What Are The Long-Term Benefits Of Owning Security Cameras?

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Sandy

You simply can’t put a price on protecting your family and your home. A home surveillance system gives you the power to do just that. Our premium selection of home network surveillance cameras offers a considerable number of benefits both in their design and performance.

Increased Safety: Instilling a sense of safety is a top concern for discerning homeowners. Whether it’s protecting the family and the pets or guarding the property and valuables, keeping safe is what matters most at the end of the day.

24/7 Alerts: What’s superior about Internet-based video is that you can set it up to send direct alerts to your phone or email whenever it detects motion or tampering. Our home surveillance cameras also come with alarm input/outputs to trigger your external alarm in the event that suspicious activity is perceived.

Peace of Mind: Investing in security cameras for your home ultimately provides peace of mind for you and your family. No more worrying about your home or property while you’re away on vacation or at work. Security cameras can do the job so you can go and live your life.

OSI CCTV has a large selection of Spy & Covert Cameras, CCTV IP Cameras and NVRs with Built-in Poe as well HDCVI Cameras, HDTVI Cameras, Complete CCTV Systems, DVRs, Access Control, and Wiring and Accessories. Visit www.OSICCTV.com today! We offer Free Shipping to anywhere in North America with orders over $200, Free Technical Support and have been in business for over 45 Years assuring you that we will always be around to help you with any questions you may have about your product in the future.

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

Why Covert/Spy Cameras Help You Sleep at Night

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Sandy

Every night before bed, people across the world turn off all the lights, set alarms, lock their doors and shut windows. How can we be sure we are properly protecting the things we hold so dear to our hearts? While these measures may keep us safe from the outside world, what if the threat comes from within your walls?

When homeowners invite unfamiliar people into their homes who aren’t supervised, theft or other crime may occur. Many homeowners are concerned for their property and seek out security systems to be their eyes and ears while away.

Hidden home spy cameras, typically referred to as spy cams or nanny cams, can dramatically ease a homeowner’s anxiety if he or she regularly has non-family members in the house.

Hidden spy cameras have one very obvious benefit over standard security systems – they’re hidden! Criminals can’t see them, and neither can your friends, family or employees. The cameras have the ability to catch criminals red-handed without the risk of being tampered with or being the natural deterrent that a visible camera would be.

These cameras are non-invasive and stay out of the way while observing the natural behavior of the people around your home. Many types of spy cams use the same advanced technologies found in traditional security cameras. These cameras can often record in high-definition color, and may even be installed with a wireless setup.

By nature, these camera systems are also quite small. Most hidden cameras are available for purchase already placed in everyday items that a normal person would expect to see in a home.

For example, some of the hidden home spy cameras on the market are contained within fixtures you may find on a wall or ceiling in any room. These include light switches, smoke detectors, wall plugs, and more. Other pre-built spy cameras are designed within décor items like picture frames and clocks.

The customization of your system doesn’t end there. By purchasing a stand-alone mini spy camera, you can place your camera within just about anything! Pots, vents, stuffed animals… all of these are viable options and you can choose the option that fits best for you.

You can’t put a price on peace of mind. Luckily, nanny cams can range anywhere from $100 to $550 depending on the model and features, such as field of view or wireless versus wired.

Considering the low cost and numerous options related to technology, size, and type, hidden spy cameras are becoming more commonplace in households everywhere. Utilize this technology to monitor your home and protect not just your property but also your family from criminal behavior.

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

What is the Maximum Cable length your CCTV Camera can run on?

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Sandy

Most of the time, when someone asks this question they are asking what is the max distance that RG59 coax cable can be run for CCTV cameras. However, there are a number of different cable options for CCTV and there are also other types of cameras that are sometimes referred to as “CCTV cameras” that are different than the traditional analog security cameras that most people think of when this term is used. This guide will answer most common questions related to how far different types of cables can be used with various types of hard wired security cameras.

