how to set up a security camera system?

Rachael

Answer
1.Determine where security cameras should be placed. For the home and the business, any areas that have high traffic or items of value are prime locations for cameras. Also, consider placing cameras where break-ins or acts of vandalism are more likely to occur.

2.Optimize camera placement. Once you have determined where the cameras should go, plan for the least amount of wiring and the widest viewing angles for each camera. Since there are only so many cameras included per kit, it is best to utilize each one as much as possible before resorting to purchasing additional cameras to connect to the camera control unit.

http://www.skycneye.com

Cheap surveillance cameras?

Lauren

I want to put up some small, easy to hide/be hidden cameras around my property and house. Preferably ones that let me stream the live video feed to my laptop. The cheaper the better. Post everything you find. Thanks.

Answer
"Cheap" generally denotes poorly made and fast to break requiring replacement.

A better suggestion is to buy the value and "less expensive". Generally, you get what you pay for.

Before we go too far... there are basically two different technologies and both work fine.

1) Analog cameras connected to a security DVR that is connected to the local area network. The DVR generally has a hard drive and embedded operating system that records the video and the network connectivity provides for computer or smartphone access.

2) IP based cameras connected directly to the local area network. If video is to be stored, generally, some sort of network device is needed to record the video. Sometimes this is a "network attached" storage device. Sometimes this is a computer dedicated to do nothing else but record/store the video. The cameras are contacted directly by your laptop (or smartphone.

In either case, we assume you have a need for night vision. Even if you don't, the cameras still need some sort of power. We assume there is power available to these "hidden" areas where you want to install the cameras.

Your requirement of "cameras around my property" tells me that you need outdoor rated cameras. These are generally more expensive than "indoor only" cameras.

"Wireless" is deceiving... we already know that the camera needs power - so that is basically one wire. With an IP based camera system, then the wifi at your house needs to be on and the cameras all need to be on that network - and when you add the network attached storage device or computer for recording the video, then all that configuration and attention is needed. And wires. If the cameras are analog connecting to a network connected DVR, then the cameras send only the video wirelessly to a base station "mate". Each camera has its own base station. The base station needs power (another wire) and the base station video connection plugs into the DVR (another wire) and the DVR plugs onto the network (another wire).

I strongly suggest using known, decent quality gear. I've learned the hard way that when you go "cheap" you pay for it 3-4 times more than if you target decent quality for a few more dollars.

For residential, consumer grade, equipment, I like/use/own/installed on my property, equipment from Swann and Lorex. The analog cameras are usually wired and start at around $140 each (outdoor rated and night vision). The cameras included with the DVR kits will get replaced pretty quickly, but are a good place to start and learn how everything works. Getting an 8-camera or 16 camera network enabled DVR allows you to grow the system with other cameras as you identify the need and you don't make the entire investment upfront. The DVR also has a video output so if you want, you can attach that to TVs throughout the house (with a spare AV-input) and computer connection is available (through the computer network) but not required for monitoring.

D-link makes decent IP network based cameras. You can use whatever windows based computer to be the storage computer - assuming it has enough available hard drive space to store the amount of video you want stored. Network Attached storage devices are cool - but have their own maintenance and administration issues to deal with. Getting this video on non-computer or non-smartphone monitors (like a TV) is difficult.

In either case, accessing the video when you are connected to the local area network (wired or wireless) is generally relatively easy to do - if you need to access the video from a remote location, then you need to be sure the access to the home network through the router is secured and that takes a different skill-set...

At the pro-level, Pelco makes good gear. It is by no means "cheap", but is robust...

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Which home security is better?

Q. ADT or Power Home Technologies? Ive heard horrible reviews on ADT but a lot of people have them so im not sure if their actually good or not. Ive never known of anyone to have Power Home Technologies as a home security so i need help on which is better or if there's a better home security company in alabama.

Answer
I'm not familiar with PHT so I'm not sure about their offering. Most security companies use very similar technology and you generally get what you pay for. Part of the decision should be based on what your expectations are. In today's world, with all the police budget cutbacks, the police may not dispatch anyone for a burglary call. If that's the case in your area, you may be further ahead to get an alarm system with a loud siren that you can control. Sounds simple, but these are actually pretty effective. A good watchdog is probably more effective than either company and will probably cost you less. For best value, I think a good intrusion alarm, a watchdog and a pistol is your best bet.

A lot depends on where you live, what type of neighborhood, how isolated is your house, and how much are you gone. If your concern is protecting your house when you're gone, then I'd recommend an intrusion alarm and maybe a simple surveillance camera system. If your concern is for when you are home, then a watchdog and a firearm is a better option.

Surveillance systems will cost about the same as an ADT system. Again, there probably isn't one all around best system as it depends on what you hope to accomplish. I have a surveillance system and a pair of German Shepherds at my home along with several firearms. I've never had a problem.

How much storage space to store the video feed from 500 security cameras for 90 days?

Q. What type of hardware would I need to store that much video data? I want to be able to easily access it, organize it and store it. If I compress it and the video is of exceptional quality, when I retrieve it will it be of the same quality?

