Surveillance Definitions -
AGC - Automatic Gain Control is an electronic system found in many
types of devices. Its purpose is to control the gain of a system in
order to maintain adequate performance over a range of input signal
levels. Or An electronic circuit that tries to keep the video signal at
a constant level (1volt peak-peak). Useful on cameras working at low
light levels
AI - Auto Iris is an electronic circuit that acts as an iris on CCD
cameras by electronically shuttering the CCD sensor. Or An automatic
method of varying the size of a lens opening in response to changes in
scene illumination.
AWB - Auto White Balance is an electronic process used in video cameras
to retain true colors. It is performed electronically on the basis of a
white object in the picture.
CCD - Charged Coupled Device: It is analog technology. The CCD camera
has a little bit higher resolution than CMOS. The camera also functions
better in low light. A CCD camera drains a little bit more power than
the CMOS cameras. It uses 12v instead of 9v. CMOS camera is smaller
than a CCD camera and works longer with the 9v battery.
CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor: a lower resolution
camera compared to a CCD model.
The advantage of a CMOS camera is that it uses lower operation current.
HAD CCD - Hole Accumulation Diode is a type of CCD sensor with a layer
designed to accumulate holes (in the electronic sense), thus reducing
noise level.
S to N Ratio - Signal to Noise Ratio is simply the ratio of the signal
power and noise power, expressed in decibels (dB). Or measure of noise
on a video signal. It is represented in Decibels as the level of the
video signal compared to the level of noise present on that signal. The
higher the signal to noise ratio the better.
BLC - Balance Light Control is a method to compensate for bright spots
in a picture. It is also important to consider whether there are bright
spots in the picture such as car headlights which can make
identification of the vehicle registration or model impossible. This
can also be a major problem where it is necessary to identify a person
who is moving from bright daylight into artificial light. This could
result in the subject becoming an unidentifiable silhouette.
OSD - On Screen Display is a method of displaying set-up information or
instructions on to a display monitor.
Resolution - Resolution measures the cameras ability to reproduce an
image. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality.
LUX - LUX is the measurement of low light needed for the camera to view
and record properly.
FPS - Frames Per Second is the number of still frames (pictures) that
give the illusion of motion, which appear in a single second of
time.30fps is considered "Real Time". So for Real Time viewing of your
cameras, you need at least 30fps for each camera.
IR - Infrared, IR LEDS are used on Day/Night cameras which allow the
camera to see in the dark. Focal Length - the distance from the surface
of a lens and its focal point.
Questions
How do hidden cameras work?
A small board camera is built into an everyday item. The camera can be
wired which means it is connected 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.
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.
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.
How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?
You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. You can view
all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver
and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at
a time if you only use one receiver. 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 phones 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.
What is a Quad?
A Quad splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4
cameras at once.
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 tranmitters 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. These units are FCC approved.
Are the transmitters FCC approved?
The transmitters used in all of our wireless systems are FCC 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.
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.
Do the receivers work through walls up to 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.
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 you 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?
The Cyber Eye and BD-127 will last 5 hours.
Between what temperatures is it safe for cameras to operate in?
It is safe for B/W cameras to operate between -23°C to +
50°C or -10ºF to +122ºF
It is safe for color cameras to oeperate between -23º C to
+40ºC or -10ºF to +104ºF
It is safe to store cameras between -30ºC to +70ºC or
-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 varifocal lens?
A varifocal 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 varifocal
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 varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be
important in low light situations.
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