Saturday, February 6, 2010

CCTV cameras installed in cinemas



The cameras, which cost £ 30,000 each, are installed in various Odeon cinemas across the country, which enables the audience in each screen to control by the staff in the foyer. They are installed at nine cinemas in major cities, including Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London, and the company plans to install them in all newly built cinemas.

Human rights groups and moviegoers have expressed concerns about the introduction of cameras on yet another area of life, some of infringing on the privacy of the public call.

Liberty, a civil liberties campaign group, has called for Odeon to make every visitor to know they are filmed.

Liberty's policy-maker, Gareth Crossman said: "Film Visitors should be informed about the presence of the cameras so they can go somewhere else if they are unhappy if they themselves be filmed.

James Dolan, 26, from Birmingham, who describes himself as an ordinary moviegoer said: "I go to the cinema to see other people who were shot, not even to be filmed.



Saturday, January 16, 2010

Wireless Security Camera Installation Images

Below are some images taken from an installation that one of CCTV Camera Pros' installation partners completed in Boca Raton, Florida in Palm Beach County. The installation was for a home owners association and there was a challenge of installing two cameras on two poles about 900 feet from where the digital video recorder was housed (at the clubhouse). The solution was to use four F731E Outdoor IP cameras and two wireless security camera systems along with weatherproof mounting hardware and outdoor enclosures to contain the POE power supplies and network switches for the two cameras.

Wireless Camera System Boca Raton Florida Wireless Camera System Boca Raton Wireless Security Camera
Please click on the above images for larger views

Wireless Security Camera Systems

The systems allow CCTV installers to enable wireless capability to all traditional CCTV cameras with the addition of a security camera video encoder and video decoder. The video encoder/decoder pair also allow you to control PTZ dome cameras using RS-485 protocol. If you intend on using IP security cameras, then you do not need to use a video encoder and decoder because the IP transmission of IP cameras works naively with the WIFI-EN96510 and WIFI-NAN72B wireless security camera systems. The main purpose of these systems is to provide a cost effective solution for remote and hard-to-reach camera locations where dredging and cable laying is not practical or is too expensive.

The WIFI-EN96510 and WIFI-NAN72B use the latest digital wireless OFDM modulation in the less crowded 5GHz radio band, providing transmission rates that significantly reduce signal interference. Because the system is full-duplex, it supplies a very stable wireless link. The system also uses image processing software to deliver hi-definition, full-motion, ripple free video up to 3 miles (WIFI-NAN72) or 1 mile (WIFI-EN96510) with direct line-of-sight. The WIFI-NAN72 and WIFI-EN96510 also offers considerably improved data security via either AES or RC4 key encryption.

This wireless camera system has been designed for ease-of-use and flexibility. System set-up and configuration are quick and easy tasks by using the built in user interface which allows you to easily configure your access point and bridge pairs. . If transmission of over 4 miles is required or the signal path needs to change direction, two or more WIFI-EN96510 and WIFI-NAN72B can be connected in series using the repeater mode.

Overall, this wireless camera system from CCTV Camera pros provides a versatile, all-in-one wireless transmission solution for IP cameras and CCTV cameras. It offers the best performance in all environments and weather conditions, and provides integrators and installers with a system that is easy to set-up, simple to install operate.

Wireless Security Camera Diagram



The above diagram illustrates one possible solution using CCTV Camera Pros wireless system. This displays a simple example of how an installer can deploy a surveillance system across multiple buildings that are not wired together or even on the same IP network. Each building can have no existing network also.

In this example, building A contains two CCTV cameras (analog cameras) that are wired directly to the hybrid NVR / DVR using RG59 coax cable or premade plug and play CCTV cables. The NVR is connected to the network of building A by connecting to the router via cat-5 cable. To the right of the router is a cable or DSL modem which will allow Internet access to the entire system if desired. To the left of the router in building A, and mounted on the outside wall is the wireless system receiver. The wireless receiver is connected wirelessly to the wireless transmitter on building B which is directly across from it with a direct line of sight for communication (direct line of sight is required between antennas. Building B's wireless transmitter is connected to a network switch in building B (not a router) via CAT-5 cable. The network switch is connected to two network video servers via CAT5 cable. The network video servers are each connected to a CCTV camera using RG59 coax cable or a premade CCTV cables. The purpose of the network servers is to convert the analog video signal of the camera, make it digital, and transmit it using TCP/IP to the network via the network switch and in turn the wireless camera transmitter.