Answer
When capturing video I use Xvid4 @ .15bpp and it takes about 250mb for a 40min show. So that comes out to 6.25mb per minute. This includes mp3 audio being captured at 190kbs, so you are probably actually looking at closer to 5.5mb per minute. Also you could use a lower bpp, I use .15 because I notice no quality loss. Anyway.

5.5mb x 60min x 24hours x 90day x 500cams = 356.4TB

even if you were capturing high quality audio you would still only be at about 405TB.

When I am talking about quality I am comparing the image to DVD's at .15 I notice no distortion of the video and it is practically identical to the original.

Now for the hard part; hardware. This is a massive amount of data, if you were to build a storage system using the latest and largest harddrive technology(seagate 750GB perpendicular storage) you would require 534 sperate 750GB hard drives at $420.00 each. Or later this year when seagate releases their 1TB drives then you will need 400 of them.

Now if you can move some of the data to Tapes you can reduce the number of drives greatly and also the size of the recording system. You would have to invest in a very expensive and very fast tape backup drive, which can run upto $3000.00 or more. These drives will allow you to use backup tapes with capacities of 800GB or more and these tapes cost about $150.00 each. With the 800GB tapes you would need 500 of them to store for 90 days.

One thing to realize is that video is already compressed, if it wasn't it would be hugh. So don't pay to much attention to the tapes compressed values.

So your best bet for building a system is to have a system with 10+TB of hard-drive space, which is possible. You want this amount so you can record one entire day of video, then transfer all of that video data to tapes while you are recording the next day ( you will want your software to make 24hr videos for each camera.) One other thing to consider is that you will be recording about 4.5TB per day, this comes to 188GB/HR. While this isn't hugh you will probably want your drives to be arranged in 2 drive clusters running raid 0, just to be on the safe side. This will come in handy when you are trying to access data from that day and when transferring data.

For the rest of the computer(CPU, MEM, etc.) you will want a fairly good system. Top of the line CPU and as much memory as you can fit. Also you will need to purchase equipment that can encode your video on the fly. There are no computers, except for computers that are called Super, that can possibly encode that amount of data on the fly. Encoding is a very intensive process, and with out dedicated hardware can bring even modern systems to their knee's.

Organizing and storing will be fairly easy, just develope a system for tracking tapes by color and/or serial number.

The one part that is up for question is recieving the camera inputs. This would depend highly on your specific system.

Well I hope this helps out.

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Which home security is better?

Cassey

ADT or Power Home Technologies? Ive heard horrible reviews on ADT but a lot of people have them so im not sure if their actually good or not. Ive never known of anyone to have Power Home Technologies as a home security so i need help on which is better or if there's a better home security company in alabama.

Answer
I'm not familiar with PHT so I'm not sure about their offering. Most security companies use very similar technology and you generally get what you pay for. Part of the decision should be based on what your expectations are. In today's world, with all the police budget cutbacks, the police may not dispatch anyone for a burglary call. If that's the case in your area, you may be further ahead to get an alarm system with a loud siren that you can control. Sounds simple, but these are actually pretty effective. A good watchdog is probably more effective than either company and will probably cost you less. For best value, I think a good intrusion alarm, a watchdog and a pistol is your best bet.

A lot depends on where you live, what type of neighborhood, how isolated is your house, and how much are you gone. If your concern is protecting your house when you're gone, then I'd recommend an intrusion alarm and maybe a simple surveillance camera system. If your concern is for when you are home, then a watchdog and a firearm is a better option.

Surveillance systems will cost about the same as an ADT system. Again, there probably isn't one all around best system as it depends on what you hope to accomplish. I have a surveillance system and a pair of German Shepherds at my home along with several firearms. I've never had a problem.

How much storage space to store the video feed from 500 security cameras for 90 days?

seanh70

What type of hardware would I need to store that much video data? I want to be able to easily access it, organize it and store it. If I compress it and the video is of exceptional quality, when I retrieve it will it be of the same quality?

Answer
When capturing video I use Xvid4 @ .15bpp and it takes about 250mb for a 40min show. So that comes out to 6.25mb per minute. This includes mp3 audio being captured at 190kbs, so you are probably actually looking at closer to 5.5mb per minute. Also you could use a lower bpp, I use .15 because I notice no quality loss. Anyway.

5.5mb x 60min x 24hours x 90day x 500cams = 356.4TB

even if you were capturing high quality audio you would still only be at about 405TB.

When I am talking about quality I am comparing the image to DVD's at .15 I notice no distortion of the video and it is practically identical to the original.

Now for the hard part; hardware. This is a massive amount of data, if you were to build a storage system using the latest and largest harddrive technology(seagate 750GB perpendicular storage) you would require 534 sperate 750GB hard drives at $420.00 each. Or later this year when seagate releases their 1TB drives then you will need 400 of them.

Now if you can move some of the data to Tapes you can reduce the number of drives greatly and also the size of the recording system. You would have to invest in a very expensive and very fast tape backup drive, which can run upto $3000.00 or more. These drives will allow you to use backup tapes with capacities of 800GB or more and these tapes cost about $150.00 each. With the 800GB tapes you would need 500 of them to store for 90 days.