CCTV Cameras

RG-59 coax cable is by far the most common type of cable used in CCTV camera installations. However, it is not the only choice. Thicker gauge RG-6 is used quite often and it carries CCTV video signal a few hundred feet further than RG59. It is important to note that not all RG59 coax cable is created equal. Installers should use RG59 with a 100% pure copper center conductor and at least 95% braided copper shield. RG59 that is used for cable TV installations should be avoided. RG59 for CATV typically uses clad center conductor, which is a copper-coated steel, and aluminum shield (instead of copper braiding).

In addition to coaxial cable, UTP cable (such as CAT-5), can be used with video baluns to wire CCTV cameras. This is handy at installation locations where CAT-5 cable has already been run to the required locations. CAT-5 with video baluns also allows longer cable runs, especially when used with active / powered video baluns. Another way to run CCTV video longer distances is by using video amplifiers with RG59 coax cable.

Here is a guide that shows that max distances these cable options can be used to run video from analog CCTV cameras to DVRs and / or monitors.

RG-59 coax cable max distance: 1000 feet
RG-6 coax cable max distance: 1000 feet
CAT-5 with passive video balun max: distance: 1,200 feet
CAT-5 with active video baluns max distance: 5,000 feet

HD CCTV Cameras (HDTVI and HDCVI)

In 2014, HDTVI and HDCVI CCTV cameras were introduced. These are all formats of HD Analog technology. HD-TVI means High Definition Transport Video Interface

HD CCTV cameras can use the same type of cables as traditional CCTV cameras, however, the video resolution is much higher. AHD cameras support 720p and 1080p HD video resolutions. You can learn more about AHD CCTV here.

Like CCTV, there are video baluns and coax cable video amplifiers available for AHD security cameras. Here is a guide that shows the max cable distances cable can be run to AHD cameras.

HDTVI up to 1600′ on RG59
HDTVI 700′ on CAT5
HDCVI up to 1500′ on RG59
HDCVI 650′ on CAT5

HD-SDI Security Cameras

HD-SDI security cameras are another high definition technology used in video surveillance applications. This is the same video standard used in HDTV so it has been around a long time. It also supports 720p / 1080p video resolutions but unfortunately cable lengths must be kept short. RG59 or RG6 coax cable must be used for HD-SDI cameras. HD-SDI does not support CAT-5 and video baluns. The only way to extent the cable distance is to use powered HD-SDI video repeaters.

Here is a guide that shows the max cable distances for HD-SDI cameras.

RG-59 coax cable max distance: 300 feet
Powered HD-SDI video repeaters can extend distance additional 300 feet

OSI CCTV has a large selection of CCTV IP Cameras and NVRs with Built-in Poe as well HDCVI Cameras, HDTVI Cameras, Complete CCTV Systems, DVRs, Access Control, and Wiring and Accessories. Visit www.OSICCTV.com today! We offer Free Shipping to anywhere in North America with orders over $200, Free Technical Support and have been in business for over 45 Years assuring you that we will always be around to help you with any questions you may have about your product in the future.

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

How to Catch Shoplifters!

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Sandy

We thought we’d give you a few tips on how to catch or at least dissuade shoplifters from preying on your business during high traffic times during popular holidays such as Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas.

Improve Employee Engagement

Simply put, shoplifters hate being noticed. Greeting every customer as he or she enters the store is not only good customer service but also puts shoplifters on notice that they have been seen. For the best effect, all of your employees should continually engage shoppers no matter how long they have been in the store.

Take a Fresh Look at the Layout

Working day after day at the same location can give a store owner or manager a false sense of security when it comes to layout. It is imperative that you throw away your blinders and take a brand new look at the store from a theft perspective. This process will help eliminate any spots where shoplifters can practice their craft.

Install Security Cameras

Another prime tool against shoplifting is the security camera – hidden ones work well but visible ones can be doubly effective.

While covert cameras are especially useful for catching shoplifters in hard-to-see areas, visible surveillance cameras capture thieves in the act and make a statement to customers and employees alike that the owner or manager is watching for unlawful activity.

Place the Cash Register Near the Exit

While many boutiques and other high end-retailers like to keep the front of their location available for display space, more pragmatic retailers understand that this technique creates an opportunity for shoplifters.

Instead, they opt to place their cash registers and watchful cashiers near the door, establishing another barricade against thieves and an additional level of security.

