Hidden Surveillance Cameras

Forty-some years ago, a CCTV system was comprised of a black and white camera linked to a small black and white monitor by coaxial cable. It was very basic, with each camera in the system having its own monitor. Recording technology was in its infancy so systems were primarily for observation from a safe distance. CCTV systems were largely used in science and industry where it was dangerous for a person to get close enough to observe a process.

VCR technology evolved through the 70s, but left much to be desired. Early VCRs were temperamental and the quality of the recordings left a lot to be desired. The graininess and low clarity of the images due to a combination of low resolution camera images, poor quality video tapes and low specification recording heads meant most recordings couldn’t be relied on even for basic identification purposes. VCR technology of the day would not allow an operator to review and record events simultaneously. It was also a very time consuming process to find and review specific events.

Early CCTV systems provided only relatively basic functionality and performance and were expensive in equipment and installation costs as well as not including motion detection or a way of viewing events from a remote location. Besides all that, qualified and skilled installers were difficult to find.

The VCR Based System was the mainstay through the eighties, technological changes being made primarily in cameras. In the mid 90s the computer based digital video recorder (DVR) was introduced. This allowed images to be recorded at much higher resolution than had been previously been possible. This also eliminated a major problem with first generation CCTV systems, the Video Tape. No more loss of image quality with each recording onto a tape.

Other advances in DVR technology included the ability to control a camera over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) or via the internet using IP (Internet Protocol) technology. This flexibility allows an operator to control cameras from a remote control center or in fact, from anywhere in the world with internet access. This means high quality digital images may be streamed anywhere and captured at a convenient and secure location. But it’s not only the operating platform that has significantly improved; advances in camera technology has allowed for far more functionality as well.

Modern day color cameras can pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ), have higher resolution options, night vision in a large range of lenses as well as automatically adjust to variable lighting conditions. Now audio is becoming a bigger player in DVR based surveillance systems, with the ability to synchronize sound with motion based video events for an even more complete surveillance capture. Two-way audio transmission allows the operator to question possible intruders, give and receive verbal passwords for access control, give instructions to staff and to record/search/replay in both audio and visual form.

The next generation DDTV DVR systems are compatible with earlier camera technology, are scaleable, flexible and can be integrated with a broad range of other management systems, such as access control and building management systems. Technology in the electronics field is ever-changing so we can rest assured further advances in CCTV surveillance lie ahead as well.

by Court Rhodes

Home security surveillance options include hidden and visible cameras. Cameras are available in wired or wireless styles. Recording options include digital and DVR or VCR.

Hidden cameras are ideal home security surveillance options. They are small enough to place almost anywhere and are often inexpensive. Although hidden cameras can be purchased already hidden (they appear to be plants, clocks, toys, etc.) the image quality may be poor. If the image cannot be seen, the camera is useless.

Web cams can be visible or hidden. The same camera that computer users use to transmit their own image while computing can be used to monitor a room or area. These cameras are also inexpensive. Potential camera locations are limited by the length of the USB cord unless the camera is a wireless version.

Camera lens determines what images are captured. Dome shaped, wide-angle camera lens produce distortion free images and have a larger field of view than standard camera lens.

Homeowners utilizing cameras for home security surveillance options should consider lighting. For low-light or night light recording, infrared capabilities are required. The infrared gives the camera night vision, resulting in captured surveillance images.

Wireless cameras are available almost everywhere. They are excellent home security surveillance options. Easy to install and easy to use, they can be placed almost anywhere. Homeowners can use as many cameras as necessary to monitor home or property.

Images can be viewed on cell phones, televisions and the computer. Some hand held gadgets allow viewing of images.
Wired cameras are usually installed by experienced installation technicians. Installation can be done while a home is under construction or added later. Adding them later can result in a mess and some expense.

Digital recording video allows homeowners to capture more footage, and gives more recording and viewing options. The DVR can be set to capture the image feed from the camera constantly or only when certain actions or events occur. Captured home security surveillance images can be viewed remotely via Internet. Newer systems now provide for the addition of a wide variety of add-ons. Motion sensors, temperature change sensors, lighting change sensors and smoke detection sensors are some of those available. The DVR can be set to notify the homeowner should a sensor be activated.

Homeowners considering home security surveillance options can often get free assessment sheets from local surveillance and security companies. By answering the questions on the sheet, the homeowner can better determine what kind of security and surveillance is best.

Size of the area to be monitored, conditions and budget are considerations. Homeowners who choose to sign up for subscription monitoring of the home security system will have to decide which company to go with. The most popular, and largest, security companies will charge hefty fees and may require long term contracts as well. Newer providers are becoming available with lower prices. Price shouldn’t be the only determining factor when considering a home security company.

Home security surveillance can be as simple as a web cam and a laptop. It can also be as involved as installation of a complete hardwired system. Looking at what is available and comparing that to what is actually needed will help homeowners decide.