In summary, the wireless camera system's transmitter and receiver create a wireless network. The router in building A assigns IP addresses to all of the devices in building B and in turn make building B's IP devices part of building A's network. The hybrid DVR / NVR in building A is capable of connecting both to wired CCTV cameras as well as IP cameras and IP video servers bringing all of the cameras in both buildings together into a single surveillance system. With high speed internet access in place in building A and port forwarding / firewall settings setup properly, users can access all of the cameras from both buildings remotely over the Internet by connecting to the NVR / DVR's web camera service.

Below is another illustration of how a wireless security camera system can be setup and installed.

If you have questions about this wireless system, please contact CCTV Camera Pros by email or telephone.

Wireless Camera System Installation

The below installation diagrams should be used to help you plan your wireless system installation carefully for the best results possible.

Wireless System Installation
The above installation image illustrates that it is important to mount your wireless transmitter & receiver on poles to raise them above any obstructions. Besides raising them, it is equally important to make sure that there is a direct line of sight between them.

Wireless Camera Installation
When positioning your wireless transmitter and/or receiver units on roof-tops, provide a clear line-of-sight and avoid the possibility of signal multi-pathing by raising them on poles or locating them on the edge of the roofs.

Wireless Camera Install
The ground plane can cause multi-path issues and can significantly affect the range of your wireless transmission.

Source : www.cctvcamerapros.com

Sunday, January 3, 2010

1,000 cameras 'solve one crime'


CCTV camera in the Embankment, central London
London is one of the world's most monitored cities

Only one crime was solved by each 1,000 CCTV cameras in London last year, a report into the city's surveillance network has claimed.

The internal police report found the million-plus cameras in London rarely help catch criminals.

In one month CCTV helped capture just eight out of 269 suspected robbers.

David Davis MP, the former shadow home secretary, said: "It should provoke a long overdue rethink on where the crime prevention budget is being spent."

The Metropolitan Police has been extraordinarily slow to act to deal with the ineffectiveness of CCTV
David Davis MP

He added: "CCTV leads to massive expense and minimum effectiveness.

"It creates a huge intrusion on privacy, yet provides little or no improvement in security.

"The Metropolitan Police has been extraordinarily slow to act to deal with the ineffectiveness of CCTV."

Nationwide, the government has spent £500m on CCTV cameras.

But Det Sup Michael Michael McNally, who commissioned the report, conceded more needed to be done to make the most of the investment.

He said: "CCTV, we recognise, is a really important part of investigation and prevention of crime, so how we retrieve that from the individual CCTV pods is really quite important.

"There are some concerns, and that's why we have a number of projects on-going at the moment."

Among those projects is a pilot scheme by the Met to improve the way CCTV images are used.

A spokesman for the Met said: "We estimate more than 70% of murder investigations have been solved with the help of CCTV retrievals and most serious crime investigations have a CCTV investigation strategy."

Officers from 11 boroughs have formed a new unit which collects and labels footage centrally before distributing them across the force and media.

It has led to more than 1,000 identifications out of 5,260 images processed so far.

A Home Office spokeswoman said CCTVs "help communities feel safer".

