• Always consult local authorities regarding video surveillance before installing security cameras.
• For business applications, place a camera at every entrance. This allows you to record and monitor everyone who enters and exits the building.
• Outdoor cameras are weatherproof, but their power sources are not. Make sure that the power adapter is in an area that is free from water and moisture. If this cannot be accomplished, seal the power connections to help prevent damage.
• Make sure the lighting near your camera is roughly the same brightness as the area you are monitoring. For example, if you place your camera in a dark room and aim it towards a well lit room, you will likely get poor image quality. The lighting needs to be the same to obtain the best results.
• Do not aim your camera towards a bright light source such as the sun. This may damage the camera or prevent it from displaying images properly. When installing the camera, before screwing in the mounting bracket, check the image on the screen to see if the picture is clear from direct bright light sources.
• If your camera’s lens gets dirty, use a soft, lint free cloth to wipe it clean. Never use an abrasive material as this could scratch the lens.
• Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras should only be used if you have a dedicated person monitoring your video. Otherwise it is recommended that you use a fixed position camera.
• For night viewing you must have adequate lighting. Consider buying a night vision camera (one with infrared LEDs) or installing a light near the camera to illuminate the area.
• If you are installing a DVR for recording purposes, make sure it is locked up and inaccessible by visitors.
• Cameras should be installed in a location high enough so that people cannot tamper with them.
SleuthGear products, manufactured by KJB Security Products of Atlanta, GA, released their new line of “HVR” (Hidden Video Recorder) “Nanny Cams”. Covert video recording on the HVR unit is triggered by motion detection and the footage, saved as a standard .AVI file, is stored on an SD card tucked safely away inside the unit, completely invisible from the outside of the unit. HVR systems come fully equipped with either black and white low light (rated at .0001 lux – it will see in complete darkness) camera, or, for about $100 more, “dual” cameras – Color 480 LOR CCD .05 lux camera by day, auto-switching to Black & White 480 LOR CCD low light .0001 lux camera during low-light situations.
The cameras are built into common, every day items that you simply hide in plain sight. As of this writing, HVR cams are available in the following models:
- Outlet Mounted Air Filter (Available in color/BW low light dual cam only)
More are being developed, and engineers are planning full high definition (HD) resolution (1080×720) in future models.
Having become increasingly more affordable, for around $500-600 you can “arm” any room of your home or business with one of these all-in-one video surveillance systems.
All new HVR units now have greater resolution, greater motion detection, and more memory capacity.
HVR cameras now have D1 720×480 (DVD quality) resolution, which can be lowered to 320×240 if the user desires to capture more footage in their memory. The user can also specify the frame rate – 1, 2, 3, 5, 15, or 30 frames per second (FPS). The motion detection now uses 150 grids, and the user can make the system ignore any of the boxes in the grid. This is useful if, for example, you have a camera facing the lobby of a business and the corner of the video catches traffic driving by. As for memory capacity, HVR units now support up to a 16GB high-capacity secure digital (HCSD) card, and come with a 2GB card.
HVR units feature three user-selectable recording modes – continuous, overwrite, or scheduled. Continuous recording is just that. The unit records video 24/7. Overwrite mode puts the unit in “set it and forget it” mode. Video clips are recorded and when the SD card is full, subsequent video files recorded overwrite old files, starting with the oldest. Schedule mode allows the user to schedule times of day that the unit will record video footage.
To play back footage, the SD card can be removed and displayed on the user’s computer using an SD card reader (If the user’s computer is not equipped with an SD card reader, HVR units have one included).
HVR units also allow the user to embed a date/time stamp on the footage, and allow the user to decide where on the screen the date/time stamp is located.
HVR units are firmware upgradeable (via SD card) and have an operating temperature of 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C). All units include a 2GB SD card, SD card reader, IR remote control, RCA video cables, and user’s manual.
For professional quality covert video surveillance that is affordable, protect your home or business with KJB Security’s new line of SleuthGear HVR recording units. SleuthGear – “The Original Nanny Cam”.
Posted by admin | Under Uncategorized
Friday Sep 18, 2009
Home surveillance systems, once only for the rich, are becoming more and more affordable. As technology progresses and hidden video surveillance becomes necessary, anyone can enjoy the feeling of security in knowing there is something always keeping an “eye” on things.
Home surveillance systems come in many flavors. There are your standard “overt” systems, meaning the cameras are visible in plain sight (usually one or several CCTV video cameras) , and there are “covert” systems with the home surveillance camera or cameras hidden in plain sight.
Home surveillance system prices range anywhere from $200 to thousands of dollars. Thus, keep your security needs in mind when shopping around for a system.
There are overt and covert systems available that are weatherproof for outdoor surveillance. Examples of an outdoor weatherproof overt system can be seen here. Examples of all-weather covert systems include the HomeSpy, which doubles as a yard or driveway flood light or the SecureShot motion activated bird feeder camera, both of which have an onboard digital video recorder (DVR) and use secure digital (SD) cards as recording media. The SD card can be easily removed and you can view the footage right on your computer using standard video software.
