The presence of security cameras often deters people from behaving badly and provides evidence if and when a crime occurs. Most businesses employ video surveillance for loss prevention purposes. However, as surveillance technologies get smarter, video surveillance can play a larger role.
Surveillance data can provide a wealth of information for different industries. For example, in retail, not only do security cameras help loss prevention, but surveillance footage can hold the key to increase sales and improve the shopping experience. Video surveillance data can replace “mystery shoppers” as a more effective avenue of collecting consumer data. For the transportation and shipping industry, surveillance analytics combined with RFID tags can help track cargo, lower operational costs and improve traffic flow.
To achieve such excellent benefits, businesses must seriously consider an effective storage solution. In order to get substantial results, studies must evaluate data over long periods of time, forcing business to get smarter about video surveillance data storage. When choosing the appropriate storage method, the main components to consider are performance, access, and cost.
Because high quality equipment can be costly, considering proper surveillance storage often goes by the wayside. This should not be the case if business analytics are your focus. For an effective system, your means for storage must be able to handle high traffic and high bandwidth without dropping data. If your cameras have high definition, the bandwidth load will only increase from there. For effective performance, your storage should be able to upload, process, and allow access as quickly as possible.
While you need a strong performing system, you must balance your cost. You can spend your entire budget on a storage system that can perform appropriately, but may lack functional organizational. On the other hand, you can cut costs by implementing more affordable means of storage, but again, organizing and accessing this data can become a nightmare.
Your best bet when it comes to storage would be to employ a high-performance, tiered-storage infrastructure that can be managed as a single system. A tiered structure allows data to be stored as a cost-effective medium. The files will be stored based on user defined policies, allowing you to be in total control of your data. Costs are lowered and data is analyzed more effectively.
Business analytics of surveillance data can afford your business with a multitude of benefits. But you can only capitalize on these benefits with an effective storage system. Pay close attention to your options and evaluate your needs before making a final decision.
Are you considering or currently implementing business analytics to your surveillance data? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Want to estimate how much storage you will need for you system? Looking for affordable security cameras and equipment? Visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
Wearable technology has been a bit of a novelty for many consumers, feeding the desire for the coolest, newest tech on the market. Sadly, this technology has often fallen short of most consumer expectations.
Luckily, wearable technology is making a bigger impact on a more distinct population: people living with disabilities. These companies have honed in on this field and are making a difference.
eSight
This Toronto-based startup focuses on improving low vision through the use of electronic glasses. Because most people with low vision still retain their peripheral vision, these electronic glasses are equipped with high definition cameras which capture images that are then beamed to the individual’s periphery.
Thus far, the response to eSight has been positive. Founder Conrad Lewis, who has suffered from vision loss himself, started the company in 2006. With a limited launch in 2013, eSight is preparing for a much larger rollout thanks to increased funding and support. They hope to achieve success in restoring vision for over three million people with low vision.
Ekso Bionics
Ekso Bionics produces bionic exoskeleton suits designed to assist paraplegics and stroke victims in regaining the ability to walk. The suits are built to absorb the user’s body weight, allowing muscles to be reactivated with minimal pain or discomfort.
What began as a project at the University of California at Berkeley over 20 years ago has come a long way. In its early stages, the suit was rather bulky and impractical in size. But with advanced technologies and the addition of Nathan Harding to the project in 2003, they were able to shrink the suits down to a feasible size and present their work to the market. The suits were named HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier) and sold to a U.S. military contractor. They were used to help troops comfortably carry 90kg of heavy gear.
When doctors presented the team with videos of paraplegic rehabilitation, Harding knew that their exoskeleton suits could make a difference. The shift toward medical and rehabilitative applications ensued and has proven a success as these systems are now used in over 100 rehabilitation centers around the world.
Neutun Labs
Another Toronto-based company, Neutun Labs championed the Neutun app, which utilizes the accelerometer in smartwatches to identify the shaking signals that often precede epileptic seizures. When the watch detects an oncoming seizure, an on-screen prompt appears. If, within a few seconds, no answer is received, notifications are sent out to preset contacts. Also, relevant health information is displayed for emergency responders.
The app is currently being offered for free on the Pebble smartwatches, with launches on the Apple Watch and Android Wear coming soon. As technologies and features advance, a monthly fee will eventually be put into place.
The cost of these technologies is definitely a topic of interest, as many individuals are living with disabilities. There are definitely buyers out there, however, the cost for production and relatively low demand leads to high prices. Finding a way to make these technologies more accessible to those who need it is the next hurdle for these companies.