Monday, December 28, 2009

The Different applications for wireless video cameras

Wireless spy cameras have loads of uses several of the key purposes include catching mistreating care givers, cheating spouses, nosey landlords, stealing roommates and detecting employee thieving.
1) Wireless spy cameras can be black and white or color.
You will get better object definition from a colour wireless spy camera but are often a little bit more pricey. The price of black and white units have the tendency to be a little cheaper and image resolution can be somewhat higher
2) Low Light capability
Light sensitivity is measured in LUX. The lower the LUX level the lower light the camera can work in. Spy Cameras with a LUX rating of 0.1LUX or less will be really reasonable in low light conditions. If you require pitch dark covert performance go for a spy camera unit with a rating of less than 0.03LUX.
3) Image Picture quality.
Measure. The more Television Lines your camera produces, the greater the quality of image will be. Even for the most discerning of private researchers 380 TV-Lines will be okay.
4) Does the receiver come as part of the package?
The receiver is connected to your viewing / recording device: TV, VCR, PC or Digital Video Recorder (DVR), so you can capture and or view the incoming video and audio signal from the wireless camera. If the receiver is not included as part of the kit, inquire how much one would cost and see if it is in your budget.
5) The radio frequency the camera Transmits on.
This is the wireless spy cameras transmission frequency range used to send the video / audio signal to the receiver. There are presently 434MHz, 900MHz, 1.2GHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz transmission frequencies ranges. Probably the most popular frequency exists in the 2.4GHz range, this range is license free in America and all across Europe up to a yeild of 10mW.
It's possible you could get wireless interference on any of the wireless ranges but because of the number of products that utilize them, 434MHz and 900MHz can be particularly problematic.
6) The signal transmission distance
Transmission range is generally quoted as 'line of sight', it is the maximum distance between the wireless spy camera and receiver without obstacles or interference . This distance can be anything from 150ft to 1000ft and is dependant on the model.
7) Hidden Camera or Stand Alone
There are minute wireless spy cameras expressly created to be obscured by the operator, however, it's also possible to find pre-concealed units that will come created into an everyday object. Smoke detectors, ties, eye glasses, cigarette packets, lamps, teddy bears, air fresheners, mirrors etc. So depending on your application, you may want to get a pre-hidden wireless spy camera and you are all set. You still use a receiver like the stand alone spy cameras but pre-concealed cameras are more convenient and easier to place and install in your home or business.
Warning: If you intend to work with wireless cctv camera you will most probably have to get around obstructions and interference, so never accept the transmission range advertised as in the real world the working range will not go as far. Before purchasing always ask for more realistic transmission ranges.
So now you have the necessary knowledge to buy a first-class wireless spy camera, remember to keep in mind these 7 basic elements for choosing one. It could make the difference between getting the evidence you wish or not!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Types of Cctv Cameras

CCTV cameras are being installed everywhere for crime prevention and detection. They are now available at quite affordable price, are easy to install, and require low-maintenance. There are many types of technologically advanced CCTV cameras that offer fitting surveillance solutions. Depending upon your requirement, you can select one. This article discusses types of CCTV cameras and their features and uses.

Indoor Camera: Indoor camera as the name suggests are used for indoor security mechanism. Depending upon your security needs, you can mount it at any suitable location inside the building. These are suitable for security in homes, schools, offices, hotels, etc.

Outdoor Camera: Outdoor CCTV Camera is used for outdoor places. They are mostly used for entry and exit points with limited night lighting. Outdoor cameras typically have hard shell vandal-proof casings and a variety of lens options.

IR Day/Night Camera: IR Day/ Night Camera are used for high alert security areas where surveillance needs to happen throughout day and night. In the daytime the camera functions like a normal camera with standard colors and at night it switches to low-lux black and white mode. When visibility decreases due to no-light at night, Infrared LEDs are automatically illuminated providing full security. These cameras are used by military personals, in parking lots, and high security zones.

Dome Camera: Dome cameras are installed inside a dark dome and are designed in a way that they go unnoticed by visitors. They come in compact design for a discreet appearance. The thief does not know if the camera is recording. These cameras can also be rotated and tilted manually. Dome type cameras are used in public places like railway station, bus terminals, and other areas where there is huge gathering of people.

Bullet Camera: Bullet cameras are placed inside a bullet shaped housing, and they are used in residential places as well as commercial places. They are small in size, have an integrated design, and are really effective. They offer illuminate viewing even in darkness and are weatherproof as well.

Vandal Proof Camera: Vandal proof cameras are used as outdoor security cameras. These cameras are sheltered within solid material and are covered by a “hub” of break-proof glass which doesn’t hinder the quality of the video camera streams. It is difficult to break these cameras and this makes them perfect for high security. They are suitable for wall or ceiling mounting and are rain and fog resistant.

Hidden Camera: Hidden cameras are compact in size and are used for secret monitoring. They are usually installed in public places like department stores, theatres, clubs, etc. Hidden cameras have a built-in recorder that records and broadcasts simultaneously. By using a large number of security cameras and networking them various strategic views of the place can be obtained.

