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Residential security cameras have become a popular home accessory. Use this guide to match a camera and system to your security needs.

March 12, 2008Ben Hardy

The home security camera (also known as a surveillance camera) is a hot home security accessory. There is great comfort in knowing your home is safe, especially when you have visual proof. Interior cameras can monitor the goings-on of the family or nanny, and exterior cameras can alert the homeowner of a visitor both wanted and unwanted. Choosing these devices is a process driven largely by one’s needs. The list of options is long, but budget, desired solution, and some other factors should help to quickly narrow the choices down.

Packaged Solutions
The easiest way to bring video surveillance into the home is to purchase a packaged solution. Invariably a video surveillance security system will include the following: cameras (with necessary wiring), receiver/gateway/router, transmitter (for wireless cameras), and software. Not all solutions will require everything on that list, but consumers should expect at least two or three of those four. ADT’s latest Safewatch® VideoView® video surveillance packages start at just under $600 and includes a camera, a gateway, and a router, all of which are professionally installed. “Customers get a free security review, or ‘needs analysis,’ to determine what their video application needs are,” says Tim McKinney, the Head of Custom Home Services for ADT. Each camera in the system is hard-wired and connected to the gateway, which in turn connects to the internet-enabled router. Once installed, the VideoView® user can access their camera’s feed simply by logging on to their personal myadtvideo.com website from any internet-enabled laptop, PDA, or cell phone. “The site is encrypted and password protected, and ADT does not have any access to your video,” adds McKinney, who went on to suggest that consumer education on remote access is a key step in acceptance of the feature. VideoView® users can also connect a TV or separate monitor to the gateway to get in-home access to a camera feed, and the feeds can also be connected to a DVR for storage or stored online through their myadtvideo.com account.

Although ADT’s VideoView® package can be purchased and installed as a standalone system, it is best incorporated into a comprehensive ADT home security solution that might include window and door sensors and the ability to set up triggered events. When the VideoView® solution integrates with the rest of a home security system, home owners can get notification by email or SMS when an event has triggered (e.g. doorbell set off, pool gate opened, etc.) and can log onto their video access site to then see what is going on at home. Even better, the option to record the video feed will enable the homeowner to review surveillance footage to identify, say, the would-be burglar who broke a first-floor window and set off the alarm. “We strongly encourage our customers to go with a full security package that incorporates VideoView®,” says McKinney.

The ADT package is one of many, and the consumer need not feel like the big-name company is the only solution. Standalone surveillance packages exist from many security device distributors; many of these solutions achieve the same or similar results as VideoView®. The CLEARVU1 is a “Web-ready DVR system” package that includes four indoor/outdoor night vision cameras, a 160GB DVR with built-in hi-res LCD screen, a remote control, power adaptors and installation cables. The system can record up to 40 days of feed, and hovers just around the $1000 price.

When exploring the security package option, be sure to have an idea as to the number of cameras you will want to set up. Many of the DVRs included in security packages have a set number of channels – one channel per camera. Consider purchasing a DVR with more channels than cameras, to allow for eventual expansion of the system.

Camera Options
Selecting a camera to pull security duties requires a little knowledge of the many features and configurations available. There are a few phrases and specifications that the consumer should understand when making purchases, as they can greatly impact camera performance.

Configuration – A quick glance at a distributor’s list of cameras can verify what most people know already: cameras come in different shapes. The configurations that the consumer will most often see sold as security cameras are dome, bullet, and pinhole. The dome cameras are exactly that – a camera within a dome enclosure that often installs on a ceiling. They make for discreet surveillance solutions, particularly when the dome enclosure is tinted to hide the camera from view. Bullet cams are usually longer, cylindrical enclosures, often installed under eaves or in corners. Pinhole cameras are often also called “spy cameras.” A pinhole camera is a very small camera and lens, usually hidden inside a nondescript trinket or made to look innocuous, like a motion detector. Pinhole cameras are good devices for surreptitiously monitoring indoor activity; one will often see them referred to as “nanny cams.” The dummy camera is as it sounds – a fake camera that does not actually record or monitor anything. Its mere presence is meant to create the illusion of surveillance. Dummy cameras can make good supplements to a real surveillance system. They are cheap (as low as $20), and some feature a blinking red LED to better ward off the would-be intruder.

Indoor or Outdoor – Camera application is a key consideration. Outdoor cameras are vulnerable to the elements, and as such can be outfitted to survive. “Weatherproof” is a description often accompanying the outdoor camera, but different climates will require a little more attention to this detail. For some high-end surveillance jobs, McKinney has seen outdoor solutions that really went the distance: “The cameras had weatherproof housing, heater blowers, windshield wipers, the whole deal,” he says. The average consumer might not be able to afford such camera amenities, but the weatherproof enclosure on an exposed application is a must-have, regardless of region. One should look at the “Operating Temperature” or “Operating Environment” of the camera as well.