One thing to realize is that video is already compressed, if it wasn't it would be hugh. So don't pay to much attention to the tapes compressed values.

So your best bet for building a system is to have a system with 10+TB of hard-drive space, which is possible. You want this amount so you can record one entire day of video, then transfer all of that video data to tapes while you are recording the next day ( you will want your software to make 24hr videos for each camera.) One other thing to consider is that you will be recording about 4.5TB per day, this comes to 188GB/HR. While this isn't hugh you will probably want your drives to be arranged in 2 drive clusters running raid 0, just to be on the safe side. This will come in handy when you are trying to access data from that day and when transferring data.

For the rest of the computer(CPU, MEM, etc.) you will want a fairly good system. Top of the line CPU and as much memory as you can fit. Also you will need to purchase equipment that can encode your video on the fly. There are no computers, except for computers that are called Super, that can possibly encode that amount of data on the fly. Encoding is a very intensive process, and with out dedicated hardware can bring even modern systems to their knee's.

Organizing and storing will be fairly easy, just develope a system for tracking tapes by color and/or serial number.

The one part that is up for question is recieving the camera inputs. This would depend highly on your specific system.

Well I hope this helps out.

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We need to put up a security system at our church building since we have had a lot of incidences recently. How?

Rob D

We need to put up a security system at our church building since we have had a lot of incidences recently. However, looking online at surveillance systems there are so many different kind offered that it is confusing and difficult which to choose from. Is there anyone who can help me to pick the best system for my needs? My needs are as follows:

1.Up to 100 ft clear visibility day or night.
2.Outdoor (California)/weather resistant
3.At least one camera that can detect/read license plates
4.Good tradeoff between cost and quality.
5.4 cameras or more.

Answer
You could spend a lot of money trying to configure a custom system. That would ensure that you got the exact system that you want but for simplicity there are packages that are cost effective and come with everything needed to get the system up and running.

I would recommend a standalone package so that way you don't to worry about a PC. The DVR connects to the cameras and you can connect the DVR to a TV or a monitor and even view the video remotely via the web or iPhone/Android smartphone.

Our best value 4-camera standalone system:
http://www.apexcctv.com/c-303-home-security.aspx

If you would like to talk with one of our security experts visit: http://www.apexcctv.com/

A QUESTION ABOUT SECURITY CAMERAS!?

Abc D

Why are thier quality so bad?
I mean if its like at least 5 megapixel you can at least see the robbers face clearly and all hes wearing.
but security cameras are fuzzy, sometimes black and white, and blurry?
I mean whouldnt it be much easier to get a better quality camera?

Answer
Cheapo crap camera plugged into VCR: $100
High Quality CCTV system: $3,000

Both have the same deterrent value, and neither has the ability to see through a ski mask. Who is going to spend $5,000 on security equipment that can be defeated by a $15 purchase?

$100 is a sound investment, but the $5,000 camera is not 50 times more likely to prevent a robbery. And neither the $100 camera nor the $5000 is likely to actually get back the $300 stolen from the cash register.

Eh, my solution if I am setting this up: Get a crappy used computer, a high-quality webcam ($50), a long USB chord ($50) so the computer can be kept hidden in a file cabinet or something. Set it to record 24/7, and delete older recordings automatically when space needs to be freed. Just as cheap, deters just as much, and has quality similar to the $3000 system.

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A QUESTION ABOUT SECURITY CAMERAS!?

Abc D

Why are thier quality so bad?
I mean if its like at least 5 megapixel you can at least see the robbers face clearly and all hes wearing.
but security cameras are fuzzy, sometimes black and white, and blurry?
I mean whouldnt it be much easier to get a better quality camera?

Answer
Cheapo crap camera plugged into VCR: $100
High Quality CCTV system: $3,000

Both have the same deterrent value, and neither has the ability to see through a ski mask. Who is going to spend $5,000 on security equipment that can be defeated by a $15 purchase?

$100 is a sound investment, but the $5,000 camera is not 50 times more likely to prevent a robbery. And neither the $100 camera nor the $5000 is likely to actually get back the $300 stolen from the cash register.

Eh, my solution if I am setting this up: Get a crappy used computer, a high-quality webcam ($50), a long USB chord ($50) so the computer can be kept hidden in a file cabinet or something. Set it to record 24/7, and delete older recordings automatically when space needs to be freed. Just as cheap, deters just as much, and has quality similar to the $3000 system.

Which home security is better?

Cassey

ADT or Power Home Technologies? Ive heard horrible reviews on ADT but a lot of people have them so im not sure if their actually good or not. Ive never known of anyone to have Power Home Technologies as a home security so i need help on which is better or if there's a better home security company in alabama.

Answer
I'm not familiar with PHT so I'm not sure about their offering. Most security companies use very similar technology and you generally get what you pay for. Part of the decision should be based on what your expectations are. In today's world, with all the police budget cutbacks, the police may not dispatch anyone for a burglary call. If that's the case in your area, you may be further ahead to get an alarm system with a loud siren that you can control. Sounds simple, but these are actually pretty effective. A good watchdog is probably more effective than either company and will probably cost you less. For best value, I think a good intrusion alarm, a watchdog and a pistol is your best bet.