Pan Tilt Zoom Camera: Pan-tilt-zoom camera offers the ability to view and zoom in all directions. You can even set the camera to automatically rotate to different fields of vision. To gather more information on CCTV cameras, cables, monitors, and connectors, visit www.closeoutcctv.com.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

IP CCTV

If you are considering a network-based IP CCTV solution, we are able to offer the following three levels of service through our specialist IP CCTV Partner company:

  1. Simply sales and supply of selected 'Best of Breed' IP CCTV hardware and software. You will be able to see the equipment and software solutions on the web, check the specifications, read the reviews and buy online. Our Partner offers Free Delivery, a Price Match Promise, and a 14-day 'Buy & Try' Scheme, so you can rest assured with these rock solid offers that you can select and prove your new IP CCTV solution in total confidence.
  2. Expert professional advice and guidance; based upon years of CCTV design & application experience, our specialist IP CCTV Partner will discuss your application with you by phone or email and develop the optimum IP CCTV solution to meet your Operational Requirement. You can then revert to option 1 above and progress to build your solution in-house by purchasing IP CCTV components and software online OR you may opt to choose option 3 below and progress to have us manage a fully turnkey solution (including installation) for you.
  3. Complete design service. Our Partner company will take a full brief from you, visit your site to fully understand your Operational Requirements and produce a professional specification which will be submited to three proven installation companies. Each company will then submit a tender directly to you. In the majority of cases this service is free of charge.
A Brief Introduction to IP CCTV

Network cameras have been around for a little over five years now. Initially network cameras found a niche as a form of web camera. They became very popular for monitoring landmark sights and tourist attractions. Their ability to connect to a network and use ftp technology to transfer images to websites made them ideal for such applications.

As time passed recording software was developed by a number of manufacturers which enabled these network cameras to be attached to a local area network and to have their video recorded by a PC at some other point on that network.

In order to minimise the hard disc capacity required for continuous recording sophisticated Video Motion Detection algorithms were developed. By this method these cameras were continuously monitored but only actually recorded to disc when activity was detected.

The early cameras had some limitations when compared with traditional analogue CCTV cameras; low-light performance was not as good, frame rates were often slower than the 25 fps standard from CCTV cameras, they were not all suitable for outdoor duties, and those cameras which could truly compete with CCTV cameras were comparatively expensive.

Despite these limitations of the early camera devices network cameras were still well suited to certain applications. Early adopters included educational establishments. Schools, colleges and universities tended to already have in place extensive Local Area Networks (LANs), existing rack rooms where they could simply add extra discs for video recording, and the majority of their areas of interest were indoors and well-lit e.g. school corridors, IT classrooms, refectories, sixth form common rooms, and the front desk reception area.

Where the cameras suited the application, and there was already a network in place, these cameras proved to be an extremely cost-effective surveillance solution.

After several years of progressive development the current crop of network cameras delivers image performance above that of traditional CCTV cameras. Megapixel cameras have become common place from many manufacturers; some have even produced 2, 3, 5, 11, 16, and even 21 megapixel cameras! These cameras are capable of fulfilling the duties of several traditional cameras, due to the sheer amount of pixel resolution within the images produced.

It is now possible to zoom-in, after the event, within recorded video, and actually see enlarged clear detail. This capability makes them an ideal option for facial recognition, reading number plates within a scene, and other high-definition requirements.

Source : http://www.cctv-information.co.uk/

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

2.75 million security cameras installed in China



China is planning to boost their use of Security Cameras.
On Monday an article came out about security cameras in China. China’s police say they have installed 2.75 million surveillance cameras since 2003 and plan to expand the system into the countryside, which is home to about 800 million of the country’s 1.3 billion people.
The cameras are the most visible components of police surveillance, mainly in urban areas, according to a news release posted Monday on the Chinese Public Security Ministry’s Web site.
These camera security systems have proved controversial in other countries, like Britain, which reportedly has 4.2 million surveillance cameras installed – which is about one per 14 people. The ratio of cameras to people stands at only one to 472,000. The camera-to-person ratio is believed to be much higher in China’s cities, with the capital Beijing having 265,000 cameras.
No dialog or privacy rights has arisen in China, where tight communist political control and broad and intrusive police powers have been the norm for half a century. However, China’s plans to combine surveillance cameras with face recognition software has raised concerns about how the equipment will be used.
The Associated Press reported “Thefts, burglaries and purse snatching have all more than doubled since the 1990s amid rising wealth inequalities and relaxed social controls, with about 4.75 million cases reported in 2007, the last year for which statistics were available. However, police say violent crime has declined in recent years with better enforcement of rules governing weapons and explosives.” The Chinese police believe that the expansion of camera security to the countryside should “put the safety of the broad masses of the people first and foremost.”