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Buying A Drone
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), are aircrafts without human pilots on board. They can be preprogrammed or piloted remotely. Their use spans from surveillance to search and rescue to firefighting to recreation. Before you purchase a drone, there are a few things you need to know.
Drones are made in three grades: Consumer Grade, Prosumer Grade, and Commercial Grade.
Consumer Grade Drones
These are best for beginners, as you can get a quad copter, possibly with a camera and micro SD card, for under $300. These are smaller than average, with a range of about 100 ft plus 10 minute flying time. These are great for practice and, until you have really mastered flying it, you can expect to crash more than once. You will find that you must do extra work for tasks that could be automated.
Prosumer Grade
These drones are in the $300-$1,500 price range, and you can tell the difference. With these, you will find longer lasting batteries, farther range, computer automation to stabilize them in the air, built-in HD cameras with increased storage space, plus improved controllers. The controllers may have built-in video or have the ability to sync with your devices.
Drones with GPS fall within this grade and can offer excellent and practical benefits. If you adventurous or active, you may want to record your excursions. These drones can follow you when you partake in things like water skiing or snowboarding. They can even sense a low battery and will automatically bring the drone back down for a safe landing. Another added bonus: these drones will prevent you from flying within 5 miles of an airport, thus keeping you out of trouble for the most part.
Commercial Grade
These are the truly specialized kind of drones. For example, these are the ones that will herd sheep, deliver your pizza, or even guide a lost student around campus. You may have seen them, or viewed an exceptional aerial view when watching your favorite football team. Commercial drones are gaining popularity in Hollywood as well. While they are used for filming, the paparazzi have also used them in an attempt to get exclusive shots of the stars.
Accessories
You will want to invest in accessories to keep your drone safe. If your drone doesn’t come with a case, you can find cases on the market that are great for travelling (think backpack or suitcase types) and even cases with molded foam for increased protection. Extra batteries and extra blades are good to have on hand just in case.
Registration
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) is now requiring drones to be registered (thanks to some people who flew them where they shouldn’t have). Luckily, a $5 fee is good for 3 years, and covers all your drones, if you have more than one.
Do you own a drone or have you toyed with one before? Would you invest in your own? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also find us on Vine.
Shop our selection of CCTV surveillance equipment and security cameras online at SecurityCamExpert.com or give us a call at 1-888-203-6294.
Secure Your Wireless Surveillance Cameras
Wireless surveillance cameras are also known as IP (Internet Protocol) cameras. Aside from securing your property inside and out, they are also often used as baby monitors. When used as baby monitors, wireless IP security cameras are often equipped to pick up audio as well as video.
With these cameras, video footage is streamed to a secure online space and you may view what is happening on a computer or via a mobile app or device. To ensure the security of your live feed, these cameras should offer encryption for your streamed data along with a username and password protected hub or app for viewing your footage.
Does your system or equipment lack any of these? Do you want added security for your wireless surveillance cameras? Follow these tips to ensure the most secure experience.
Network Security
Aside from securing your devices, the wireless network you connect to should also be secure. If you are using your home network, make sure your router is configured to use WPA2-based encryption. This will cover the connection between your cameras and router, while the stream’s encryption handles the rest.
You will want to steer clear of viewing your feed over open wireless networks. If you enter any usernames or passwords over these networks, they could potentially be “sniffed,” leaving you vulnerable. While these can be helpful when it comes to decreasing your mobile Internet charges, connecting to these open networks should not be done without the assistance of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Online Streaming
Having your camera stream footage online 24/7 can be helpful, but it also leaves you more susceptible to privacy risks. Your ISP may be hesitant to support your excessive bandwidth needs for your IP security cameras, and any bugs in your system could threaten the security of your feed.
Online streaming should only be done when you are certain the stream is secure. For the remainder of the time, maintaining a closed and secure network for your IP cameras on a secure network should suffice.
Password Protection
Cameras usually have the ability to be password protected, but you must manually enable it. Once this feature is enabled, you MUST change the defaults. Since the default usernames and passwords for most cameras are easily to find, this is the easiest way hackers will be able to access your feed.
Aside from ensuring that your cameras are password protected, you should be sure that any device you use to access your feed is password protected as well. For example, if you access your feed from your mobile device, and somehow it gets lost or stolen, someone may have unauthorized access to your feed, as well as other personal information stored on your device.
