Security Cameras
Behind Closed Doors
Doors made by the Kings in ancient times could prohibit an entire army from entering the city. The Romans did it and so did every Kingdom that could muster even the basics of architecture. The problem, however, was that once the Gates were closed the only way to find out the enemy at gates was through manual surveillance. This system was followed even up to mid 20th century where households would have a huge door to prevent any unauthorized access.
The need to perceive the danger at the other end of the door were instrumental in creating the Magic Eyes that were mounted on the door and which could provide an image (actually a somewhat distorted or disproportionate image) of the area outside the door. The system was pretty effective and continued to hold its ground as favorite door accessories till the very recent past. The biggest danger, however, was that an opening was being made inside the otherwise sturdy door in order to mount the Magic eye. This left a vulnerable point on the door surface.
The Magic Gazers (Security Cameras)
The advent of Electronics and Optical technologies meant that modern cameras that could capture still images and moving videos were available for monitoring any activity. Security Cameras were quickly adopted by bigger institutions but the security cameras remained largely untouched by the common user due to cost restraints and the bulky equipment.
The miniaturization of security cameras had an everlasting affect on this field and out came the magical security cameras that were of the size of a shirt button and that could provide amazingly clear and crisp pictures and videos. The prices have also gone down owing to bulk production. The surveillance or Security Cameras available today are state of the art products that club many functions into one. Thus there is a deluge of Security Cameras in the market. Security Cameras today can detect movement, track it and report it to any appropriate authority for necessary action.
Assortment of Choices for Security Cameras
The modern Video Surveillance or Security Cameras are smart devices and act as effective monitoring and alarming devices. Thus we have a host of Security Cameras available and the choice is mind boggling. Wired Security Cameras / wireless Security Cameras, Color Security Cameras, B/W Security Cameras, Infrared Security Cameras, etc are just the tip of the iceberg. Does this choice mean I can choose any one Security Camera system for my home requirements? Actually - No! The requirement of any household device would be a Security Camera to ensure complete protection of the occupants by delivering the exact picture and sounds of events happening outside the door. In fact security cameras that can monitor and scan any area for movement and raise an alarm upon detection of motion are highly popular.
The computerization of these Security Camera networks has enabled easy access to the Security Camera data from virtually anywhere in the world. Now, that’s some relief! Sitting at any part of the world, one can easily be able to access the home video surveillance Security Cameras and be assured about the safety of family members during the absence. Most of the households install security cameras to watch children, external activities, certain processes and more. The best part is that he overall cost of installing such a Security Camera has fallen drastically in the past few years.
Let’s Get Specific about Security Cameras
Night vision security cameras are also being installed in many households to monitor intruders during night and darkness. Security Cameras using the IR LEDs and any screen to project the data are gaining popularity for night surveillance activities. However, one must understand the basic difference between the Security Cameras and the normal video cameras used at home. A normal Security Camera now comes in miniature form and can be available in the vicinity of 2 ‘X1’. The spy Security cameras have broken that barriers and are available in sizes as small as 1/4th of an inch!
Nowadays “Pinhole Security Camera” is being utilized for recording activities without disclosing the presence of the Security Camera. The Security Camera remains hidden and only the pinhole lens is exposed so as to capture the images and record them. The real breakthrough has been amalgamation of the Security Camera network with that of the Internet and other Communication networks across the globe. It is now possible to arrange for motion detection and alert created by a Security Camera on a pager, mobile device or e-mail.
Choosing the Right Security Cameras
The choice of Security Cameras and scanning technology differ with the CCD (Charge coupled device) or CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) devices. Basically CCD Security Cameras are costly but produce a better quality and sharpness pictures as compared to the cheaper CMOS Security Cameras.
Illumination factor commonly termed as LUX (0.1 foot candle) is the unit that determines the sensitivity to light of any Security Camera. Thus lower the LUX, lesser will be light that can be reproduced. Further, it is also important to decide the picture format of the Security Camera standard used in the area where you reside. The standards can be NTSC, SECAM or PAL. The Security Camera standards are adopted and used by countries and accordingly the Television sets are also manufactured to project the prevailing standard. It is thus important to choose a standard that is being followed by the television system that would display the Security Camera image.
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