A lot depends on where you live, what type of neighborhood, how isolated is your house, and how much are you gone. If your concern is protecting your house when you're gone, then I'd recommend an intrusion alarm and maybe a simple surveillance camera system. If your concern is for when you are home, then a watchdog and a firearm is a better option.

Surveillance systems will cost about the same as an ADT system. Again, there probably isn't one all around best system as it depends on what you hope to accomplish. I have a surveillance system and a pair of German Shepherds at my home along with several firearms. I've never had a problem.

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Cheap surveillance cameras?

Lauren

I want to put up some small, easy to hide/be hidden cameras around my property and house. Preferably ones that let me stream the live video feed to my laptop. The cheaper the better. Post everything you find. Thanks.

Answer
"Cheap" generally denotes poorly made and fast to break requiring replacement.

A better suggestion is to buy the value and "less expensive". Generally, you get what you pay for.

Before we go too far... there are basically two different technologies and both work fine.

1) Analog cameras connected to a security DVR that is connected to the local area network. The DVR generally has a hard drive and embedded operating system that records the video and the network connectivity provides for computer or smartphone access.

2) IP based cameras connected directly to the local area network. If video is to be stored, generally, some sort of network device is needed to record the video. Sometimes this is a "network attached" storage device. Sometimes this is a computer dedicated to do nothing else but record/store the video. The cameras are contacted directly by your laptop (or smartphone.

In either case, we assume you have a need for night vision. Even if you don't, the cameras still need some sort of power. We assume there is power available to these "hidden" areas where you want to install the cameras.

Your requirement of "cameras around my property" tells me that you need outdoor rated cameras. These are generally more expensive than "indoor only" cameras.

"Wireless" is deceiving... we already know that the camera needs power - so that is basically one wire. With an IP based camera system, then the wifi at your house needs to be on and the cameras all need to be on that network - and when you add the network attached storage device or computer for recording the video, then all that configuration and attention is needed. And wires. If the cameras are analog connecting to a network connected DVR, then the cameras send only the video wirelessly to a base station "mate". Each camera has its own base station. The base station needs power (another wire) and the base station video connection plugs into the DVR (another wire) and the DVR plugs onto the network (another wire).

I strongly suggest using known, decent quality gear. I've learned the hard way that when you go "cheap" you pay for it 3-4 times more than if you target decent quality for a few more dollars.

For residential, consumer grade, equipment, I like/use/own/installed on my property, equipment from Swann and Lorex. The analog cameras are usually wired and start at around $140 each (outdoor rated and night vision). The cameras included with the DVR kits will get replaced pretty quickly, but are a good place to start and learn how everything works. Getting an 8-camera or 16 camera network enabled DVR allows you to grow the system with other cameras as you identify the need and you don't make the entire investment upfront. The DVR also has a video output so if you want, you can attach that to TVs throughout the house (with a spare AV-input) and computer connection is available (through the computer network) but not required for monitoring.

D-link makes decent IP network based cameras. You can use whatever windows based computer to be the storage computer - assuming it has enough available hard drive space to store the amount of video you want stored. Network Attached storage devices are cool - but have their own maintenance and administration issues to deal with. Getting this video on non-computer or non-smartphone monitors (like a TV) is difficult.

In either case, accessing the video when you are connected to the local area network (wired or wireless) is generally relatively easy to do - if you need to access the video from a remote location, then you need to be sure the access to the home network through the router is secured and that takes a different skill-set...

At the pro-level, Pelco makes good gear. It is by no means "cheap", but is robust...

how to get a security camera to record all the time?

J

Hello, we have been having issues with someone stealing solar lights out of our front yard. We have bought cameras, and have ran it through a vcr but we have to push record and it don't record 24/7. Now tonight someone came again in spite of a sign that says they are on camera, and we wired the solar lights into the ground, someone came and snapped off 2 of them and of course the camera wasn't on because it don't record 24/7. What is the cheapest way to be able to record all of the time?? Thanks

Answer
Wow, I'm sorry to hear about this issue, must be very frustrating. Hope I can help a bit.

I'm surprised that you're using a VCR to record security footage. I am not even sure where to buy a new VCR.

New security systems of any value record to a DVR or to a hard drive. DVR can be set to record a 24 hour loop. A full week loop may be pushing it for most systems. But surely within 24 hours of the event you can see that your property has been vandalized or stolen, stop the record and have something. The longest most people are unable to see their properly would be the 8-10 hours they are working or sleeping. In the hours between, you'd notice the problem and then could look at the footage.

Also, modern home security cameras can be set to record if they detect motion so you don't have to ever hit "record" or actually even record for the full 24/7 but rather only at times when the cameras see something moving.

There is no VHS in the world that can record for 24 hours a day though. If you want more coverage, you have to move to a digital system that allows for greater compression of the footage and greater storage space. I would imagine that a quick conversation with ANY home security specialist will yield this information and probably the names of recommended systems.