Color or Black & White – There are cameras that are one or the other, and there are some that switch automatically to B/W when the light-level is low, to preserve image quality. It is recommended that a B/W camera be used in low-light situations. B/W cameras make the most financial sense – they offer a better resolution, are sensitive to infrared-light, and can operated under low-light settings. Matching a B/W camera with a motion-detection floodlight is an affordable, effective solution. Color is only needed in a security camera when determining uniform color or car color is important.

Resolution – Like a digital camera, a security camera’s resolution determines the clarity of the images captured. The higher the resolution, the greater the image clarity. You’ll often see an analog camera’s resolution denoted in “TV lines of resolution,” or “TVL resolution.” 400 or 420 TVL is a common resolution for an affordable analog cam. Digital security camera resolution – like all digital cameras – varies by pixel.

Tilt/Pan/Zoom – The ability to adjust the camera’s aim remotely is a fun feature, but it may incur a greater cost than is necessary. Most recorded events are not watched as they happen, rendering the T/P/Z feature a bit superfluous for an outdoor application. It makes more financial sense for a consumer to purchase two standard fixed cameras that cover a 180 degree field of vision than a more expensive T/P/Z camera whose 90 degree field is limited but adjustable. The exception might be in a “nanny-cam” situation, where the homeowner wants to be able to scan about an entire room, or in a residential setting that employs a full-time security guard on the premises.

LUX – A camera’s LUX (also Lux) rating indicates sensitivity to light. A lower LUX rating means that it will take less light for the camera to reproduce an image. Indoor cameras that will always have readily available light may register in the 10 Lux range, while extremely low-light cameras can be as low as .001 Lux.

Infrared – It is very common to find cameras that incorporate infrared sensitivity. An IR-camera can basically “see” in the dark, provided there is enough infrared light illuminating the scene. Some camera models have infrared illumination built-in, while others might require a separate infrared illuminator (basically an infrared spotlight) to flood an area with enough infrared light for the camera to record in dark conditions. IR light does not extend very far, however. Although the IR-camera can operate at 0 LUX, the IR light illuminating the area fades significantly over a short distance, leaving subjects at greater distances less visible.

Motion Detection – Cameras with motion detection capability can be programmed to record images only when motion is detected in the field of view. This can save on battery life (if battery-operated) and storage space, if the camera feed is stored to a DVR or PC-hard drive. Cameras with this feature can also allow for “time-stamping” of the recorded incident, allowing homeowners to determine exactly when an event occurred.

Audio – Built-in microphones bring audio-capture to some surveillance cameras.

Power-over-Ethernet – The PoE standard applied to video surveillance enables the PoE camera to be powered over the Ethernet cable that connects the camera to a PC or internet connection. Many fixed-IP network cameras use PoE, as it reduces wiring needs and brings greater flexibility to the installer, who won’t be limited by proximity to an outlet or power source.

Camera Lens– Consumers will have to choose from a few lens options. This will depend on the distance from the camera to the scene that will be viewed. A fixed focal length lens will come in millimeter designations (e.g., 4mm, 8mm, etc.). A 4mm lens gives about a 72 degree viewing angle, while a 16mm lens has a 20 degree angle but greater zoom capability. A varifocal lens can be adjusted, and will come in focal ranges (e.g., 8~15mm). An auto iris lens will automatically change the lens aperture according to lighting. Auto iris lenses are recommended for outdoor application, as the lighting changes throughout the day.

FPS (frames per second) – indicates the number of still images captured by the camera every second. 30 fps is considered “real-time.” Adjusting the fps of a camera can save space on a DVR or hard-drive, but a lower fps might not capture important actions occurring in the cameras view.

IP/Network Cam – The IP camera acts as a camera and a web server. By connecting the camera to the home’s internet, users can access the camera remotely simply by typing in the camera’s specific URL into a web browser. Security passwords prevent unauthorized access to the camera’s feed.

Wired vs. Wireless
When choosing to go with a wireless camera, consumers will have to choose between an analog and a digital solution. The analog solutions come in GHz designations, and use RF technology to broadcast the signal. Analog wireless cams operate on a very narrow spectrum that is used by numerous devices, and therefore can be prone to interference and a “snowy” signal. The other option is to go with the digital wireless solution. Also considered “IP” or “Network” cameras, these cameras use the 802.11 standard, and each camera acts as a two-way access point, or web server. They connect to the home’s wireless network, and can be accessed for live viewing from within the home or remotely by typing in the camera’s specific IP address into a web browser. Password security prevents unauthorized access to the video feed.