If your needs are geared more towards indoor surveillance, there are many decoy cameras that are functional items – iPod docking station, plant, teddy bear, air purifier, alarm clock, digital picture frame, wall clock, to name a few – with covert surveillance built-in (digital video recording via secure digital (SD) card). Additionally, there are wired systems, as well as wireless (2.4 gHz) surveillance systems, available.
Home and/or Business surveillance and security systems ARE affordable! Do yourself (and your family or business) a favor and install a home or business surveillance system.
The CV0204DVR is SVAT’s complete recording system that allows you to remotely monitor your business or home from any Internet-enabled PC! The four included cameras are equipped with automatically activating night vision that allows you to see your property and belongings, even in total darkness! Let the CV0204DVR give you the peace of mind that comes with the convenience of viewing your property day or night from any location. You can record up to 150 continuous days of video footage and customize recording options and warning alarms. No longer will you need to wonder what you’ve been missing at home or at work!
This system is extremely user-friendly and you can have it up and running in a matter of minutes because everything is truly plug and play. Auto-start recording ensures that the CV0204DVR will automatically begin recording as soon as you plug it in to a power outlet.
You can keep an eye on your business when you’re away or monitor your summer home during off seasons with the CV0204DVR. Just connect the DVR to your Internet connected router and set it up with the included software.You can view your live cameras, watch recorded video footage, and more, all through your web browser. (Requires a router, Windows operating system, Internet Explorer browser, and broadband Internet connection for online viewing)
Capture up to 150 continuous days of video and once the hard drive has become full you can choose to overwrite your old video or have the unit stop recording. This smart DVR will also alert you when the hard drive has become full with video footage. SVAT uses the highest quality components available to create our products.
The hi-res indoor/outdoor color cameras provide you with clear, crisp, and enhanced video at 420 TV lines of resolution. They allow you to better distinguish facial features, which can help in the positive identification of individuals. Each camera is built with professional grade aluminum housing and a sunshade to help prevent glare and is built from durable aluminum and designed to function in both indoor and outdoor situations without deterioration or rusting.
The cameras come equipped with night vision, allowing you to see the area you’re monitoring (up to 15 feet away) in total darkness. 12 infrared LEDs activate automatically on the camera when it becomes dark and deactivate during the day to save energy.
Posted by admin | Under Hidden Camera
Saturday Aug 8, 2009
By Jeff Monson
For easy set up of your home or business surveillance system, you can’t beat the convenience of a wireless hidden camera system.Having no wires visible adds to the covertness, and you save the hassle of running wires through walls, over ceilings, and under floors.A wireless camera consists of a camera with a transmitter and a separate receiver which attaches to your TV for real time monitoring or a recording device, be it a digital video recorder (DVR) or video cassette recorder (VCR). There are also models that, rather than having a transmitter and receiver, have a DVR built in, and usually records the covert video to a secure digital (SD) card (some models use micro SD).
To make it ‘hidden’, the camera is built into an existing everyday object that you would usually see in your home or business. Some popular items are wall clocks, alarm clocks, digital picture frames, lamps, plants, teddy bears, air purifiers and more.A wireless camera can be tailored to fit into your home or business, and since it looks natural being plugged in the wall there is no need to disguise the power cord.
Typical applications:
-“Nanny cameras” are becoming more and more popular in helping parents.You can keep an “eye” on your children while you’re away and they are under the care of a nanny or baby sitter. Now, if your child is injured you’ll know exactly what happened, and you’ll see exactly how your nanny treats your children!
-Is the cash register coming up short lately?Install a covert camera and find out what’s really going on!
-Going on a weeklong cruise and leaving the teenagers at home?Find out how they treated your home while you were away.
-Keep an eye on the repair man doing work in your home.
-Make sure your housekeeper is really doing her job.
-Keep an eye on your pets.
-Possibilities are endless.
The bottom line is that a quality wireless hidden camera is going to show you what the REAL story is when you are away.
Benefits of a wireless hidden camera system:
-Portability.It can be moved easily. You can even take it on vacation!Watch your children during the day and watch your front door at night. Move the receiver and watch from any room in the house!
-Evidence.A camera lens doesn’t lie!Most of the laws dealing with video recording privacy issues tend to allow covert recording and monitoring of video activity under most circumstances without notification of any of the parties involved.The footage is also admissible as evidence in a court of law in most cases.Did you know that the arrest rate for burglaries is 15%? Help raise that statistic.
Always check your local laws before purchasing and using covert video equipment.
For more information, check out our line of SecureShot and SleuthGear wireless cameras.
Posted by admin | Under Uncategorized
Tuesday Dec 8, 2009
Protect your hard-earned possessions, assets, and family; know who has been on your property; rid yourself of uneasiness when you travel on vacation or business. The CV500-4CH-002 offers some of the most advanced surveillance options available but in a hassle-free, do-it-yourself approach so you can have a fully functioning security system for your home or business in less time and for less money. The CV500-4CH-002’s online viewing feature allows you to conveniently access your DVR’s live or recorded video footage on any computer in the world with Internet Explorer. Checking in on your property is easy and means you will never miss a moment. This DVR is loaded with features that will help keep your property safe and secure. Record over 2.5 years of continuous video on the built-in 500GB Seagate SV35 series hard drive. The CV500-4CH-002 is an effective and simple solution for protecting your property.