Here's a well-rated system for under $500 that comes with a 500GB drive which can record for 120 days so there are probably cheaper systems that can do a mere 7 days but don't forget that the higher the quality of the video, the more space it requires to be stored and therefore the shorter the overall recording time becomes.

http://www.amazon.com/Swann-SWDVK-825508-8-Channel-Recorder-Smartphone/dp/B004VFGK1I

Best of luck!

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What is a recommended company for homeowners insurance?

best value security camera system image

2cute4U

We are buying our first house, and would like to know if anybody has any recommendations on the best homeowners insurance for our money. Thank you!

Answer
There is no way around needing Homeowners insurance if you are about to embark on the journey of purchasing a home. Depending on the size of the home, Homeowners insurance can cost as little as $400 a year to as much as $2000 a year, if not more in some parts of the country. The amount of Homeowners insurance you receive will also be determined by the value of the interior property, including the upkeep of remodeling on the home, as well as whether your policy will include valuable electronics and jewelry.

Once you have determined what type of policy you would like to implement, you can begin discussing yearly and monthly costs with insurance agents. One thing to keep in mind while you are searching for Homeowners insurance is that the rates wonât vary that much between each company, but there are small ways to save a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, simply by finding some Homeowners insurance discounts that are available.

One of the easiest ways to receive a discount on Homeowners insurance is to install a home security system, and not the type that barks and growls. Many insurance companies are actually paired up with security companies like ADT or Brinkâs and will give you a discount for using that insurance company and that security company as well.

Even if you get Homeowners insurance and decide to go back later and install a security system, donât forget to go back and call your Homeowners insurance company once the system is installed so that you can receive a discount on your insurance. Further discounts may be given for motion sensors or even for video surveillance cameras installed on the home.

Another great way to receive a small discount on your Homeowners insurance is through fire and carbon monoxide detectors and fire resistant doors, brick and even walls. Remember that not all companies will offer the same discount for fire resistance and fire protection, so it is best to do research on how much of a discount can be received before diving in to remodeling the entire house for fire resistance.

Keeping up with newer appliances is another excellent way to help receive a Homeowners insurance discount. Older appliances are more likely to develop bad electrical connections, which can make the home susceptible to fire.

The first place to begin updating appliances is in the kitchen because kitchens are on the top of the list for places where fires begin. Many other insurance companies will offer a discount for new plumbing and electrical systems, or simply for a home that is less than ten years old altogether.

While some homeowners arenât willing to consider a higher insurance deductible, or the price they will pay before the insurance will begin paying for loss or damages, asking for price quotes with higher deductibles is an excellent way to receive a discount on your insurance.

Most Homeowners insurance companies start out with a minimum deductible of $250 to $500 dollars, but try raising the deductible by $250 and see how much this will save you a year. Often times, this can make a difference of nearly $100-$150 a year on the total insurance bill.

Remember, though, that if you choose this route, you may end up paying more than that $150 savings a year if something happens to your home and you have to pay the higher deductible. Simply weight the negatives and positives and decide if a higher deductible is right for you.

The final sure fire way to receive a Homeowners insurance benefit is to belong to a club or certain group. This could simply mean being in the "65 and older" club and receiving a senior citizens discount, or it could also mean already being a member of the bank where you are looking to purchase Homeowners insurance. Some insurance companies also give a discount if you plan on having both your car insurance and Homeowners insurance with that company.

Before settling for the first set of numbers thrown at you by the insurance company, be sure to ask about these discounts and make your assets work for you when shopping for Homeowners insurance.

How much storage space to store the video feed from 500 security cameras for 90 days?

seanh70

What type of hardware would I need to store that much video data? I want to be able to easily access it, organize it and store it. If I compress it and the video is of exceptional quality, when I retrieve it will it be of the same quality?

Answer
When capturing video I use Xvid4 @ .15bpp and it takes about 250mb for a 40min show. So that comes out to 6.25mb per minute. This includes mp3 audio being captured at 190kbs, so you are probably actually looking at closer to 5.5mb per minute. Also you could use a lower bpp, I use .15 because I notice no quality loss. Anyway.

5.5mb x 60min x 24hours x 90day x 500cams = 356.4TB

even if you were capturing high quality audio you would still only be at about 405TB.

When I am talking about quality I am comparing the image to DVD's at .15 I notice no distortion of the video and it is practically identical to the original.

Now for the hard part; hardware. This is a massive amount of data, if you were to build a storage system using the latest and largest harddrive technology(seagate 750GB perpendicular storage) you would require 534 sperate 750GB hard drives at $420.00 each. Or later this year when seagate releases their 1TB drives then you will need 400 of them.

Now if you can move some of the data to Tapes you can reduce the number of drives greatly and also the size of the recording system. You would have to invest in a very expensive and very fast tape backup drive, which can run upto $3000.00 or more. These drives will allow you to use backup tapes with capacities of 800GB or more and these tapes cost about $150.00 each. With the 800GB tapes you would need 500 of them to store for 90 days.

