How to Use a Computer Monitor for CCTV Security Cameras

Earlier, we taught you how to be more practical by using computers to monitor your home surveillance systems. Our previous post focused on wireless security cameras and it is amazing how technology makes everything so easy nowadays. With just a simple click, you can easily monitor your home using a wireless security camera.

If, however, you opt for CCTV security cameras, you will need a different configuration and you probably will have to purchase additional hardware to connect your camera to your computer. You may not use video baluns in this case because there are different cables that you need. It’s not that difficult. Find out how:

1. The first thing you have to do is to purchase a video-to-VGA converter box. Analog video data on computers are displayed using VGA inputs but with CCTV security systems, they use standard video ports similar to those used by television sets. Unfortunately, they do not have native compatibility so you have to buy a video-to-VGA converter box in order to use your CCTV security camera.

2. A VGA switch box is another thing that you have to buy. Because a monitor only has one video port, you will need a VGA switch box so you can easily switch between the camera and computer video feeds.

3. A CCTV security camera has a video feed cable which you should attach to the video-to-VGA converter box. Additionally, you should also attach a VGA cable between the converter box and VGA switch box.

4. Now, the computer’s monitor cable should also be plugged into the other port of the VGA switch box. Another VGA cable from the switch box should be attached to the computer monitor as well.

5. You can now monitor your home using your computer simply by switching the feed from the computer to the camera. This way, you can still multitask and do other things on your computer while switching to the camera feed from time to time.

How Surveillance Networks Work [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Wall Street Journal explains how modern surveillance systems work, in terms layman can understand.

SOURCE

CCTV Camera: Back to Basics

If by now you have noticed how we’ve been going on and on about CCTV cameras without actually offering an introduction to what it really is, then we do apologize sincerely. This week, we shift our focus to CCTV cameras as we share interesting facts about one of the most useful tools for businesses and residential locations. Of course, CCTV cameras work best if you have video baluns and other necessary parts available. CCTV video baluns are also available in the market today. Before we delve deeper, first let us discuss the importance of a CCTV camera.

Aside from commercial and residential establishments, major cities are now investing heavily on CCTV cameras to keep close watch on what goes on in the streets when citizens think no one is looking. Of course, as you all know, the primary purpose of a CCTV camera is to provide surveillance. Crimes are so much easier to solve with evidence from a CCTV camera. Aside from being a watchful eye, a CCTV camera can also prevent an individual from doing a crime. Imagine planning something evil only to find out that the store or house actually has a CCTV camera. Nope, those plans will be thwarted soon enough.

CCTVs, when it first developed in 1970s, were actually analog in nature. In today’s world, there are rare technologies that are still on the analog type and CCTVs have evolved to keep up with digital evolution. With digital CCTV systems, they become easier to manage as there is no longer the need for large cable systems to transmit and encode data.

Of the 25 million CCTVs in the world today, 2.5million of those are found in the United Kingdom. According to the numbers, the average citizen is caught on CCTV cameras at a rate of 300 times a day, and that is just in major cities like London.

Today, CCTVs play a large role in preventing theft, robbery, and other major crimes. In fact, it has been a useful tool in identifying the perpetrators of the July 2005 bombing in London. Setting up a CCTV camera system for your home is a wise idea. With the right tools and parts such as video baluns, it won’t be long until your home or business is protected from evildoers.

Wireless Security Camera Options: Using a Computer as a Monitor

Conventional security cameras are typically monitored using closed circuit television (CCTV) monitors, often connected via video baluns. However, not all homes can afford CCTV monitors because they do cost a bit more pricy. In these times of economic downturn, families still want to feel safe in their own homes without spending too much on surveillance systems. Fortunately, a more practical alternative is available – using computers as monitors.

It is possible, though video baluns and other connections may not be used. In fact, you may need additional hardware but they wouldn’t cost as much as CCTV monitors. One option that you could look into is wireless security cameras and they can be used with computers, offering a more streamlined connection. If you are looking into setting up your computer as a monitor for your home security system, here’s what you need to do:

1. Wireless security cameras can work with computer monitors via a wireless network router. With your router, just attach the wireless webcam security camera with another Ethernet cable.

2. Once you’ve done so, install the wireless security camera using the program that came with the camera. This program will allow you to configure the computer so you can access the camera directly from it. It will also prepare the camera for wireless security monitoring.

3. After preparing the wireless security camera on the computer, you can now remove the Ethernet cable. You should only need this to configure the camera.

 4. You may now install the webcam on entrances, exits, or any location you wish to do so. If you need help in finding the best locations to install security cameras, check out our previous post to help you decide.

5. Once the security camera has been installed, you can now monitor the webcam using the software you used.

Security Cameras for Commercial Establishments

Aside from homes, commercial establishments and corporations are other locations that would greatly benefit from using security cameras. While having a dedicated person posted on specific areas in the building, it really isn’t practical and economical, having to pay an extra employee to guard your business. For 24/7 surveillance, the most practical way to accomplish this is by installing a security camera.

Of course, buying a security needs proper research to avoid wasting hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the wrong surveillance equipment. Additionally, other parts needed such as video baluns, should be purchased before installation should begin so it is advisable to find out which ones would work best for your establishment.

To begin with, security cameras come with audio capability but most consumers prefer buying cameras that don’t have that particular feature. This is because they are more affordable, costing relatively cheaper than security cameras that do have audio capability. Even without audio capability, they can still perform the basic functions of a camera – and that is to capture images.

On the other hand, security cameras equipped with audio capabilities are often available in full motion video or stop motion. Depending on the memory available, stop motion security cameras are more practical than full motion videos.

As for the resolution, the purpose of installing a security camera is to get a good image of the people who go in and out of your business so it is advisable to invest in one that offers high resolution. What good will your security camera be if someone breaks in and you end up seeing a blurred image of the perpetrator? Though a higher resolution camera is a bit more expensive, the price you pay is nothing compared to the security it can bring to your business.

The Best Areas to Install Security Cameras

Security cameras need to be installed in strategic areas to maximize its investigative and deterrent value. There are two reasons why homes and business establishments prefer to have security cameras installed in their locations – to investigate what happens when a crime or accident occurs and to prevent individuals from doing something they otherwise would do without a security camera to watch their every move.

For both homes and commercial establishments, installing security cameras in entrances and exits are the best venues to get facial images of visitors who come into your store or home. A useful ID image can be easily captured with a security camera set to view an area of about three feet wide, which is the width of average doors.

For commercial areas, security cameras should be installed at customer transaction points. This means placing security cameras at cash registers, teller stations, and kiosks. They should be situated 7ft high, looking directly into the area to make sure that the camera does not capture just the heads of the people who pass by or come in to the area’.

Also install security cameras at highly-targeted areas or objects. Cash drawers, safes, filing cabinets, jewelry storage, or any valuable object that stores equally valuable documents or things should have a security camera installed nearby. Thieves will target these storage areas because of the information and valuables stored in them.

Finally, secluded areas should always be equipped with security cameras. Vandalism and violence are common in areas where not much traffic occurs so the deterrent value of the security camera will come into play. Potential perpetrators will think twice about committing anything short of a criminal act if they know that eyes are lurking behind the shadows, watching their every move.

Security camera installation is not easy and there are times that professionals need to be asked for assistance. Video baluns and CCTV systems are just some of the add-ons to learn about if you plan on installing a security camera in your home or business.