Consumers should know that a wireless camera will still require a power source. Although battery power is an option, these tend to run out quickly. Snaking a power cord to the nearest outlet is also an option, but Todd Morris, President of BrickHouse Security, recommends spending the extra money to have an electrician hardwire camera. “If you are spending $800 on a wireless IP camera, you might as well spend the extra $200 on an electrician,” says Morris, “rather than nailing extension cords to the side of the house.”

On the wired side of things, the video-over-powerline concept is fast gaining ground in security camera application. ADT is poised to roll-out their version of a camera that sends video feed over the home’s existing powerlines, and a few other options are available to consumers as well. “The PLC (powerline carrier) technology is fantastic,” says McKinney, referring to both the reduction of wires needed for such a technology and the tested reliability of the concept. BrickHouse Security’s “PowerVue” line of security cameras transmit real-time, high-res images over the home’s electrical wiring, using HomePlug 1.0 standards and a decoder that converts powerline data signals to standard Ethernet network connection.

Custom Cameras
Homeowners who don’t want their homes looking like prisons have turned to the custom camera solution. These custom enclosures can integrate a surveillance camera into ordinary household objects, like lamps or doorknockers. Todd Morris sees a growing trend in these “stealth cams,” and finds that a one or two-camera solution is enough for many households. “Homeowners can point one at the front door and one at the back door, and have them record only when there’s motion,” says Morris. Some of the niftier models have the recording device built right in, storing recorded footage to an SD card that can hold up to 10 hours of video. The high resolution, covert housing, and all-in-one video and recording design might come with a $400 price tag, but the homeowner is saving on a lot of wiring and additional equipment, not to mention preserving exterior aesthetics.

Original Post: http://www.electronichouse.com/article/a_closer_look_at_security_cameras/C155

Sears and ADT Announce 'Sears Home Security by ADT'

Two American Household Names Team-Up to Help Protect the Safety and Security
Of Your Home and Family

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears and ADT Security
Services, Inc. are working together to create a new name in home security.
ADT, a Tyco International Ltd. company, is the largest electronic security
services company in North America and Sears is the nation's largest provider
of home services. Together, the two companies will pilot a program in the
Northeast to offer homeowners a convenient and affordable home security
solution from "Sears Home Security by ADT."
Today's announcement of a pilot program beginning this month is expected
to lead to a national product offering later in the year. The service will
initially be offered in parts of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts,
Connecticut, Rhode Island and Philadelphia.
"This alliance with ADT is consistent with our strategy to care for
America's homes with a full range of home services," said Mike Toll, President
Sears Home Improvement Services. "We bring the assurance of satisfaction
guaranteed or your money back and a more than 100 year tradition of customer
service."
ADT President Mike Snyder said, "This new relationship between ADT and
Sears is a blending of America's most well recognized and well respected
industry leaders." He added, "By joining forces this way, we are able to pass
value and savings along to Sears customers who are looking for quality and
reliability when it comes to securing their homes and families."
Home security is a $13.2 billion dollar industry growing at an estimated
five to ten percent per year. Sears is accelerating its push into a whole
houseful of services through the brand "Sears HomeCentral," introduced in
1997. Customers who dial 1-800-4-MY-HOME will be connected to a Sears
HomeCentral operator who can provide a broad range of service information
including home security, major home improvements, and appliance and electronic
repair services. An ADT security consultant will arrange a convenient time
for an appointment for sales and installation of the appropriate security
system in the customer's home.
ADT will provide installation and 24 hour-a-day monitoring services
through a network of ADT Customer Care Centers. When a signal comes into one
of the ADT Customer Care Centers indicating an alarm has been activated, ADT
professionals instantly access the customer database containing detailed
information about the customer and premises. ADT quickly notifies police,
fire, emergency medical personnel or other appropriate agencies as well as the
customer. The rapid notification and response helps save lives and property
in crisis situations.
One special addition included at no extra charge in a Sears Home Security
System by ADT is a unique paging feature. When a child or other family member
enters the home and disarms the security system, the paging feature can
immediately notify the parent at work with a page indicating the child has
returned home. The paging feature can also notify you when a fire or burglar
alarm in your home has been triggered.
Sears HomeCentral is the nation's largest provider of home services. It
represents the home services division of Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE: S), a
leading U.S. retailer of apparel, home and automotive products and services,
with annual revenue of more than $41 billion dollars. Sears HomeCentral
includes appliance and electronics repair, home improvements such as
replacement windows, siding roofing and pest control, carpet cleaning, home
security and other home services.
ADT Security Services, Inc., is the largest single provider of electronic
security services in both North America and Europe, providing those continuous
services to approximately two million commercial and residential customers.
ADT Security Services has been securing home and businesses since 1874.

