There are numerous factors and environmental conditions to consider whenever designing a surveillance system. Additionally a lot of the factors you will be considering will depend on your specific applications. There are however some key constants to keep in mind, and we will look over a few different factors to always have in the back of your head when building a CCTV system.

Installation

To begin you are going to want to decide whether you plan on installing your surveillance system yourself, or if you are going to hire someone to do it for you. If you’re going to hire someone, then it will be a good idea to contact some installers before purchasing your system. This way you can get an idea of installation costs and factor them into your budget beforehand.

Additionally if you decide to hire someone, they will most likely be able to help in the design of your system as well.

Video Feed

How do you plan on getting your video to your monitoring station (DVR, Monitor, ETC…). This is something you want to consider as it can determine whether you will prefer a wired or wireless system. Each different type of system has its ups and downs which we won’t go into here, but the basic thing you should determine for yourself is whether installing a wired system will be problematic or not, and if so to what degree. This is also an instance where hiring an installer could be beneficial as they can help determine the best course of action for you.

Lighting

How well lit are the areas you are going to be recording? Do you want to be able to record both during the day and night? These are questions that are good to know the answers to before buying your security cameras.

If you are going to need cameras that can handle low light applications, then you are going to want to find security cameras with low LUX ratings. The lower the LUX rating, the more capable the camera is at recording in low light scenarios.

Now if you want to record in pitch black or nearly pitch black conditions, you will want to look into getting security cameras with IR (Infrared) functionality. These types of cameras will provide artificial infrared light for your cctv cameras to see with in pitch black settings.

Camera Protection

Protecting your cameras is crucial in some settings, and you will want to not only consider environmental protection, but also vandal protection.

Vandal Protection

If you’re in an area where tampering with your cameras is a distinct possibility, then you are going to want to look into armored dome type cameras that can help protect against vandalism. In some cases the domes are so strong they can help protect against the force of a hammer hitting it.

Environmental Protection

If you are going to be using your cameras outside, then you will want to look into the proper protection against the elements. Sunshields, Heaters, Blowers, Waterproof Ratings; these are all good features to have depending on your application.

Overlapping Coverage

Finally an additional way to help protect your cameras is to design a system that employs overlapping coverage. Basically if one camera is tampered with it will be seen and recorded by another one of your security cameras.

There are many other factors to consider when building a surveillance system, but by having these few different ideas in hand you will make your task that much easier in the long run.

Christian M Gillman has worked in the surveillance industry for over 6 years. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, learn more about surveillance, and find great products at http://www.cu1.com

- CU1 – Your CCTV Products and Surveillance Equipment Source

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_M_Gillman

The KT&C KPC-E23NUB is a high quality miniature cctv camera with an amazing 700TVL resolution. This 1/3″ security camera has other helpful features as well; including 2D digital noise reduction, privacy masking, and a controllable backside toggle for quick picture adjustments.

Find out more about this great new product from KT&C.  http://www.cu1.com/kpce23nu.html

By Christian M Gillman

As your surveillance system gets older and more outdated; you may want to add functionality and equip it to last you a while longer. There are several different surveillance accessories you can get to help enhance and upgrade your CCTV security system without having to buy brand new equipment.

Microphones

Want to be able to monitor audio at your business, but you security camera doesn’t have an audio feature? With a small external microphone you can quickly and rather cheaply add a microphone to your security camera and solve your problem. In fact most DVR’s already have audio inputs that you can run your microphone to; however if the DVR your using doesn’t have audio, this can be solved by getting a small external audio recorder to put next to your DVR.

PIR Sensors

Many of today’s DVRs and even some from the past will have what is known as alarm inputs. These inputs can be used with devices known as PIR motion sensors. A PIR motion sensor is simply an infrared motion detector that will alert your DVR of motion and have it send some form of an alarm; be it to start recording, make noise, or to alert you via email.

These can be a great upgrade to a system that may already have all of its camera inputs filled, but still has alarm inputs available.

Ground Loop Isolators

These are an accessory that is used when you have video transmission problems. They are used to help clear up video signals and remove any interference that might be present. Generally people won’t buy these until a problem appears, but if you’ve been living with a fuzzy picture in your system for quite some time; you may want to look into getting a ground loop isolator to see if it helps clear up your picture.

Surge Protectors

Beyond a normal power strip surge protector, you may also want to look into surge protectors that help protect your video lines. In fact tying into the last accessory we talked about; many ground loop isolators come with built in surge suppression. This could lead to a dual preventative measure to help prolong your surveillance systems life.

Lenses

Lastly if you have an old surveillance system, and you want to be able to change your cameras viewing angle to a narrower or wider view; instead of buying a brand new camera, you might look into changing out its lens for a fraction of the cost.

