Surveillance
Questions
How do
hidden cameras work? They are a very small
board camera is built into an everyday item. The camera
can be input to connect to the DVR or VCR using a cable.
The camera can also be wireless, in this case the camera
transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the
DVR or VCR and in same case a computer.
Can I get
audio in my hidden camera? - No you cannot.
According to United States federal laws, audio should not
be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of
surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera.
This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or
hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio. Audio in a hidden
camera or board camera is only available to law
enforcement agencies. Title 18, Section 2512. We strongly
suggest you follow the law.
What is the
difference between a wired and a wireless camera?
- Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the
camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR,
VCR or monitor. Wireless cameras have a built-in
transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The
receiver connects to your recording or viewing device.
How far can
a wireless hidden camera transmit? - Standard
wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and
high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to
2000 feet. Most of the time 200 to 300 feet is more
than enough. These hidden cams are top quality.
How many
wireless cameras can you have in one location? -
Normally yu can have up to four wireless cameras in one
location. You also can view all cameras at once using four
different receivers or you can use one receiver and switch
to each camera which is commonly use. You will only be
able to view one camera at a time if you only use one
receiver. This is normally good enough for
hidden cams unless you are doing this for a living. If you
want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location
it's best to order them at the same time so that we can
put them on different channels.
Will a
cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras? -
Cordless phone that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will
cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. Interference
should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is
between the camera and receiver. So placement is
important.
What is a
2.4 GHz wireless frequency? - A frequency is used
to transmit a signal or data like video. 2.4GHz is the
specific wireless frequency that our transmitters use to
send video signal to a receiver. All of our wireless
cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Range varies
from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions.
All the units we offer are FCC approved.
Are the
transmitters FCC approved? - The transmitters
used in all of our wireless systems are FCC approved and Industry
Canada Certified.
What is CCD?
- CCD is used in professional cameras because of it's high
resolution quality and it's ability to record in low-light
situations. CCD is basically a small silicon chip that
receives light and turns it into voltage variations which
makes up an image. It's usually measured in inches with
1/3" CCD being the standard. They are higher priced but
are great for cameras that may require vision in near
darkness.
What is a
Quad? - A Quad splits your monitor into 4
sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once.
Will a Quad
allow four cameras to record at the same time? -
Yes you can record all four cameras at the same time. You
also can record using a switching monitor, which will
record the camera that is showing at that moment.
Will the
receivers work through walls? How about walls two feet thick?
- Yes as long as there isn't excessive amount of metal in
the wall.
Do the plug
and play connections require extra wire to run the signal
back to the VCR or TV? - Yes, you need to buy the
length of cable you need we offer the
CA-25, CA-50 and the CA-100.
What is the
difference between a DVR and a VCR? - A Digital
Video Recorder (DVR) system records high resolution
digital images to a hard disk drive (HDD) and eliminates
the requirement of maintaining VHS tapes. Since the video
images are stored digitally, the image quality will not
degrade overtime, as would a VHS tape when recorded over
multiple times. The time-saving search capabilities of a
DVR will enable the user to locate the desired video clips
via user defined parameters (camera, time, date, etc.)
versus the fast forward and rewind functions of a VCR. A
DVR can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world
using the Internet.
How many
hours will a DVR record? - The amount of time a
DVR will record for is based on the size of the DVRs hard
drive, the number of cameras recording and the number of
frames per second it is recording at. One camera recording
in Real Time uses 1 GB per day. So a 16 camera system will
use 16 GB in one day.
Do I need a
VCR from you or can I use my own VCR? - You can
use your own VCR for recording. However, the VCR will have
to be recording all the time. Most VCRs can only record
for about 10 hours but we have special VCRs that can
record up to 1280 hours.
What is a
DVR card? - DVR Cards enable the user to convert
their computer into a Digital Video Recorder. The DVR
Card(s) is typically installed in an available PCI slot of
a computer. DVR cards are bundled with video surveillance
software which allows the user to record and display
multiple cameras simultaneously from the camera site or a
remote location.
What is a
Plug and Play connection camera? - It is an RCA
Video plug and a power plug on the camera for easy
connection to VCR or TV. This is done by running the RCA
(Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the VCR or TV. The TV or
VCR must be set on the correct channel to view the VIDEO
IN picture.
How many
cameras can I hook up to one TV? - You can hook
up as many cameras as your TV has inputs. Most TVs have 2
inputs but when using a quad you can hook up four cameras.
Do I need
a VCR to record or will the cameras record? - You
must have a VCR or DVR if you want to record.
How long
will the camera last with a 9-volt battery? -
Example a
Cyber Eye and BD-127 will last 5 hours.
Between what
temperatures is it safe for cameras to operate in?
Safe for B/W cameras to operate between --10ºF to +122ºF
Safe for color cameras to operate between --10ºF to +104ºF
It is safe to store cameras between -22ºF to +158ºF
What is the
operating voltage of a camera? - Our cameras
range from 9 volts (CMOS) to 12volts, and also 24 volt
professional models.
What is a
vari-focal lens? - A vari-focal lens is one where
the focal length of the lens can be varied. This is a
fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens. Most vari-focal
lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have,
an auto iris feature.
What is a
fixed lens? - A fixed focal length lens cannot
zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens
usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a
given focal length than a vari-focal, or zoom lens. This
can be important in low light situations.