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Original Post: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=116376&TICK=SEARS&STORY=/www/story/01-07-1999/0000840280&EDATE=Jan+7,+1999

VOXCOM Security Systems and iControl Networks To Deliver Home Security Solution

VOXCOM Security Systems announced that it has partnered with iControl Networks, pioneer of mass-market, web-based 'Home Security 2.0' solutions, to produce an offering that allows customers to remotely monitor and control their homes. VOXCOM's Active Response Monitoring solution, an innovative monitoring, notification and video services platform, will be integrated with iControl's iHub technology: a home security router that plugs into the home network and connects wirelessly to security panels, IP cameras, sensors, and Z-Wave-based home automation devices.

    The partnership enables VOXCOM to distribute advanced web, mobile and in-home monitoring services through its established and diversified retail channels and wholesale dealer networks. VOXCOM's new services combine iControl's tri-mode security network (broadband, cellular and POTS access) with enhanced IP video to take home security and monitoring to an entirely new level.

    Customers receive automated notifications via email, SMS text message or a phone call when events occur, enabling users to stay connected to their home or business when away. The iControl solution provides both broadband and cellular access to customers' home security systems enabling traditional security monitoring and advanced functionality: remote access to live and event-based video, home control, and security panel operation from the web and mobile phone.

    "iControl's innovative 'Home Security 2.0' solution, combined with the strength of VOXCOM's distribution networks and central stations, provides a ground-breaking home monitoring solution that is exceptionally easy to use and requires less technical management and fewer calls for field service," said Russell Keddie, Vice President of Business Development at VOXCOM. "The flexibility and reliable nature of the solution from this partnership makes it a winning option for marketing partners, dealers and homeowners alike."

    Knowing that your family is safe in their surroundings is important when you're home, and even more so when you're away. iControl service helps you stay connected with your family around the clock, whether you're across town or across the country.

With an iControl subscription, you can:
    - Access your iControl system via a web browser on your PC, PDA or cellphone
    - Watch live video and see/take still pictures
    - See and take pictures
    - Set and change schedules for system status, lighting, and other actions
    - Control and manage your heating and cooling
    - Send and receive email and/or text messages of alarms
    - Learn more about alarms
    - Review your system's activity and status

Original Post: http://www.pcdistrict.com/voxcom-security-systems-and-icontrol-networks-to-deliver-home-security-solution-review2021-14.html

How Brinks Offers Your Home Business Security?

The following article presents the very latest information on Brinks home security services. If you have a particular interest in Brinks home security services, then this informative article is required reading.

Brinks is a name that is often associated with armor truck services for businesses and banks that need to transport large amounts of cash. There is so much more however to the Brinks name when it comes to security. This is definitely a company should not be overlooked when seeking security services. Brinks has much to offer not only the businesses in the area seeking better security methods but also the homes in the area that are attempting to upgrade their security measures in order for families to feel safer.

Brinks operates in more than 50 countries around the world and is a leader in the field of home and business security services. In the United States, Brinks is the second largest monitoring service provider for home and business security. Being second in a highly competitive field such as this is definitely an accomplishment to be proud of.

Brinks offers a little something extra than many security companies and that is the armored truck services. Perhaps if their efforts weren't divided between the services they would be number one in the field of home and business security. By offering diversified services such as this, Brinks has managed to reach out to multiple markets and is experiencing a very successful run in the business of security around the world.

Truthfully, the only difference between you and Brinks home security services experts is time. If you'll invest a little more time in reading, you'll be that much nearer to expert status when it comes to Brinks home security services.

However, the fact that this service is offered and a great deal of time, attention, effort, and training are devoted to this particular

field for the company means that they are well diversified and flexible. This is something that most people should not only expect but also demand in the company that is providing security to their homes or businesses. After all the protection of family members and employees is no small task in the world of today.

Worldwide, Brinks is best known as a transporter of valuable goods. Money, jewels, and priceless works of art are only a few of the valuable items that this company has been charged with transporting over the years. However, they are gaining an even greater reputation within the United States as a home security service provider as well as a security service for business and corporate properties in addition to being a well respected transportation service for precious goods. They do have a reputation for being number one in this particular department though they may be number two elsewhere.

Brinks has an excellent reputation for honesty and integrity in the communities it serves. More importantly, Brinks is known for being effective and getting the job done. When security is the issue and the lives and livelihoods of families and employees are on the line there is no room at the top for companies that offer a service that is consistently less than necessary. Brinks has a reputation for getting the job done and that is a reputation you want in the security provider you choose for your home or business.

If you are considering a new security system for your home or business or simply considering the installation of a security system all together it would be in your best interest to check out what Brinks has to offer in your area that would be appropriate for your home or business needs. You just might find that Brinks is the number one choice for the security needs of your home or business.

The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you'll be glad you took the time to learn more about Brinks home security services.

Original Post: http://www.securityworldnews.com/articles/1003/1/How-Brinks-Offers-Your-Home-Business-Security/Page1.html