Positioning
With all this being said, the location and positioning of your cameras play an important role as well. In the worst case scenario, your feed gets broadcast to the public internet. Be sure that you position your cameras in areas in and around your property that you wouldn’t mind strangers seeing. For example, if you must install a camera in your bedroom, avoid pointing it at your bed or any area where you usually change.
Webcams
You may also be worried about your webcams now, too. While threats may arise from time to time, there are ways to keep your webcam secure, such as disabling Flash, updating firmware, and using firewalls.
If you built a custom IP security camera using webcams, hacking threats should be minimal. You have likely used dedicated, reputable software and taken the time to properly configure and secure your system with a username and password.
Maintain Security
To make sure that you keep your devices secure in the future as well, make sure that you keep any and all devices related to or connected to your system up to date. This includes your camera’s firmware, client software on your PC or mobile device, and more. These updates often contain patches for any new threats, and without the proper update, your system could be left vulnerable to an attack.
How do you secure your surveillance system? Do you have any tips to share with us and your peers? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of IP security cameras, CCTV surveillance packages, and more, visit SecurityCamExpert.com. To speak with a representative about our products and services, please call 1-888-203-6294.
Drone Surveillance In Arctic Waters
Drones can be very beneficial when it comes to surveillance. Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles, drones provide benefits such as decreased risks, relatively lower costs, the ability to house advanced technologies, and more.
Because of this, Transport Canada is looking to employ a drone to patrol the Canadian Arctic. They are looking to enhance their efforts in monitoring things such as ice and oil spills. Currently, three manned airplanes are handling the job – one over each the Atlantic and the Pacific, and the third based in Ottawa for the Arctic.
With manned aircraft, the need for a qualified pilot on board can limit flight times, and some areas are simply too difficult and dangerous for the pilot to access.
Drones, however, are compact, can last longer, and can also reach more difficult areas. Without having to wait for skilled personnel, drones are flexible when it comes to flight and coverage times. They can also be modified with the appropriate technologies and devices for more comprehensive and effective surveillance.
The ideal drone would possess sensors, ground control equipment, and satellite communications, along with maintenance support including spare parts. The drone would need the capabilities to identify and track oil slicks, icebergs, whales, and foreign fishing vessels, to name a few. The necessary range would be at least 6,500km, and it would need to be able to track its target for at least six hours.
A likely candidate would be the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk, valued at about $300 million per new aircraft. The U.S. military already actively uses these Global Hawks.
We have yet to see if Transport Canada’s wishes come to fruition. Do you think drones would be a more efficient way to patrol the seas? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest. You can also find us on Vine.
Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to browse our stock of security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, and more. Call 1-888-203-6294 to inquire about our products or installations services.
4K Security Systems
4K video is the latest in surveillance technology, delivering exceptional image quality and resolution. With four times the resolution as 1080p HD, 4K video blows high-definition video and older standard video formats out of the water. But, without careful planning, its effectiveness can go down the drain.
Switching to 4K video, or even HD cameras, is not as easy as simply buying the new cameras. While HD cameras require four times the storage and bandwidth as a legacy 480TVL camera, 4K cameras require four times the storage and bandwidth as an HD camera. Without the proper equipment to support such requirements, your new 4K system may not live up to your expectations.
Here are a few things to consider when you decide to adopt the new 4K technology.
Data Switches
Simply adding 4K cameras to your current system can quickly overwhelm it. On a normal data network, legacy 100Mbps is standard and is designed for computing data, not video streaming. Normal user data is considered “bursty” because user data is sent in bursts and remains low until the next burst. Memory buffers are built in so that if more data is received than can be processed, the data is stored until it can catch up.
Unfortunately, video streaming does not work like that. Video is sent in a steady stream, and if more data comes in than can be handled, the switch does not have a chance to catch up. This overload of data can result in dropped videos, or the switch may even lock up until it is rebooted.
Imagine a system that has 10 20-megapixel cameras sending at 3.5 fps, and requiring about 112Mbps of bandwidth. Hooking these cameras up to a 110Mbps switch will overload it, causing the system to malfunction. In the same vein, if you have two 110Mbps switches that have five 20-megapixel cameras each, they require about 56Mbps each and should work accordingly. However, if these switches connect back to a main switch that cannot handle the workload, you end up with the same problem as the first scenario.
