Your Source for Security Cameras & Other Security Equipment
Shopping For Dash Cams
Security cameras are not only reserved for residential or commercial properties. Aside from protecting your home or business, you can also keep an eye on your car and driving habits.
Dash cams are small security cameras that are installed on your dashboard. Depending on the type, you can monitor the road ahead, inside your car, or both. While these surveillance devices are not mandatory, their use in your own car can be rather beneficial. Some insurance companies offer discounts, you can gather useful video footage in the event of a car accident (whether involved or as a witness), and it can simply give you peace of mind.
If you’re looking to purchase a dash cam for your vehicle, here are a few things to look for:
- Looping Feature
The looping feature on a dash cam will enable it to automatically record over old video you no longer need. This will help save space while eliminating the need for you to delete the footage manually. - G-Force Sensors
Dash cams with g-force sensors can detect when you’ve been in an accident. This technology will enable the dash cam to record and save the footage recorded at the time instead of looping over it. - Overnight Recording
We may drive at all hours, so a dash cam that can record during nighttime reliably is crucial. Just because a dash cam has infrared or night vision does not necessarily mean that overnight footage is the best quality. Do research, read reviews, and look into the cameras performance in different environments. - Image Quality
With that said, you also want to ensure that your dash cam records in at least 1080p. For a better, wider view, opt for a dash cam that records in 2560×1080. Be sure to evaluate your needs and ensure that the field of view is sufficient for your standards. - Additional Features
You may want to invest in dash cams that have lane departure sensors to help keep you focused on the road, or motion sensors that can sense and record break-ins or vandalism. You may also want to invest in battery backups to ensure your camera doesn’t run out of power.
What other features or functions do you find helpful when it comes to dash cams? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of quality HD and IP security cameras and surveillance equipment, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. To discuss your options, schedule a site survey, or request a FREE quote, please call 888-203-6294.
Stay Safe When Traveling
Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and thus, the unofficial start of the summer. Many people like to go on fun summer trips and vacations to relax and unwind from the daily stresses of life. Unfortunately, thieves know summertime is prime vacation time, meaning unoccupied homes ripe for invasion. However, if you prepare and enlist the proper security measures, you can put your mind at ease. Here are some things you should do to ensure your property (and you) are safe and secure.
Before You Leave
Preparations should begin before you even leave for your trip.
- Inform a trusted neighbor about your travel plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Or enlist a loved one to check in on your home periodically while you’re away. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.
- Lock all of your windows and doors, including doors leading to the garage and second story windows.
- Halt mail and newspaper delivery while you’re away. A tell-tale sign that nobody is home is a stack of mail and newspapers, along with garbage cans left at the curb. You can contact your newspaper carrier and the post office to temporarily hold your mail, and ask a trusted neighbor to bring your garbage bins in.
- Put your yard tools away. A ladder, rakes, and even patio furniture can all be used to gain entry to your home.
At The Airport
Airports are often busy and filled with people rushing to get around. You must keep a close eye on your luggage at all times, even once you board the plane.
- If you’re traveling alone, try to befriend someone in line. This could be someone who could assist you in keeping an eye on your luggage at the counter or going through security.
- If you are traveling with your laptop, put it on the x-ray belt last. That way, it will come out after your carryon luggage and hopefully around the time you are cleared (you don’t want your laptop out in the open unattended for too long).
- Once you board, you can either put your luggage under the seat in front of you, or in the overhead bin across the aisle from you. Both of these places are within your view so you can make sure that nobody is opening your luggage.
While On Vacation
Once you’ve arrived at your destination safely, don’t put your guards down just yet.
- Refrain from sharing too much information on social media. Even if you have the strictest security settings on your social networks, hold off on posting photos and “checking in” just in case.
- Share your itinerary with friends and family at home. In case something happens, this information can come in handy. Let them know your plans as well as departure and arrival routes and times.