One thing to realize is that video is already compressed, if it wasn't it would be hugh. So don't pay to much attention to the tapes compressed values.

So your best bet for building a system is to have a system with 10+TB of hard-drive space, which is possible. You want this amount so you can record one entire day of video, then transfer all of that video data to tapes while you are recording the next day ( you will want your software to make 24hr videos for each camera.) One other thing to consider is that you will be recording about 4.5TB per day, this comes to 188GB/HR. While this isn't hugh you will probably want your drives to be arranged in 2 drive clusters running raid 0, just to be on the safe side. This will come in handy when you are trying to access data from that day and when transferring data.

For the rest of the computer(CPU, MEM, etc.) you will want a fairly good system. Top of the line CPU and as much memory as you can fit. Also you will need to purchase equipment that can encode your video on the fly. There are no computers, except for computers that are called Super, that can possibly encode that amount of data on the fly. Encoding is a very intensive process, and with out dedicated hardware can bring even modern systems to their knee's.

Organizing and storing will be fairly easy, just develope a system for tracking tapes by color and/or serial number.

The one part that is up for question is recieving the camera inputs. This would depend highly on your specific system.

Well I hope this helps out.

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What type of commercial surveillance system does Barnes and Noble use?

best value security camera system image

Mike Malon

I understand that not every store is going to have the same exact system, but I'd like to know at least a general assessment of Barnes and Noble's video surveillance. This is for an art project...not recon for a heist...

Answer
My local BN uses a few layers of surveillance.
1) employees are encouraged to be seen and speak to every customer;
2) security staff mingle in plain clothes
3) HD color ceiling cameras cover at least 90% ( probably 100%) of floor space - live monitor with pan/tilt/zoom & simultaneous DVR capture, some open- some hidden behind mirrors or false fixtures..
4) high-value items like CD/DVDs and Readers are kept in 'corral' areas with separate registers and RF tags that trigger the corral gate alarm,
5) other high-value items like Computer software or language study packs are kept behind the register - with cameras watching them, or in locked cases requiring a keycode and an employee ID card to access.

They also employ pattern-recognition to examine if cashiers are passing items for the incorrect price ( high or low).. and the front doors can be triggered as a 'man-trap' to isolate criminals from other folks until police arrive.
.. and that's just the things I could see when I did my security internship and had to recon 5 places. The brands are all mixed, depending on what is available OTS (off the shelf), and when the store was opened or retro-fitted.

In addition to patron areas where the public has access, there is a video record kept of all cash register journals so it can be displayed side-by-side with video of the transaction; and stock rooms and trash areas are also watched by the same HD Video systems. Inventory is checked frequently, and they pull the tapes if there are any discrepancies.

how to get a security camera to record all the time?

J

Hello, we have been having issues with someone stealing solar lights out of our front yard. We have bought cameras, and have ran it through a vcr but we have to push record and it don't record 24/7. Now tonight someone came again in spite of a sign that says they are on camera, and we wired the solar lights into the ground, someone came and snapped off 2 of them and of course the camera wasn't on because it don't record 24/7. What is the cheapest way to be able to record all of the time?? Thanks

Answer
Wow, I'm sorry to hear about this issue, must be very frustrating. Hope I can help a bit.

I'm surprised that you're using a VCR to record security footage. I am not even sure where to buy a new VCR.

New security systems of any value record to a DVR or to a hard drive. DVR can be set to record a 24 hour loop. A full week loop may be pushing it for most systems. But surely within 24 hours of the event you can see that your property has been vandalized or stolen, stop the record and have something. The longest most people are unable to see their properly would be the 8-10 hours they are working or sleeping. In the hours between, you'd notice the problem and then could look at the footage.

Also, modern home security cameras can be set to record if they detect motion so you don't have to ever hit "record" or actually even record for the full 24/7 but rather only at times when the cameras see something moving.

There is no VHS in the world that can record for 24 hours a day though. If you want more coverage, you have to move to a digital system that allows for greater compression of the footage and greater storage space. I would imagine that a quick conversation with ANY home security specialist will yield this information and probably the names of recommended systems.

Here's a well-rated system for under $500 that comes with a 500GB drive which can record for 120 days so there are probably cheaper systems that can do a mere 7 days but don't forget that the higher the quality of the video, the more space it requires to be stored and therefore the shorter the overall recording time becomes.

http://www.amazon.com/Swann-SWDVK-825508-8-Channel-Recorder-Smartphone/dp/B004VFGK1I

Best of luck!

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We need to put up a security system at our church building since we have had a lot of incidences recently. How?

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Rob D

We need to put up a security system at our church building since we have had a lot of incidences recently. However, looking online at surveillance systems there are so many different kind offered that it is confusing and difficult which to choose from. Is there anyone who can help me to pick the best system for my needs? My needs are as follows:

1.Up to 100 ft clear visibility day or night.
2.Outdoor (California)/weather resistant
3.At least one camera that can detect/read license plates
4.Good tradeoff between cost and quality.
5.4 cameras or more.