Keep High-End Items Under Lock and Key

Whether a store stocks mobile phones, jewelry, or perfume, keep expensive items under lock and key unless being personally overseen by a trusted employee.

Restrict Access

On a similar but more substantial level, it is important for businesses to control access to their most sensitive areas. Shoplifting is often a crime of opportunity, especially if money or other valuables are left unguarded in an area thought secure, such as the office or counting room.

The use of self-locking doors with electronic password protection is just one of the many ways to ensure that only authorized persons can enter restricted areas.

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

How Vulnerable is your company to Theft?

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Sandy

How safe is your business? Whether your enterprise is big or small in size, certain things can leave your company more susceptible to break-ins and theft. Do you know what to look out for?

Here are 50 ways your business is vulnerable to theft:

You don’t have a high-quality video security system installed at your business
Your building exterior has poor outdoor lighting
You don’t have an access control system installed
You don’t do thorough background checks before hiring new employees
Employee theft
Your loading dock is un-monitored
Un-monitored cash registers
You keep cash in your cash registers when your business is closed
You don’t have a sign-in or check-in area for visitors and delivery personnel
Office computer passwords are not required to be changed every 30 days
Your office computers do not have anti-virus software installed
Access is not limited for shared folders and files on the network
The perimeter of your building is not being monitored
Your Wi-Fi network is unsecure
You don’t get copies of keys back from terminated employees
Visitors have access to your network hardware
Your facility does not have hidden cameras installed in high-traffic areas
Your warehouse is not being monitored
Supply rooms are left unlocked
You don’t run background checks on your cleaning service
Your front or back door is frequently propped open
Fraudulent claims
Fraudulent returns
You don’t keep important or sensitive documents in a locked area
You don’t shred discarded documents
Shoplifting
Till skimming
Embezzlement
In-accurate accounting
Credit card theft
Bad checks
You don’t perform schedule maintenance on your video security system
Not having a strong firewall for your network
Poor indoor lighting
Unprotected or unlocked windows
Unlocked or un-monitored cash offices
A clear view of equipment, cash registers or other items that are enticing to thieves
Liability claims
Benefits fraud
Your mail center is unsecured
You don’t require visitors to wear badges
You don’t require visitors to sign non-disclosure agreements
Big ticket merchandise is placed in windows or near doors
Not performing regular operating system updates on company computers and laptops
Unlocked computer equipment
Your company mobile phone is not password protected
You don’t monitor your business for signs of identity theft
You don’t limit access to company credit cards
You don’t watch your monthly credit card statements
You don’t require retail employees to sign in and out when working cash registers

Protecting your business and your assets from theft begins with educating yourself about the risks, and taking the necessary steps to reduce your risks, including installing a video security system.

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

Why upgrade your Analog CCTV to a Digital HD and PoE system

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sandy

Unlike in the consumer market, which has nearly completely transitioned to the use of high definition technology, closed circuit television systems (CCTV) are lagging behind.

Typically used for security or traffic camera systems, CCTVs continue to use analog technology that record images that look similar to those on consumer televisions more than 15 years ago. If you still have a TV from that era or older, you understand what we mean.

But why has this sector not adopted the high definition technology that is readily available everywhere else?

The reason comes down to infrastructure. It’s easy for a consumer to buy an HD TV and simply plug it in because their cable company has already invested in the upgraded infrastructure. But it’s a huge expense to upgrade an entire traffic camera system or a surveillance system in an older building. These analog NTSC systems were designed well before the digital age. Often, when a single camera needs to be replaced in a CCTV system, it’s simpler to opt for an analog one that’s compatible with the rest of the system and simply put connects to the cable at the pole or mount. But there are several major advantages to upgrading from a legacy TV format to a Power on Ethernet (PoE) system or IP camera.

A HD PoE system gives you far better resolution than an analog system. Every image has more pixels per inch than the images from a legacy system. And more pixels means a clearer picture, allowing you to see greater detail in every single image. This means you get a cleaner digitally zoomed image. With an NTSC system, a zoomed-in image becomes pixilated and provides less, if any, useful data.

And by seeing longer distances, an HD camera system needs fewer cameras than a legacy system.

Need expert advice? Give us a call!

