Security cameras are excellent tools in deterring crime because they catch criminals in the act.

 

Different security camera products are available to ensure the best protection for your unique situation.

 Spy cameras are hidden from the view of criminals, making it easy to catch behavior otherwise concealed from the public view. These cameras are extremely portable, making it easy to set them up in throughout your home or in your car. Of course these cameras are useful due to their ability to hide from view, however with advantages do come disadvantages. One disadvantage is the camera’s inability to zoom and focus. Another slight disadvantage can be the fact that these cameras run on batteries. You must always ensure your battery is charged.  

 

Infrared cameras are excellent tools for capturing activity at night. Keep in mind however, not to mount these cameras behind windows. The camera will only capture the reflection of infrared illuminators in the window at night. Also keep in mind that most infrared cameras only illuminate infrared up to 15 feet in the dark, therefore the activity you are attempting to capture must be close.  If you need to capture activity further away in low-light conditions, you may be better using a security camera with a low lux rating, rather than an infrared camera. A low lux security camera can provide an image superior to that of an infrared camera, but only in low light.

 

Infrared illuminators are also excellent tools for capturing images in the dark. With an infrared illuminator, any black and white camera can see infrared. Therefore an infrared camera is not required.

A quad is a device that can provide video from up to four cameras simultaneously on a single monitor. If you are looking for additional viewing selection, a multiplexer can provide video for multiple camera inputs and, upon playback, can show each camera individually. 

 

In the event that you believe criminal behavior was captured on video, reviewing this activity is required. In order to review this activity, you will need to transfer your video to tape or DVD. Several VCR and DVD products are available on the market today, making transferring and viewing surveillance video simple.

VCR’s (video cassette recording) and DVR’s (digital video recorders) with motion sensors can save you valuable time scanning through video by automatically recording activity when it happens. Therefore when light levels change, the recording light will go on.

 

You can save money however by using your home VCR to record security camera activity. Below are the steps to setting up your home VCR for surveillance purposes:

 

Search for the connector cable that will have come with your VCR. The cable will have different connections; yellow for video, red and white for audio:

• Plug the video output from the camera (or quad) into the RCA jack inputs. These can be located on the front of the VCR or the back. 
• Set the recording speed to SLP or EP.
• Turn to channel 3 on your television. Set the VCR to channel 2. 
• Push the “down channel” button to “Auxiliary” or “Line” channel.

If you do not see the video from the security cameras, push the ” TV / VCR ” button. Some VCR’s require you to push the “input select” button on the remote control to find the “AUX” or “LINE” channel. 

 

* Videotapes that record up to 10 hours are available, and can be found through Outsneak.

 

Click here for tips on hiding your video surveillance!

 

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