When choosing a switch for your system, there are many things to consider aside from the port speed. Location is important, whether it be a core switch or a field switch. Also, you will want to pay attention to its switching capacity and buffer size, along with different features and support.
Server/NVR
When it comes to server-based NVRs, again, if it is not designed to support and record at levels up to par with 4K or even HD cameras, you will come across performance issues. Things like bus speed and read-write speed on hard drives will affect how many devices you will need to support your cameras properly.
Storage Space
When planning for storage, you may want to consult with your IT department or an industry professional for guidance and advice. You must consider the number and type of cameras you need to support and how long you need the video to be retained. Proper storage abilities can make or break a quality surveillance system.
Power & Cooling
While often overlooked, power and cooling systems play a crucial role. Large scale video systems require a lot of equipment which need power for functioning, air conditioning to prevent overheating, and a UPS to safeguard from power outages or surges. Without these things, the best security systems would not be able to function properly.
Before you decide to upgrade to 4K security cameras, it is best to get a grasp on your system as a whole. Are you considering, or have you already, upgraded to a 4K surveillance system? Share your thoughts and advice with your peers and us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
If you have any questions regarding security cameras, surveillance equipment, or are interested in our installation services, please call 1-888-203-6294 and we will be happy to assist you. You may also browse our inventory by visiting us online at SecurityCamExpert.com.
Retail Analytics Can Help Your Business
Surveillance in retail has a primary role in preventing theft and ensuring safety among staff and customers. However, as retailers make the switch from analog to IP camera systems, a multitude of new features are at their fingertips and can help provide advanced business insight.
While retail analytics are available and being used in some stores already, the potential for improving these technologies promises benefits for both the retail and security industry. Network cameras are being manufactured with intelligent analytics and video management systems can take these analytics further.
Things like hotspot detection and facial recognition give retailers data about the age range and in-store behavior of their customers. This information can help to improve the store layout and target promotions to maximize sales.
The solutions are ready to be applied, but there is hesitation for rollout. Marketing, IT, and security will need to understand how these technologies will benefit them before they decide to invest.
Because the systems are fairly scalable, retail analytics can appeal to various types of businesses. Companies can take a “build your own” approach by investing in the individual components and evaluate its value over time. From there, they can decide to potentially build out their system. For example, simply monitoring foot traffic can produce great benefits. Retailers can tailor events, promotions and new product displays to high traffic periods. This can also help with staffing, allowing more workers on the floor at busier times, and potentially improving customer service.
This can assist small business, as budgets may not allow for large scale retail analytics systems. And larger retailers can build from basic systems, adding any advanced features as they see fit. Things like heat mapping and inventory alerts enable managers to understand which areas attract customers for longer periods of time as well as how often products need to be restocked.
The most important detail is to ensure that all components can work together seamlessly. Manufacturers realize this and are working across industries to ensure compatibility. For example, Canon and NETAVIS have partnered to provide comprehensive and compatible surveillance cameras and video management software.
Since online stores have somewhat of an upper hand when it comes to customer data, retail analytics play an important role in keeping brick and mortar stores alive. In your opinion, how do you think retail analytics will help the customer experience? If you own a business, have you considered employing retail analytics? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can find us on Vine, too!
Equip your business with the best security and surveillance solutions when you shop at SecurityCamExpert.com. Browse our selection online or call 1-888-203-6294 to learn more about our services.
Choosing A Business Security System
Often times, businesses don’t realize the importance of security camera systems until it’s too late. Rather than installing them prior to opening, they tend to invest in them after a burglary or incident occurs. This may happen because businesses believe that they cannot afford it, or they think the task is too overwhelming and complicated. Luckily, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you choose the best security camera system for your business.
Before you shop, it would benefit you to really take some time to evaluate what you want and need when it comes to a security system.
- Choose equipment that is appropriate for your space
Your environment will likely dictate the type of security system you need. For example, if you are renting your space, you will likely need to avoid equipment that interferes with walls and the structure of the building. Workplaces or offices with more rooms versus open spaces may require more cameras.