If you have any questions related to this blog post or need expert advice in choosing the right product, call us Toll Free at 1.855.815.CCTV(2288) or shoot us off an email at sales@osicctv.com. Don’t worry we won’t pressure you, we’re just here to help!

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

PROs & CONs of PoE Cameras

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sandy

Power over Ethernet technology is becoming increasingly popular with businesses as an easy means to update their IT, communications and office infrastructure.

It allows the easy addition of devices to make the day to day running of a business much simpler. Amongst other things it can be used for:

IP telephones allowing extra staff to be recruited and work stations to be installed without a complicated rewiring of an existing telephone system.
Extra WiFi access points to install work stations in new sites within a building.
Thermometer installations to ensure fridges and freezers run at a constant temperature in retail stores, alerting the manager when a deviation occurs.

Other devices includes cash tills, emergency call buttons, PA systems, clocks, access control equipment but our main interest here is of course the use of PoE for IP CCTV cameras so just what are the advantages of this technology over analogue, HD-SDI and even standard IP….

PROs

PoE cameras save you installation time – they only require a single network cable to operate.
PoE cameras save you money on cabling – network cable is comparatively cheap compared to RG59 copper cable.
PoE cameras are easy to power as they are not sensitive to overvoltage.
PoE cameras autodetect if the network supports PoE with no extra configuration.
PoE cameras can use the existing IT network so are an easy addition to a building’s infrastructure.
PoE cameras are the latest technology so they are available in high definition quality.
A central power source allows quick detection of a power failure and makes a UPS back up device easier to install.

CONs

As a new technology, there are limited styles of CCTV camera available.
As you would expect new technology also means they are more expensive than analogue CCTV cameras.
As they run on a network they require some networking knowledge for set up.
They can suffer from network interruptions or delays.
There is no worldwide IP standard as yet though ONVIF standards are becoming more prevalent.
PoE networks can supply up to 350mA at the camera end so may struggle with some thirstier IR and PTZ cameras.
Some older networks are not equipped to support PoE cameras.

Need expert advice? Give us a call!

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

What is Power-over-Ethernet?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sandy

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a way to power cameras with an Ethernet cord, which also gives the camera direct network access. Along with providing stable network connections, PoE also makes installation easier by only requiring one cable.

How Power over Ethernet Works

PoE works by using a single network cable (including Cat-5, Cat-5e, or Cat-6) for both power and network connections. IP cameras wired for PoE have a special power switch in them which can use the power sent over the Ethernet cord, while cameras without this switch will simply get the network connection and no power.

Network connectivity is important to surveillance systems if you’re saving video files on an NVR or using the newer cloud storage. Unlike wireless connections, PoE ensures your IP cameras are always connected. This means your camera will reliably be able to send video files to your NVR, and direct connections can be faster than wireless connections.

There are two types of PoE, standard PoE and PoE+. The standard type of PoE found on most IP cameras, IEEE 802.3af, can send up to 15 watts of electricity. This amount of power is not enough for PTZ cameras or cameras with fans and heaters for outdoor use, but is enough to power basic IP surveillance cameras. PoE+, IEEE 802.3at, provides double the amount of power at 30 watts for more powerful cameras, and requires a different kind of switch than standard PoE.

If you have older cameras you don’t want to replace but you do want the advantages of PoE, you can use a PoE Splitter to convert a camera’s power and data supply. Most routers have a small number of ports, so if you need to connect large numbers of cameras to your system, or connect other devices, you may need a PoE Switch.

How Power over Ethernet Can Help You

PoE cameras make the installation process easier by requiring only one cable. This gives you more flexibility in camera placement, and prevents expensive electrical work to move or install a power outlet near the camera.

PoE cameras are available in every camera type including dome, fixed, HD, and more. Use your PoE cameras to:

Monitor industrial sites, including warehouses and construction sites
Stay connected to your home, apartment complex, or rental house
Observe shopping habits, manage wait times, and prevent theft in retail stores
Keep an eye on your business or office

If your cameras use PoE+, you will need special PoE+ Midspans or Switches to provide your camera with enough power.

Need expert advice? Give us a call!