Posted by admin | Under Uncategorized
Friday Aug 28, 2009
Have you ever been in a situation where you wish you had an audio recording of a conversation? Have you ever been sitting in class wishing you could record your teacher or professor’s voice during a lecture? Now you can – even if you’re not allowed. There are several new covert digital spy voice recorders on the market. For this article, I’m going to discuss a few of my favorites. The USB flash drive digital spy voice recorder is a two-in-one flash drive and audio recording device. No matter your location, audio can be recorded clearly and discreetly. The 2GB model stores up to 40 hours of audio, and the unit can record up to 4 hours on a single charge. A must for any college student.
The 007 2GB Digital Voice Recorder Pen looks and functions just like an ordinary ballpoint pen, but has 2GB of storage for up to 80 hours of voice recording or up to 400 MP3 files – or a combination of both. It is perfect for recording interviews, meetings, personal notes, grocery lists, to do lists, or a personal diary…the applications are endless! For MP3 playback, simply plug in headphones. You can even store computer files on it like a flash drive as it becomes a separate drive on your computer when plugged into your computer’s USB port — Just drag and drop files.
The MP3/Voice Wrist Watch Digital Spy Voice Recorder is a very high quality fully functional men’s wrist watch with a built-in digital spy voice recorder/player. 256Mb flash memory records 9 full hours of voice via built-in microphone and/or dozens of MP3 music files. Ideal for recording notes on the go, dictation, or reminders. Listen to MP3 music files with included stereo earphones or on your computer using windows media player. Internal rechargeable battery records for 9 hours between charges. USB interface cable included for quick connection to your
computer. Ladies version also available.
My personal favorite is the PI Pen note taker. Not only a great writing ball point pen, but also a high quality, 7-hour digital digital audio recorder. Great for taking “in the field” notes both by writing and dictating. Also available with a USB 2.0 data transfer option with 7 hour and 14 hour versions.
A private place is defined as a location where a person expects to be safe from unauthorized surveillance.
The most video recordings in the United States are legal with or without consent; however, several laws do exist regarding “Invasion of Privacy,” which deals with the concept of expected privacy. This idea of “expected privacy” includes areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, changing and dressing rooms, bedrooms, and other areas where a person may expect a certain level of personal privacy.
Most of the laws dealing with video recording privacy issues tend to allow covert recording and monitoring of video activity under most circumstances without notification of any of the parties involved, it is recommended that prior to use of a Hidden Camera, you consult with your local law enforcement or an attorney who is knowledgeable in the area. This insures that despite a general understanding of the law, you are in fact complying with all local and federal regulations prior to utilization of video surveillance or monitoring.
The laws in thirteen states expressly prohibit the unauthorized installation or use of cameras in “private” places. These states include: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah. In these states, the installation or use of any device for photographing, observing or eavesdropping actions or audio in a “private” place without permission of those being observed or listened to is a crime punishable by law. Some states also prohibit trespassing on private property to conduct unauthorized surveillance of people there. These states include: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Utah. In most of these states, the unauthorized installation or use of Hidden Cameras (those that are seen as violating ones 4th Amendment rights to privacy) is a felony offense.
Violating such laws is punishable by a $2,000.00 fine and a sentence of up to 2 years in prison.
Hidden Cameras in the Workplace
The idea of Hidden Cameras in the workplace is a relatively new one. Companies that are concerned with the on-the-job activities of their employees can get legal permission to install Hidden Cameras; however, without such legal permission to install the cameras, any findings from the surveillance tapes would be useless in enforcing disciplinary measures as stern as dismissal.
In a recent example, In July of 2005, a 2-1 panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a finding that the Anheuser-Busch committed an unfair labor practice when it installed hidden cameras in 1998 before bargaining with the union, as required under federal labor laws. The brewer had fired five workers in 1998 after Hidden Cameras showed the employees smoking marijuana in an area where workers sometimes take breaks at one of its St. Louis facilities. The example of the Anheuser-Busch case is relevant because that it touches upon all relevant issues surrounding not only privacy, but also privacy and surveillance in the workplace.
Anheuser-Busch argued that the cameras were a matter of internal security and that employees should not be awarded the expectation of privacy in the elevator, in motors room or the rooftop, which were not official break areas.
The NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) has allowed Hidden Cameras in the workplace for a long period of time, only demanding that the company bargains with the union prior to installation. However, the company does not have to say where the cameras are placed, thus allowing most or all of them to be hidden.
Despite the protection from Hidden Cameras that labor members may get, small-office employees and other non-union workers have very little they can say in opposition to such issues. Due to the absence of legal precedent in this area, small business owners and mid-level managers of large companies are able to get away with just about anything they want. While there is a common law of privacy in every state, such laws are very rarely used in surveillance cases, especially those pertaining to an employee’s conduct while on the job. The way the law stands that this very moment, an employer can for the most part put a Hidden Camera anywhere (including the restroom), and there’s little, if anything, that anyone can do about it.
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