Christian M Gillman has worked in the surveillance industry for over 6 years. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, learn more about surveillance, and find great products at http://www.cu1.com

- CU1 – Your CCTV Products and Surveillance Equipment Source

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_M_Gillman

So why not take a look and find out how this amazing cctv camera can work wonders for you.  http://www.cu1.com/kpce190nuwx.html

By Christian M Gillman

CCTV lenses have a lot of different features and it is a good idea to know some of the different ones available and how they affect your surveillance system or your security cameras. So before purchasing a cctv lens for your camera, take the time to read through this and gain some insight to some of the more popular features and what they do.

Lens Types

There are few different types of CCTV lenses out there including C/CS, M12, & M9; we will be going over features and styles indicative of the C/CS mount style however, as they are the most common and applicable.

The main difference between these types of lenses that you should know about is that M9 and M12 are board type lenses used with board, miniature, and bullet style security cameras; whereas C/CS mount lenses are used on C/CS mount cameras.

Additionally M9 and M12 lenses are usually set focal length lenses, and they will have to be replaced with a new lens to have a different focal length. We will talk more about varifocal vs. fixed focal length later on.

Focal Length

To begin with when someone is talking about a lens focal length, it is related to how wide or narrow your image angle will be. The smaller a lenses focal length, then the wider the image viewing angle will be. Adversely the larger the focal length, the narrower your viewing angle will be.

Tying into focal length is fixed vs. varifocal type lenses. A varifocal lens has a range of focal lengths that it can be set at to help you get the best viewing angle for your application. A fixed length however is made to be used at one focal length and cannot be made to be wider or narrower if needed.

An example of a varifocal lens would be one advertising a 2.9mm – 8mm length; this indicates it can be set at any focal length within that range. A fixed lens would be advertised as something solid such as 4mm, 6mm, 2.8mm, etc…

Auto Iris vs. Manual

The iris is a device on your lens that determines how much light the lens will allow in, just as the iris in your eye does. In bright situations an iris needs to be smaller so as not to over expose an image; where as in dark situations the iris will be bigger to allow in as much light as possible to make a clearer image.

A CCTV lens with an auto iris feature can sense and automatically adjust its iris in accordance with how much light is present. A manual iris lens on the other hand is better in conditions where the light is unchanging, as it needs to be manually set to the correct exposure.

Auto Focus vs. Manual Focus

Just as with an auto iris, a lens with an auto focus is able to adjust its picture to gain a focus on an object automatically. This is useful if you don’t mind a wide focus range, but if you want your focus to be specific on a certain object, then you will want to be able to adjust your focus manually.

There are a number of other features that lenses have, and if you are confused by any of them it may be a wise choice to consult a surveillance dealer such as Industrial Covert Unlimited before purchasing.

Christian M Gillman has worked in the surveillance industry for over 6 years. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, learn more about surveillance, and find great products at http://www.cu1.com

- CU1 – Your CCTV Products and Surveillance Equipment Source

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_M_Gillman

Furthermore if you are one of our customers, or have had dealings with us and would like to leave us a review that we can post on our website, then feel free to leave us a comment here.

Remember we want you as a recurring regular customer. A good relationship is invaluable, and we recognize there is an increasing demand for security related video equipment, and that it has become an increasing part of your budget.

http://www.cu1.com/reviews.html

By Christian M Gillman

There are numerous types of covert and hidden security cameras available to consumers, and quite a few of them are rather innovative and creative in how they’re hidden. So if you’re thinking of buying or using a covert camera, why not research the different kinds available and what they have to offer.

Exit Sign Camera

A small discreet security camera is hidden within a functioning exit sign to allow for a dual use. Appease the fire marshal at your store with a proper exit sign, while also filling your hidden surveillance needs.

Plant Camera

Decorate your home, business, or deck with a festive plant that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also a functioning hidden security camera. In fact if you’re creative and like crafts you can buy your own plant and small box camera and build your own hidden plant camera.

PIR Motion Detector

Now this has the possibility of serving a dual purpose as well, depending on what product you get. There are two options when buying a PIR motion detection camera. Either you can go with a functioning PIR motion detection casing, or you can get a non functioning device. Either way the camera is disguised within a PIR motion detector, but if you get the functioning unit; you can also have the added benefit of a motion detector with alarm outputs to attach to your alarm system or DVR.

Clock Camera / Alarm Clock

Yet again we have a multipurpose covert solution. By having a covert security camera hidden within a nightstand style alarm clock or within a standard wall clock, you can serve your hidden surveillance needs as well as your time needs.

