reproduce a clear image.
What is Camera Resolution?
Security camera resolution is the
security cameras clarity. A security camera’s resolution is determined by the
number of horizontal video lines (like 420 or 430 lines) that the security
camera needs in order to reproduce the desired image. The higher the
resolution number, the sharper the image will be. Although resolution is
important when considering which security camera to purchase, the quality of
the security cameras components is more important.
Why is Digital Video Recording better
than my VHS machine?
The advantages of digital recording
are maintenance-free operation for longer periods of time and increased
resolution. Consider a 24 hours time lapse VCR, which does the job in most
cases. Every 24 hours, one has to change the tape, or program the VCR to
automatically start over when the tape reaches the end. Time-lapse VCRs that
record hundreds of hours on a tape - they just do not record every fraction of
a second, but merely one image at every so many seconds. If the recording is
not triggered by motion detectors, one can fail to catch the very important
moment on tape. In another words, in order to record continuously (say 30
frames per second), there is only so much a tape can take. Digital
technologies increase the storage considerably.
Are the cameras difficult to set up?
Both the wired and the wireless
cameras are very easy to set up. You do not need any special knowledge or
skills to set up and operate these hidden cameras. Basically, all you do is
apply power, either by plugging it to a regular wall outlet or by using
batteries.
For a wired camera, you plug the
RCA cable into the camera and run the cable to your TV or VCR. Follow your TV
or VCR instruction manual for viewing the video input. (usually the channel
below channel 2).
For a wireless camera with
receiver (900Mhz or 2.4Ghz), apply power either by plugging it to a regular
wall outlet or by using batteries. The receiver plugs into a wall outlet as
well or you can use a battery pack. The receiver plugs into your TV or VCR the
same as wired cameras
.
What's
the difference between 434Mhz, 900Mhz, and 2.4Ghz cameras?
Mhz = Megahertz
Ghz = Gigahertz
These refer to
the different frequencies that our cameras use.
434Mhz
wireless cameras do not need a receiver. The TV or VCR picks up the signal
automatically by having the TV or VCR set to receive cable channel 59 and
using a regular rabbit ears antenna. The actual cable must be disconnected to
allow the antenna to be connected.
900Mhz and
2.4Ghz wireless cameras require a receiver to pick up the video signal. The
receiver in turn is plugged into the TV or VCR with provided RCA cable.
Receivers are sold separately from the cameras unless otherwise specified.
Other
differences: 434Mhz and 900Mhz wireless cameras transmit 1000 feet line of
sight. 2.4Ghz wireless cameras transmit 600-700 feet line of sight. Line of
sight distance is under optimal conditions with no interference and no
obstructions between camera and receiver.
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