Answer
You could spend a lot of money trying to configure a custom system. That would ensure that you got the exact system that you want but for simplicity there are packages that are cost effective and come with everything needed to get the system up and running.

I would recommend a standalone package so that way you don't to worry about a PC. The DVR connects to the cameras and you can connect the DVR to a TV or a monitor and even view the video remotely via the web or iPhone/Android smartphone.

Our best value 4-camera standalone system:
http://www.apexcctv.com/c-303-home-security.aspx

If you would like to talk with one of our security experts visit: http://www.apexcctv.com/

How does ADT home alarm security work please?

.

Can you leave your windows open if you go out or if your even in? Like on a very hot day when I sleep in my bedroom I need my bedroom window open, would this affect on how a home security system would operate over night?

Answer
I was an ADT sales manager for several years. Here is the way it works. They come and install a minimal security system in your home- and may just give you the security system if you sign their monitoring agreement, which is likely about $35.00 a month for two or three years. That's $1,260.00. It will be by direct deposit from your checking account- and it will turn out to be impossible for you to stop even after the three years. You'll have to practically take them to court to stop them- even though the contract says 36 months only (it is not against the criminal law, and the banks will not be any help). ADT is basically a "peace of mind" gimmick. It is the little sign in the yard that deterrs most criminals. You can actually do yourself a vafor and buy a small, easy to install security system, which comes with a yard sign for your front yard and it will monitor your home wirelessly- it is very easy to install yoruself. If it detects an intruder, it will call your cell phone, alert you to the intrusion, and can even show you a scan of your home from your computer's camera or a small, inexpensive camera that comes with the system. Once you see what's going on, you can call the cops and ask them to check out your home. The deterrent value of the yard sign is really all you need. The DIY systems I have seen are about $200.00 to $350.00- , they are easy to install, wireless (basically, just hand up the sensors and turn it on) and they will not rob your bank account for ten years!

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Why Linux is more stable and secure than other systems?

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Q. I am in argument with a guy... Any specialists here? Could you please explain? Thank you.

Answer
The same thing is true of all Unix and Unix-like operating systems. Here's my typical Mac rant, which also applies to Linux: The first and foremost difference isn't noticeable to the average user, except that this difference results in better stability, security, and performance. Mac OS X *is* BSD Unix. They call it Darwin BSD. In fact, if you've ever used Linux, and you're a command line type of guy, then you'll find that the commands on OS X are identical to those on Linux (or FreeBSD or OpenBSD or NetBSD or HP-UX or AIX... you get the idea).

So then all Apple does is take this Darwin BSD and slap their Graphical User Interface (GUI) on top of it. Now, among the differences between Unix and Windows, one of the most important is that Unix has no registry. The bottom line is that's one reason why Unix far less likely to crash than Windows. The registry is the single worst mistake that Microsoft made when designing Windows.

Here are some factual problems with the registry:

1) Has a finite size limitation unless you manually change it.
2) Gets fragmented, slowing down your computer.
3) Is cryptic, poorly documented, and difficult to edit.
4) When you uninstall software, it still leaves a bunch of junk in the Registry. This also can happen with those text files in Unix/Mac; however, with lots of text files, extra leftover settings aren't a big deal, but in the Registry--because it's a single database, this causes it to keep growing over time, which can severely affect performance.
5) If a text file with settings gets messed up, corrupted, or deleted, then you've only lost the settings for one application. If your Registry gets messed up, then you may not even be able to start Windows.

Macs don't need to be defragmented. To oversimplify, the reason for that is that they don't let files get fragmented in the first place.

The reason that creating Hackintoshes are difficult is because Apple ONLY makes drivers for Apple computers. If you're trying to make a Hackintosh on a computer with hardware that isn't compatible to Apple's drivers, then you're going to have a bad time. This is a double-edged sword:

The bad news: You pretty much have to use Apple hardware to run Mac OS X, and that hardware is expensive.

The good news: Mac users never ever EVER have to worry about drivers. Never. In fact, if Ubuntu was to control what computers it could be installed on, like Apple does, then it would pretty much be the same thing as a Mac, but with a different GUI. Obviously, you can't run Mac programs on Ubuntu, but my point is that they'd have equal reputations for stability and ease of use.

Now the virus issue. CAN a Mac get a virus? In theory, yes. DO Macs get viruses? No. All the pro-PC guys will tell you that Macs can get viruses. They'll scream about it until they're blue in the face. OK, then where are all the questions on Yahoo Answers from Mac owners who need help dealing with virus infections? Where are they? Hello pro-PC guys... I'm talking to you.

The pro-PC guys will go on and on about how Macs are overpriced, and can get viruses. That's like saying, houses in the suburbs are overpriced, and they can get robbed, so I'm just as safe buying a cheaper house in the ghetto. Personally, I feel safer in the suburbs.

I see it like this: A Ford and a BMW will both get you where you're going. Sure, the BMW costs more, but it's nicer, it has cool features like a rear-view camera for backing up, it comes standard with a GPS Navigation system, retains its resale value better, and it is far less likely to break down. I'll close by saying this: We've all heard stories about people switching from Windows to Mac. I know several dozen such people personally. What I've never heard of is a Mac user switching to Windows.

can the heat radar helicopters detect one outdoor marijuana plant?