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

Why Use PoE (Power-Over Ethernet) for my Video Surveillance System?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sandy

Specifying Power over Ethernet brings many advantages to an installation:

Time and cost savings – by reducing the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed. Network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located anywhere.

Flexibility – without being tethered to an electrical outlet, devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points can be located wherever they are needed most, and repositioned easily if required.

Safety – POE delivery is intelligent, and designed to protect network equipment from overload, underpowering, or incorrect installation.

Reliability – POE power comes from a central and universally compatible source, rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed-up by an uninterruptible power supply, or controlled to easily disable or reset devices.

Scalability – having power available on the network means that installation and distribution of network connections is simple and effective.

OSI CCTV has a large selection of CCTV IP Cameras and NVRs with Built-in Poe as well Complete CCTV Systems, DVRs, Access Control, and Wiring and Accessories. Visit www.OSICCTV.com today! We offer Free Shipping to anywhere in North America with orders over $200, Free Technical Support and have been in business for over 45 Years assuring you that we will always be around to help you with any questions you may have about your product in the future.

Give yourself peace of mind! Protect your home, school, hotel or business with a CCTV System!

OSI CCTV has a large selection of CCTV products including Complete CCTV Systems, CCTV Cameras, DVRs, NVRs, Video Intercom Systems, Access Control, and Wiring and Accessories.

Need expert advice? Give us a call!

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

What Is H.264 Video Compression?

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Sandy

Aventura Technologies introduced H.264 video compression algorithm in the year 2003 for the video security industry. It has become the standard for almost all security manufacturers, this video format in now widely used and accepted by corporate offices, government offices and even in military.

H.264 take a fully optimized algorithm that is based on Digital Signal Processor (DSP) technology. The recording and display of audio and video are all in real time with full synchronization in both types. Video content is directly transmitted from the video card to the screen frame buffer while the compressed stream data is sent to host’s computer memory. This transmission procedure doesn’t require any intervention from the hosted computer and as a result it saves resources of computer’s processor. Even the results of images and sound are immaculate no matter how many channels are connected for monitoring or reviewing.

If compared to the previous generation called MPEG4 and MPEG2 technologies, the new highly advanced H.264 video quality is notably better. It is also surprising to know that H.264 format is highly enhanced; the file size is 25% smaller than of MPEG4 and 50% smaller than MPEG2, which is exponentially smaller than of MJPEG.

What are the benefits of h.264 video compression in CCTV system?

H.264 CCTV (DVR / NVR) Digital Video / Network Video Recorders are mainly used on almost every CCTV surveillance systems. They are used by connecting to the existing analog cameras and after that they are configured with the Internet Protocol (IP) address on the remote camera to scan the network of the IP signal on the remote cameras and connect to the systems. These CCTV H.264 (DVR / NVR) Digital Video / Network Video Recorders work on Windows and Mac and can be configured till 64 cameras in Network and Analog configurations.

Many H.264 CCTV (NVR) Network Video Recorders can be used by the users application.

Give yourself peace of mind! Protect your home, school, hotel or business with a CCTV System!

OSI CCTV has a large selection of CCTV products including Complete CCTV Systems, CCTV Cameras, DVRs, NVRs, Video Intercom Systems, Access Control, and Wiring and Accessories.

Need expert advice? Give us a call!

Source:

http://www.osicctv.com

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Tag Archives: ptz camera

What Are The Long-Term Benefits Of Owning Security Cameras?

Why Covert/Spy Cameras Help You Sleep at Night

What is the Maximum Cable length your CCTV Camera can run on?

How to Catch Shoplifters!

How Vulnerable is your company to Theft?

Why upgrade your Analog CCTV to a Digital HD and PoE system

PROs & CONs of PoE Cameras

What is Power-over-Ethernet?

How Power over Ethernet Works

Why Use PoE (Power-Over Ethernet) for my Video Surveillance System?

Specifying Power over Ethernet brings many advantages to an installation:

Give yourself peace of mind! Protect your home, school, hotel or business with a CCTV System!

What Is H.264 Video Compression?

What are the benefits of h.264 video compression in CCTV system?

Give yourself peace of mind! Protect your home, school, hotel or business with a CCTV System!