A great way to keep your property safe is by installing a security camera system. These security cameras will capture any suspicious behavior that happens in or around your property, as well as deter burglars from targeting your home or business.
A key component to a successful security camera system is the actual monitoring of the surveillance feed. While some businesses review surveillance footage as necessary, others employ a security guard to monitor multiple feeds and watch for any misbehavior. However, the former is a more reactive than proactive practice, while the latter is susceptible to human error. Because watching a video screen can get boring, a security guard may miss something important that warrants a follow up.
Luckily, newer security camera systems are often compatible with mobile apps that allow you to access your live surveillance feed from your mobile phone or smart devices. Paired with sharp technology that provides alerts when suspicious activity is detected, remote monitoring becomes the ultimate convenience.
No Need To Be Physically On Site
With remote monitoring, you can check on your property or business while you’re away. You also no longer need an employee to monitor live feeds, eliminating added costs and human error.
Automated Alerts
Smart technologies will actively monitoring for suspicious activity. When this is detected, alerts are immediately sent out so that the appropriate actions can be taken.
Quick Response Times
Because alerts are in real time, you can check the feed to see what is going on and alert authorities as necessary. The recorded footage also provides hard evidence of any criminal acts or wrong-doings.
Increased Workplace Efficiency
Aside from protecting your assets and employees, your security camera system can encourage your employees to be on their best behavior. This surveillance also helps to identify and evaluate dangerous practices to improve workplace safety.
Do you use a security system with remote monitoring? How has it helped your security system? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For great security camera packages and systems with remote surveillance, shop our selection online at SecurityCamExpert.com. Questions? Call us at 1-888-203-6294 and our knowledgeable staff will happily assist you.
We are all too familiar with that panicked feeling you get when your mobile phone battery is in the red zone with no charger in sight, when our car batteries die at the most inopportune times and places, or when there is an unexpected power outage or blackout. We rely heavily on power sources for many things. But why not get our power and energy from what we already have and allow our devices to power themselves?
A team led by computer science professor Shree K. Nayar at Columbia University realized that an image sensor of a camera is capable of more. With lots of time, thought, and careful execution came the first self-powered camera. Running on its own power, this camera can produce an image each second, indefinitely.
Basically, how this works is that the image sensor not only works to capture the image, but at the same time generates power with the available light source. More technically, the photodiode measures the incidence light level to capture the picture and then converts that into electrical energy to continually power the camera.
Albeit, the image sensor produces a mere 30×40 pixels, but the amazing part is that as long as there is a light source, this camera can continue recording forever (ideally). When the camera is not in use, it can power other devices, like a watch or a phone. It can even take advantage of rechargeable batteries’ harvesting ability.
It is still in the early stages, but as this technology develops, it can change the way we power our security cameras and other devices. What are your thoughts on this topic? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For the best security cameras, CCTV camera packages, and equipment at affordable prices, visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call us at 1-888-203-6294. We’re always happy to help.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and as many of us know, texting and driving is extremely dangerous and against the law. Still, if you look around at other drivers, it’s likely you’ll find at least one person fumbling with their phone. Tickets have been issued, preventable accidents have occurred, but it doesn’t seem to be enough.
It is well known that security cameras and surveillance systems can help to keep your property safe, whether it is your business, home, or even public areas. But it seems surveillance is now being used to keep drivers and the roads safe, too.
We’ve all heard of car insurance companies offering “good driver” discounts. Definitions vary from company to company, but generally mean that your driving record stays relatively clean with no accidents. Now, thanks to advanced technology, car insurance companies are taking it a step further by employing voluntary driver-monitoring programs, also known as telematics or usage-based insurance surveillance. For example, Progressive is rolling out their Snapshot Program.
With this Snapshot program, customers voluntarily install a small box onto their steering wheel that collects data, which is then sent back to the company. This device tracks things like how many miles you drive, how often you drive during different times of the day, your braking patterns, and so on.
With their Snapshot telematics, they will analyze your driving habits and your rates will be determined as they see fit. But it seems this program isn’t only targeted toward “good drivers”. Those they deem “good drivers” will still be offered a discount, however, those who they deem as “bad” or aggressive drivers will be issued a surcharge, which is estimated to be no more than 10% of their current rate. Will this monetary punishment encourage drivers to be more cautious?
Share your thoughts on Progressive’s Snapshot program and overall driver surveillance with us. You can find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For security cameras, CCTV camera systems, and equipment, visit us online at www.SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294. We’re always happy to help.
The demand for wearable technology seems to be growing. From smart watches to fitness sensors, the use for wearable tech spans a wide spectrum. While novelty uses are often highlighted in the media, wearable devices can have a great impact on the visually impaired also.
A wearable, collision warning device is making its way to the market. The device is worn on a person’s chest to prevent unnecessary collisions. Rather than being based on proximity, the device would instead evaluate the time to collision and issue a warning as necessary. For example, while wearing the device, if something is headed into your path or if you’re going to walk into something, it delivers a beeping alert.
This wearable device can be beneficial to all visually impaired persons, but is especially suited for those with fading or lost peripheral vision. In comparison to other visually impaired persons, these individuals are not conditioned to be alert for impending dangers that they cannot see.
In controlled settings, a study conducted by Researchers from Massachusetts Eye and Ear at Schepens Research Institute showed that accidents were reduced by 37% with minimal change in patient walking speeds. Next, the researchers are looking to test these devices in real world situations. If results return favorable outcomes, we may see this wearable device sooner than later.
While it’s great that this wearable device is gaining attention, it’s not the first in the field of assistive tech devices for the visually impaired. A prototype system of a head-mounted camera that produces 3D maps was introduced in 2009, and Tacit is a wrist-worn device that provides haptic feedback through sonar pulses. There are also walking sticks which house advanced technology and robot guides that act as guide dogs in stair-free environments.
These devices are helpful, but are much more high tech in comparison to this collision warning wearable device. How do you think this device, or any of the others mentioned, will have a lasting impact on the visually impaired? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
For your general surveillance needs, visit SecurityCamExpert.com and browse our selection of security cameras, camera packages, equipment, and more. You can speak with us directly at 1-888-203-6294. Our offices are open Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm.
When you think of security cameras, it’s usually in regards to home protection or public safety. What people tend to overlook is that security camera systems could be very valuable in the workplace.
Security cameras in the workplace can help monitor workplace compliance, efficiency, and safety of workers, as well as safeguard against any thefts or criminal acts. The presence of security cameras may encourage workers be on their best behavior, likely resulting in increased productivity. They may also make employees feel safe in the sense that activity is being monitored, and it is less likely that the area will be targeted.
Security cameras can also help protect employees from workplace injuries. An evaluation of the workspace can help identify any potentially dangerous areas, and improved safety measures can be put into place. On the other hand, security cameras can also protect the business owner from fraudulent claims, as surveillance footage may be used to assess the situation.
Depending on your work environment, different features may be more valuable than others. For example, a license plate reader for the parking lot may or may not be necessary, and the same goes for facial recognition. You may want to consult with a security camera expert to help figure out your needs and what would work best for your particular space.
The basic equipment will include security cameras to suit your needs, a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR) to record and store your footage, a monitor screen for active surveillance, and possibly a means for remote viewing, such as an accompanying app for your system.
Before installing any security cameras, you should research your local laws concerning video surveillance. Also, you will want to inform your employees about the installation so that everyone is on the same page and understands why and how the security cameras will affect the workplace.
For assistance in choosing the appropriate security cameras for your business, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. You may browse our wide selection of security cameras and equipment, learn more about our support and services, or request a free quote. To speak with a representative directly, please call 1-888-203-6294. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.