Kole

maybe one or two, im thinking of growing outdoors around some other plants, do you think the heat radar hellicopters can detect it, i heard it can detect indoor, and large amounts outdoors.

Answer
It has been said that each plant has a specific heat signature. It has been said that it is possible that marijuana could be identified with a helicopter that has the proper equipment and the operator that has the experience and knowledge and probably a computer program that could be set to identify marijuana - could detect marijuana.. Does such a person exist and would they use this tactic - probably not.. The way a very small grow is found - is by the grower telling people and growing in a place that other people have access to or can be seen from a person that is outside of their yard.. . E.G.= a utility worker up on a telephone pole that can see down into your yard.. Not having a locked, fenced yard - invites many more people in your yard than most people would ever imagine. A lot of city Assessors walk around every house once a year to add value - to increase taxes. They are checking for improvements = decks = hot tubs = patios ETC.ETC. Helicopters and airplanes are used in 2 ways to find marijuana. #1 At night a house lights up from the heat ( thermo image ) of people growing inside their house.. Solution = grow only in basement and completely seal airtight all windows with plastic. Then cover with Mylar or wood or use both.. . #2 during the day - in the fall when everything is getting less green and or die off. The marijuana is lush and green - so it is very noticeable.. Buy a security system that records everything around your house controlled with motion sensors - so it will record everything.. Try to put cameras in places that are not easily noticeable. . There are many, many sources online to research these things online... Hightimes.com is a good reputable company... .. . Good question.. Good Luck...

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Explain to me how the USA is better benefited by friendship with Israel over Iran?

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Fenrir|

Israel - costing us money, peace, lives, valuable support from other nations, friendship, oil, taxes, other stuff.

Iran - possibly a good trading partner, has plenty of valuable oil, has potential to be a strong governing body in the region, keeps them away from Russia and China, other stuff.

How are we benefiting from our self-destructive relationship with Israel?
Sure got some brainwashed people around these parts.
@Nothing
Shows how much your knowledge is. Iranians are Persians NOT Arabs. White America, through and through. Also, your view of world economy is atrocious. Iran needs money and friendship as much as anybody else.

Answer
If you value your cell phone, computer,Windows NT operating system, more scientific papers per capita, the largest number of biotech start-ups, the third highest rate of entrepreneurship in the world, the Kimberly process, an international standard that certifies diamonds as "conflict free." , designed the airline industry's most impenetrable flight security, second highest per capita of new books, the first fully computerized,no-radiation, diagnostic instrumentation for breast cancer, a computerized system for ensuring proper administration of medications, thus removing human error from medical treatment. Every year in U. S. hospitals 7,000 patients die from treatment mistakes, Givun imaging developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill. Used to view the small intestine from the inside, the camera helps doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders, a new device that directly helps the heart pump blood, an innovation with the potential to save lives among those with heart failure, has the highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world (apart from the Silicon Valley), a revolutionary drip irrigation system to minimize the amount of water used to grow crops, more museums per capita than any other country, Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U. S., over 70 in Japan, and less than 60 in Germany. With over 25% of its work force employed in technical professions. Israel places first in this category as well.,
AOL Instant Messenger was developed in 1996 by four young Israelis, the ClearLight device,produces a high-intensity, ultraviolet-light-free, narrow-band blue light that causes acne bacteria to self-destruct - all without damaging surroundings skin or tissue, the first to develop and install a large-scale solar-powered and fully functional electricity generating plant, in southern California's Mojave desert.".

All the above while engaged in regular wars with an implacable enemy that seeks its destruction, and an economy continuously under strain by having to spend more per capita on its own protection than any other country on earth. This from a country just 55 years young having started off life on a very frontiers-like basis, whose population had mostly just emerged from the devastating World War II years.

Aside from Iran, which BTW, is a Muslim country what other Muslim countries have developed anything that can be compared to their achievements? Other than Iran who is busy developing a nuclear bomb which can be used against countries they want to destroy, including us!

Or do you prefer returning to the days of manual typewriters, land line phones or any other archaic methods employed in the past. It's time for a wake-up call!

gatita

Degree in History (focus Jewish studies) and Spanish, New Mexico State U. 1990

is it illegal to eat things whilst walking round the supermarket?

Q. A friend eat a whole bar of chocolate two chocolate muffins and five cream eggs in asda the other day polished off with 2 cans of stella anda diet coke , the crazy thing is nobody noticed or even looked at him . I was wondering if there is some loophole here ?

Answer
People also snack on grapes, bulk candy and such. My wife is a manager for a major supermarket chain and she says they find opened packages all the time.

Yes, it is illegal (even in Texas) and, depending on the value of the merchandise, could actually land you in jail. While the occasional grape probably won't get you in trouble, opening packages, consuming the product in the store and dropping the package off on your way to the checkout could get you a meeting with the store manager and/or the local police. Most large grocery stores have camera systems and some have undercover security personnel.

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