- Understand your goals and your contract
Aside from your workspace, you will want to know the supposed trajectory of your business. If your plan is to grow or even relocate, be sure that your contract with a security provider allows for add-ons, moves, or even change your plans. If you want to maintain your small business, a smaller, simple security system should suffice. And always remember to read before you sign. - How many cameras?
Next, figure out how many cameras you will really need. You can determine which areas need to be monitored on your own, paying attention to high traffic areas or areas that house important equipment and supplies. Or you can consult with a professional to determine how many cameras you will need for your security system. - Camera Types
Aside from how many you need, you should understand the different types of cameras and features that are available to you. Do you need something discreet or a more flexible camera type? Bullet and dome cameras can be relatively inconspicuous while PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) cameras allow better range for wide, open spaces. Features are important, too, especially if you need around-the-clock surveillance. Choosing a camera with night vision/infrared LED lights will allow you to view overnight footage, while motion sensors can aid in saving power and storage by only recording when triggered. - Additional sensors
You can secure your property further by installing additional sensors such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide sensors and flooding sensors. These are optional, but can help to keep yourself and your staff safe so they are worth considering. - Alerts
Setting up alerts can help enhance your security system by notifying you when unusual activity is detected. For example, you can set up alerts for when activity is detected when your store is closed and empty. These types of alerts may not be necessary if you have a cleaning crew or employees who work after hours. Decide which alerts would best benefit your company, and who will receive these alerts. - Mobile features
These days, the ability to access various things from your mobile phone is a must, and your security system is no exception. If you feel so inclined, choose a system that offers remote monitoring and access to your account. - Reputation and quality
Before committing to a security system and/or professional installer, you should do some research, read reviews, or even ask for references. You want to be sure that you will get the services and quality that you deserve.
For information on our CCTV security and surveillance equipment, site surveys, and installation services, please call 1-888-203-6294 or visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest, too!
Are You Taking Care Of Your Vision?
Vision tends to be something we take for granted. For those of us who have relatively good vision, we seem to underestimate how much we rely on vision for nearly every task. As our time spent staring at computer screens, televisions, smart phones and devices increases, so does our risk for damaging our eyes.
March is Save Your Vision Month, which emphasizes raising awareness for good eye care. When it comes to eye care, we tend to wait until problems arise despite the obvious benefits of being proactive and getting eye checks regularly.
Eye exams can produce nearly immediate benefits. For example, if you are having trouble with your vision, prescription eye glasses or contact lenses can easily correct it. This is much more effective than waiting and potentially causing more damage to your eyes. And, did you know, diabetes is often diagnosed by an eye exam? Glaucoma can be quickly detected and treated with regular eye tests, too.
If you must stare at a computer screen at work, problems like eye strain or dry eyes may arise. While you may not be able to cut down on screen time, there are ways to combat these problems.
- Regular eye exams are a great start, and be sure to inform your doctor about how much time you spend on the computer.
- Stop for a break at regular intervals, even if it is just to walk to a window and take a look outside. This small act can be very soothing on the eyes.
- While you’re on the computer, remember to blink. When we stare at the screen, we may forget to blink, which can cause dry eyes. Try closing your eyes for a few seconds, or, if the problem persists, you may want to invest in artificial tears or even a humidifier.
- The way you sit at your computer also plays a role. Be sure that the monitor is at least 20 inches from your face and the top of the monitor should be tilted slightly below your eye level.
- Keep your monitor clean and free of fingerprints or dust, which will affect clarity and can increase eye strain.
- A healthy diet and plenty of rest can positively affect the health of your eyes as well. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and get a good night’s rest for the best results.
Do you have any eye care tips to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest. For your CCTV surveillance equipment and security camera installation needs, choose SecurityCamExpert.com. Call 1-888-203-6294 for more information.
Networked Devices
It used to be common to see security guards monitoring public areas such as parking lots or building entrances, but, these days, the prevalence of security cameras is growing. Our means of surveillance is transitioning from human surveillance to networked devices. While some areas have added security cameras to complement their guards, others rely on comprehensive security systems.
There are numerous reasons why network security cameras are becoming more widespread. Aside from the covert nature of security cameras, technology allows us to do more with fewer risks. Rather than potentially putting a person’s life in danger, you can monitor your surveillance feed remotely and be aware of what is going on in various places. This will enable you to react in a timely manner and as safely as possible.