- Keep cash and credit cards in separate places. Never carry your credit cards, cash, and passport at the same time – keeping these things apart may help you in case of pickpocketers. Keep some cash in your wallet and stash the rest in a pocket or money pouch. Utilize the safe in your hotel room (if available) and leave the majority of your cash there – only bring what you need for the day.
- Make copies of your passport before you leave. Leave one copy with a trusted friend or family member at home and take the other copy with you. When you’re out and about on vacation, take the copy with you and leave the original in a hotel safe until you travel again.
When it comes to traveling, you can never be too careful. Want to share your own safety tips with your traveling peers? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Secure your home and properties with quality CCTV surveillance systems and security equipment from SecurityCamExpert.com. Browse our stock online or call 888-203-6294 to discuss your options.
Troubleshooting Infrared Security Cameras
If you’re looking for surveillance around-the-clock, infrared night vision cameras are a smart choice. These security cameras enable you to monitor your business or property overnight, when light sources are minimal. Night vision cameras have infrared (IR) LEDs which emit their own source of light, but of course, nothing is perfect. When using infrared cameras, you may come across some of these common IR issues.
Foam Ring
Keep in mind that not every camera will have one, but most of them do. The foam ring helps to eliminate the reflection of the IR light on the glass. When the IR light reflects off the glass and back into the lens, it will wash out your footage, essentially rendering your camera useless. If your camera seems to be missing a foam ring, first make sure that your camera should in fact have one. If so, to eliminate the issue, replace the foam ring.
While the aforementioned situation is rather unlikely, having an improperly placed foam ring is far more common. If the foam ring is not flush with the IR board, or the base of the lens, it will produce a similar effect as a missing foam ring. To correct this, you will need to open your camera and reposition the foam ring accordingly.
Glass
Most security cameras come with a thin plastic protective film over the glass on the camera. It is in place to protect the camera, however, it should not be left on when the camera is in use. Once your camera is installed and you are satisfied with the placement and viewing angle, remember to remove and discard the film covering.
Another common issue with the glass is obstructions. Dirt, dust, and fingerprints on the glass can create infrared glare which interferes with the quality of your footage. Be sure to clean the glass routinely to ensure that your cameras are obstruction-free.
Infrared Glare
As mentioned, debris on the camera or glass reflection can cause IR glare, but there are other common causes. With outdoor cameras, you want to avoid aiming your camera at reflective services (ex. bodies of water, large lightly colored surfaces). For indoor cameras, be wary of the items or furniture around your camera as they may be close enough to reflect the IR LEDs. Despite all this, the most common cause of IR glare is improper installation. Cameras should be carefully mounted and tested in both day and low light conditions before the job is completed.
Infrared Reflection
Here are some of the common things that cause IR reflection:
- Your camera is indoors looking through a window. Because the IR will bounce off the window, IR cameras should not be mounted behind any glass.
- For cameras with a glass dome cover, be sure that all the IR LEDs are looking through the glass dome. If your camera is set improperly inside the glass cover, the IR light will bounce inside the camera and hit the image sensor.
- Remember to remove the plastic cover on the outside of the glass dome
Clean the glass dome with a damp microfiber cloth or windshield cleaner only. - If your camera is mounted too close to a wall, ceiling, or between two walls, the IR LEDs will be obstructed and will result in IR reflection.
Infrared Obstruction
As mentioned, when an object is too close to your IR camera, IR light will cause overexposure. In turn, to compensate, your camera will automatically dim the picture, reducing the IR intensity of your camera. Again, proper placement, installation, and testing will minimize these issues.
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Find a great selection of cost-effective infrared night vision cameras, CCTV surveillance packages and much more at SecurityCamExpert.com. Call 888-203-6294 to learn more about our products and services or to request a free quote!
Workplace Surveillance
Some may argue that video surveillance in the workplace can be an invasion of privacy. However, as long as employee privacy is respected and existing surveillance laws are abided by, it can actually benefit both the employer and employees. Aside from decreasing misconduct and increasing safety, workplace surveillance has its advantages.
