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How do I Choose the Best Surveillance Camera System?
Today there are many types of video cameras available for all forms of monitoring. These cameras vary from discreet nanny cams to more elaborate advanced surveillance equipment. A surveillance camera system is a video system that records and monitors the activity within a home, store or business. The best form of surveillance system is self monitored, requiring minimal maintenance.
A surveillance camera system is typically used in malls and department stores. Typically a security officer monitors the cameras from a special video monitoring room. When suspicious activity is detected, theses videos can be used to record and track the suspicious activity.
Cameras are available in many sizes. Many small cameras can be hidden in purses, shoes, pens, or sun glasses. This form of surveillance camera system is used by private investigators to track and monitor individuals. These systems are typically configured to work with surveillance video equipment, which enables the recording and tracking of individuals.
Some of the best surveillance camera systems are connected to the Internet. This type of application provides a method to monitor an area while working in a remote facility. Having the ability to review an area from a remote location is one of the best forms of surveillance. This provides remote safety while enabling constant view of a situation.
Most video surveillance systems use close circuit television (CCTV) to transmit video signals to special monitors. CCTV uses special frequencies to pick up the signals from a surveillance camera system. These monitors are typically wired locally to a facility with the camera.
Many cameras are available with special infrared monitoring devices. This enables the cameras to view objects in the dark. Infrared technology has been available for several decades for use by the military and commercial security operations. Today it can be purchased for a reasonable price, which makes it a good choice for home security systems.
Several automobiles also offer remote camera systems. These systems provide the driver with a video view of the surroundings around the automobile. Most automotive camera systems are integrated into the entertainment system of the car. This makes them seamless for the driver to use.
Law enforcement agencies use surveillance camera equipment to track undercover investigations. This video technology is integrated into undercover officers' clothing, which enables the remote tracking of communications with criminal suspects. A separate group of officers typically monitors the communication through remote vehicles.
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![A surveillance camera monitors and records activity within a home or business.]()
By: Giuseppe PorzaniA surveillance camera monitors and records activity within a home or business. -
![DVRs can be used to store video gathered by a surveillance system.]()
By: Yoanna BoyadzhievaDVRs can be used to store video gathered by a surveillance system.
Discussion Comments
Surveillance camera systems have been very beneficial in helping the FBI track down bank robbers, as there's plenty of evidence you can pull from the camera. Some of this includes height, weight, and gender. Other factors include the time of the day, and any witnesses that were involved.
While it's not necessary to have a surveillance camera system at home, it's definitely essential that they're installed at stores and businesses. Not only does it help the authorities in criminal investigations (mentioned in the article as well), but even more so, it helps the managers to monitor any suspicious activity. For example, if someone who walked around the store was looking suspicious, they could use the camera system to follow and monitor their activities, without having to track the suspect down themselves.
While surveillance camera systems are a great asset for stores and businesses, unless you really needed one, I don't think it's necessary to have it at a home. Generally speaking, people at home live together as a family, and having one installed into your house would be a complete invasion of privacy. Reading this article also reminds me of a time where my college had a surveillance camera system in the dorm room hallways. They were around for about a year or two, but soon had to be removed because not surprisingly, they were considered an invasion of privacy.
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