What do you think of these specialized wearables and their impact on those with disabilities and our future? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For your security and surveillance needs, and to learn more about our services, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
Commonly used by authorities, dash cams are growing in popularity among drivers. Employing a dash cam in your car can help protect you. Should you be involved in a car accident, dash cam footage could provide evidence to who was at fault and help speed up the claims process. As a result, you may even avoid increases in your insurance premiums. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Fight Insurance Fraud
Aside from having record of your accident, you can help prevent insurance fraud. If you suspect the accident you were involved in, or one that you may have witnessed, may be a scam, you can turn in your video footage for review. It’s important to stop these scammers before you or someone you know becomes a victim.
Getting Out Of A Ticket
In the event that you were stopped for a traffic violation you did not commit, dash cam footage can help to prove your innocence. If the officer refuses to watch the video, you may bring it to court to contest the ticket.
Improve Your Driving Skills
Reviewing your driving footage can help you become a better driver. You can identify your weaknesses and improve upon them.
Review Your Teen’s Driving Habits
Or if you have newly licensed teenagers, you can monitor their driving habits. A two-way dash cam may help in this situation so that you can see whether they are paying attention to the road or not. Much like improving your skills, you can review the footage with your teen and offer tips or advice.
Keep An Eye On Your Unattended Vehicle
You can protect your car while you’re not in it. Most dash cams have standby mode, which is usually equipped with motion detection t activate recording. If someone hits your car, tries to break in, or causes any damage, you could potentially have footage of the responsible party. Releasing this footage to your insurance and to authorities could help you find the culprit.
Capture Unexpected Events
You’ve likely seen the incredible dash cam videos that captured the Chelyabinsk meteor in Russia or the plane crash in Taiwan earlier this year. While most of your footage may be mundane, you never know what you’ll record.
Dash cams can help to keep you safe and can be a great asset for your car insurance. Do you have a dash cam in your vehicle? How has it helped you? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
To explore our dash cam selection, please give us a call at 1-888-203-6294. We also carry a wide selection of security cameras and equipment, which can be found online at SecurityCamExpert.com.
These days, network IP security cameras are favored over analog security cameras because they offer more advanced features. Benefits include improved image quality, remote accessibility, and simplified installation and integration.
To gain the full amenities of network IP security cameras (or any security cameras), proper installation and placement is key. Follow these tips to maximize the performance of your network IP camera system.
Installation:
Positioning:
Concerned about doing your own installation? We offer installation services in the Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, and surrounding areas. Feel free to contact us at 1-888-203-6294 or visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
When it comes to safety and protection, security cameras are often one of the best bets. Whether indoor or outdoor, security cameras allow you to keep an eye on your property. Further, outdoor security cameras can act as your first line of defense against intruders.
These days, there are many styles and technologies to choose from when it comes to security cameras. The most common type is analog surveillance cameras, which work with CCTV (closed circuit television) software. Network IP security cameras are a bit more expensive than analog cameras, however, they offer more advanced technology and features.
Whether you go for analog or network IP security cameras, the style of the camera adds more options and benefits. You can choose between wired or wireless cameras, which can easily be determined by the desired location for your camera and the available power source. Bullet and dome security cameras both boast great versatility and features, but may be better suited for different settings. You may also benefit from other styles, such as hidden/nanny cams, infrared/night vision or day/night cameras, and more.
With that said, it is imperative to choose the appropriate outdoor security camera for your home security needs.
Before you start shopping for outdoor security cameras, you may want to take a walk around your property and take notes. Considering the different types of security cameras out there and the layout of your property, some styles may be better suited for certain areas. Bring someone along, like a family member, or have someone you trust do this as well so you can compare notes. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes or a different perspective may uncover things you didn’t initially consider.
Some things you may realize, for example, could be that if there are no streetlights near your home, infrared/night vision cameras will be helpful. Or that your open yard area could use a PTZ or wide lens camera for better viewing range, as opposed to a bullet camera, which may be more fitting for targeted areas like your front door.
Besides taking a look at your perimeter, another thing you may want to do is sit down with your family to address personal concerns. Your family members can offer insight on what areas they would like to be monitored. For example, security cameras at the front door or near driveways allow you to see who is approaching your home. Or you may want to keep an eye on pets or livestock, so a camera placed in that area may be necessary. One thing that seems to be helpful is remote access to your security camera feed while you’re away. Most security cameras on the market today support this feature.
If you have any questions about security cameras, or are simply looking for affordable, top quality surveillance camera equipment, please feel free to call 1-888-203-6294 or visit us online. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.