- Reduce Risk Of Employee Theft & Fraud
Employee theft, also known as “shrinkage,” is a growing problem for businesses. It is a bigger threat than identity theft and cyber fraud according to the FBI. In addition, fraud by employees is still a major issue, mainly for businesses in the financial and retail sector.
Video surveillance systems work to combat these issues, providing a way to keep a watchful eye over employees while producing video evidence when necessary.
- Improve Operations & Productivity
Businesses thrive on success and profits, therefore, anything that can increase productivity and improve operations is good thing. Installing security cameras in the workplace influences employees to stay on task, thus, plays a role in productivity and efficiency.
- Ward Off Illegal Visitors
Security cameras not only safeguard the business, but work to keep employees safe and protected. An effective surveillance system will help deter intruders and provide video evidence should a break-in or other incident occur. Security cameras can also monitor the different visitors your business has throughout the day.
- Enhance Safety
Workplace safety is expected and non-negotiable. All employees should feel safe in the workplace and security cameras can enhance that feeling. When safety measures are blatantly disregarded, management can review these instances and deal with them accordingly to prevent any unnecessary accidents in the future.
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Whether you’re looking for a surveillance system for your home or business, let us help you! Visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call us at 888-203-6294 for more information or to request a FREE quote!
Secure Your Home
When was the last time you evaluated your home security? With summer, and likely a vacation or two, around the corner, now is a great to time reassess your home security measures and upgrade or improve them as needed.
Doors
A surprising amount of burglars enter homes through the front door, so be sure that all of your doors (especially the front door) are strong and secure. Inspect the door frame, ensure the hinges are protected, and if your door has a mail slot, make sure someone can’t reach through and unlock the door.
To further safeguard your doors and entryways, you can install a deadbolt and/or add a strike plate. You can even upgrade to smart locks or install a doorbell camera. And if you have any sliding glass doors, remember to reinforce them by using a window bar or dowel in the track. Or you can invest in a door sensor or glass break sensor, which will alert you if the door is opened or tampered with.
Windows
Another common entry point for burglars is windows. And unfortunately, window latches and locks can be flimsy and rather ineffective. To better secure your windows, install improved locks or key-operated levers, or implement window bars. You can even reinforce the glass with window security film and install window or glass break sensors. In addition, you can plant prickly bushes under first-floor windows, but be sure to keep them trimmed.
Lighting & Landscape
Intruders want to be as inconspicuous as possible, so why not shine a light on them? Outdoor lighting can help to keep burglars at bay. Light up your yard (front and back) and pathways and place lights near the garage or other outdoor structures. Motion-activated lighting, solar-powered lights and timers can be helpful as well.
While the lights help to prevent burglars from hiding in the darkness, maintaining your landscape plays an important role, too. Be sure that trees and shrubs are trimmed down to eliminate any hiding spots. If there are trees near windows, remove them or add extra security to those windows. And remember to put away stools, ladders, and other tools and lock your gates and sheds.
Garage
An attached garage offers another way to access your house. But even if it is detached, burglars know there’s likely good stuff stored in there. You should always lock all doors to the garage, both interior and exterior. Consider keeping your garage door opener in the house. That way, a burglar can’t steal it from your car. You may even consider upgrading to a smart garage door opener, which alerts you when the door is opened or closed and enables you to control it remotely.
Wi-Fi Network
Securing your home wireless network is also an important part of your overall home security. To keep hackers off your home network, be sure to secure your wireless router and enable WPA (Wi-Fi protected Access) or WPA2 encryption. You should also rename and hide your network, use a firewall, install antivirus and anti-malware protection, and always create strong passwords and change them periodically.
Security System
These days, you can find a home security system that suits your needs and budget. Depending on your unique situation, you may consider DIY versus professional installation, along with the upfront and monthly costs, and the different features offered.
If they are not part of your security system, you may want to install security cameras outdoors, indoors, or both. Some features to look for include remote access, motion detection, night vision, and Wi-Fi capability. If you need assistance, you can visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call us at 888-203-6294.
Your security is our priority. Contact us to learn more about our products and installation services, site surveys, or to request a FREE quote! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.