Watch Camera & Pen Camera

This type of camera is more of a spy gadget in essence as it allows you to keep your hidden surveillance on your person at all times or to utilize it on your dresser, nightstand, desk, or wherever else you deem it appropriate to leave or display a watch or pen. So if the James Bond style hidden camera is more your speed, then a watch or pen camera may be the perfect solution.

Book & Teddy Bear Camera

These covert solutions are extremely practical as nanny cams to keep an eye on your kids or babysitters. As they are stationary units, they are disguised within a book or teddy bear respectively to help keep their purpose concealed and to remain inconspicuous.

Smoke Detector & Fire Sprinkler Cameras

A security camera hidden within a smoke detector or fire sprinkler is a great solution for a business as it looks like a seemingly ordinary and practical fixture within your establishment. This way you keep your customers or potential burglars suspicion levels at a minimum, and still keep an ever vigilant eye on your facilities.

This is a good start to the more common types of security cameras available in the market, but they are nowhere near the complete list of what is available. In fact it should be noted that with a bit of ingenuity and a small box or board style security camera, you can create a hidden surveillance solution out of any number of common place items.

Christian M Gillman has worked in the surveillance industry for over 6 years. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, learn more about surveillance, and find great products at http://www.cu1.com

- CU1 – Your CCTV Products and Surveillance Equipment Source

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_M_Gillman

With the proper equipment you can easily design and build your own covert security camera system that suits your needs.

Here are a few basic items you’ll need to get started.

1.  A small miniature or board style security camera.  As found here:  http://www.cu1.com/boardcameras2.html

2. A power source whether you use a battery pack or a 12VDC adapter.  As found here:  http://www.cu1.com/12vpowersupply.html

3.  A video cable or wireless transmitter.  As found here:  http://www.cu1.com/plugnplay.html or here http://www.cu1.com/transmitters1.html

With these 3 basic items and a little ingenuity you can create your own covert solution out of a plethora of things including books, teddy bears, plants, light fixtures, door peepholes, and so much more.

Surveillance equipment is a great solution when it comes to protecting your home or business, but there are other uses for security products as well. Let’s go over a few different interesting and creative uses for security cameras and other surveillance equipment.

Home Inspection

Are you a landlord who owns several homes in your area, or even around the country or world? Not only can you protect your investments with surveillance equipment, but why not use them to inspect and maintain your property as well.

For example let’s say that a blizzard swept through a home you own in Michigan, but you are currently in Florida. By getting the right DVR and a few security cameras, you now have the opportunity to use a computer or even your cell phone to inspect and check your home for any damage or problems that may have arose due to the blizzard.

Now if you’re a landlord with large amounts of homes and investments; think about how this could quickly turn into a very useful tool for keeping track of and helping maintain your properties. In fact if one of your tenants has a complaint about the maintenance of one of your properties you now potentially will have the ability to inspect their complaint and take the appropriate action without having to leave your home.

Web Videos

With a DVR and a few different security cameras you could setup your own home studio to do small home based productions. By having a DVR record all of your security cameras, you now have different angles of your choosing to go through and edit together to make a well put together home production. This of course could lead to more elaborate home videos and cool ideas to share with your family or use on YouTube.

Business Builder

One final idea that could be a potential use for surveillance equipment beyond protection is that of Product Showcasing. Maybe you run home based business or just sell products online around the country or world. Why not setup a live stream of a couple security cameras through your DVR. This way you can showcase some of your products to potential buyers.

For example let’s say that you sell custom made shirts and other clothing paraphernalia. Well if a customer places an order, they will probably want to see an example of their order before purchasing in bulk. With a quick relaying of your IP address and by using a guest password you can show your customer the example they desire in real time; thus allowing yourself to make a sale that might not have happened otherwise.

These are just a few different and creative uses for surveillance equipment, but there are many more uses for security cameras and other CCTV products; so I implore you to visit our website and see if there are any creative and useful ways you can find to use CCTV equipment.

Christian M Gillman has worked in the surveillance industry for over 6 years. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, learn more about surveillance, and find great products at http://www.cu1.com

- CU1 – Your CCTV Products and Surveillance Equipment Source

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christian_M_Gillman

With the Teddy-001 parents can monitor babies or children anywhere in the nursery or play room. The adorable cctv covert camera appearance design ensures that children do not feel uncomfortable while being monitored. Product contains a wireless 2.4GHz transmitter, teddy bear camera and antenna concealed within an ordinary item.

The Transmitter Unit sends a video/audio signal to the receiver up to 100 meter away from the line of sight. The receiver can be connected to either a TV, monitor or DVR.

http://www.cu1.com/witecamnuca.html