Some may oppose the implementation of security cameras for fear of an invasion of privacy, but they fail to acknowledge that other platforms that are seen as more acceptable can pose a threat. For example, loyalty programs often track and record your purchasing history and can be linked to your image through facial recognition technology. And think about how ads are becoming more tailored to the viewer’s interests. Common things like mobile phones, social media, credit cards, and more can offer data and insight about a person.
In comparison, surveillance cameras would simply be used to monitor public areas to improve safety. When crimes occur, footage can provide evidence, as well as paint the picture of events leading up to the incident.
Mass CCTV coverage has been achieved in cities like London and Melbourne. In some British cities, traffic light operation has been used to prevent criminals from escaping by car. This shows that networked devices can work together to increase safety and security.
There are obvious risks and benefits when it comes to networked devices and data collection. What are your thoughts on the use of connected devices and the Internet of Things in terms of security and surveillance? Do you think more cities will follow London and Melbourne’s lead and adopt a mass surveillance system? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Vine, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, and more, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. To inquire about a site survey or our installation services, please call 1-888-203-6294.
The Future Of Smart Cities
Much like smart homes, smart cities aim to connect and protect while creating a more efficient living space. While smart homes and connected devices are slowly gaining in popularity, smart cities are working on becoming the next big trend.
To aid in a speedier adoption, a Smart City Forum has been created, which consists of CIOs and leaders from cities around the world. The forum allows cities to utilize top academic research with applied studies of various Internet of Things projects and smart technology.
Atlanta is among the cities involved in the Smart City Forum, and they are currently engaged in a pilot project. This project includes efforts to improve public safety, transportation, and water monitoring.
For public safety, plans for installation of smart security cameras are in place. However, this type of public surveillance can cause some uneasiness among residents. Aware of the concerns, officials plan on working with privacy experts and keeping things transparent when it comes to the technology and devices they employ. If residents oppose any plans, officials are dedicated to working with them to create a solution.
Aside from this, they are also aiming to improve transportation and water sensors. Traffic light synchronization is one of the ways they plan on improving traffic conditions. 300 miles of fiber optic cable will be laid to create a city-owned network, which will likely support the advanced traffic control system along with video surveillance and other smart city data. The excess capacity will end up being leased to raise money. Free Wi-Fi will also be available, however, the size of the Wi-Fi mesh network has yet to be determined.
Other plans include implementing license plate capture cameras, smart LED lighting atop smart poles, water meter sensors, and even smart city trash cans.
As expected, there will be lots of data that needs to be evaluated, and Atlanta will take care of that with the help of Georgia Tech and Georgia State University. They will run the big data analytics and report back on their findings so that the city can understand what they need to do to improve.
These pilot projects and the Smart City Forum will hopefully give other cities insight to what works and what doesn’t, as well as the size of the budget necessary to employ these technologies and systems. What are your thoughts on smart cities? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For the best selection of affordable security camera systems, CCTV surveillance equipment, and more, visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com or call 1-888-203-6294.
New Surveillance Hub
It’s true – surveillance footage can provide beneficial evidence when trying to prosecute and charge criminals. However, a better way to utilize security camera resources is to actively monitor the live feeds, which, in turn, can lead to improved response times and increased safety.
That is precisely what a new security operations control center (SOCC) in Washington is aiming to do. Opened in November of last year, the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) is using this new center to solve and prevent crime within the public transportation system.
Within the SOCC, surveillance footage is displayed from a large projector onto the front wall. Suspects’ photos are displayed on flat-screen televisions around the room and there is a police bubble that overlooks the floor. In the police bubble are dispatchers and call takers who log emergency complaints and text tips and relay the information to officers in the system.
The same operations were previously offered, however, not housed in the same room. Now that all teams are gathered together into one area, communications are faster and more efficient than before. And with a price tag of $3.6 million, this fruitful investment is proving its worth.
With a comprehensive security camera system, authorities are able to effectively monitor all areas public areas. When crimes occur, witness statements can be corroborated with surveillance video, providing a solid case against criminals.
What are your thoughts on this new surveillance hub? Should it be adopted in other states? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
For our great selection of security cameras, CCTV surveillance, security systems, and more, visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com. Call 1-888-203-6294 for more information or to inquire about our installation services.