Chicago Homeowner Links Cameras to Police Surveillance Center

After suffering over $3,700 in damages due to vandalism from local neighborhood kids, Charles Hill has become the first private homeowner in the city to directly connect his private surveillance cameras straight to Chicago's 911 emergency center. However, Hill is not the only one who is taking advantage of Chicago's unprecedented offer to connect privately owned cameras to the 911 emergency center which was made available two months ago.

Since the announcement nearly two dozen universities, businesses, colleges, and high-rise complexes have agreed to share their video with the Chicago Security Center. Most notably, DePaul University has elected to hook up at least 15 on-campus cameras due to its campuses being in the heart of residential and commercial districts.

DePauls director of public safetey, Bob Wachowski, had this to say about the security measures DePaul has decided to implement. "If something happens on a city street where we have a camera and the city has access to it, they can tell what they're sending first-responders into. . . they can see what the person is doing and describe it to first-responders."

This new network of public-private internet connections will transmit the fully encrypted video data that will not be compromised by any outside connections, a feat made possible by software used in Operation Virtual Shield.

Due to enthusiastic response in the first two months from residents and businesses alike in Chicago, City Hall is confident that hundreds of privately owned cameras will eventually be added to the city's network. If you are a resident or business owner and are considering installing a Chicago Camera Security System, consider contacting a Tech Travel Agent. Tech Travel Agents can help guide you in the right decisions about camera security and even install and network your cctv cameras.

Australia plans on installing 5000 ANPR Cameras

In Australia, state and federal police want to upgrade and put in ANPR (Automatic number plate recognition) cameras that will be able to capture a front image of a vehicle that will be clear enough to indentify the driver and passenger so that I can be used in court as evidence. The plan calls for 5000 around the country that will be able to capture the high speed shots. The 5000 ANPR will be taking pictures of every car that drives past them and then recording the data for up to five years. Each day the 5000 ANPR cameras will be taking a combined total of 70 million pictures a day. Law enforcement agencies will also use mobile units of the ANPR cameras that will be used in criminal investigations. The plan is to mainly focus the cameras in large cities, with over 1000 being placed in both Sidney and Melbourne, and the rest around other major cities.

ANPR cameras are not a thing though for Australia, currently an estimated 300 fixed ANPR cameras and 100 mobile units are placed in Australia. Upgrading this number to 5000 is a big proposal, but the security benefits are definitely there. ANPR cameras will be able to play a key roll in helping with criminal cases in any of Australia’s major cities.

What is Wide Dynamic Range

Wide Dynamic Range is a technology employed by cameras in order to provide a clear picture in situations where there is a large dynamic range in lighting. This typically occurs when a camera is pointed towards a large window or entrance that lets in large amounts of light. For cameras not implementing WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology the images that the camera records will be washed out and hard-to-see.

These hard to see images are produced because of the large dynamic range from the dark and bright elements of the room which the camera has trouble processing. WDR cameras implement two Charge-Coupled Devices and take two scans of the same image and process them together to provide clear images. For more information on dynamic range and how they effect security cameras, check out our Wide Dynamic Range camera page.

Security Cameras for Sports Fishing

The days of the big fish tales could be coming to an end. As more and more Sports Fishing Charters are taking advantage of security camera systems to document that “one that got away”.

With standard GeoVision / Dell DVR systems from www.cameraseucitynow.com going out to sea, charter sports fishing services are now offering video of their customers entire fishing experience. Hopefully including that once in a lifetime catch.

With the exception of taking care to use a CCTV camera that is rated to withstand the salt water environment the DVR systems themselves operate just as they do back on land. The charter service simply installs the cameras in any and all vantage points to watch their guests spend a leisurely day fishing. The DVR is of course always watching, always recording, and when a customer gets back to dock with a catch worth keeping the charter service offers the client a DVD of all the action.

Of course having a security camera system installed on the boat also gives the captain and crew great live time information. Even on a boat the benefits of real time and recorded video information across multiple areas cannot be overlooked.

So remember if you are prone to telling tall tales be sure to ask if your next deep sea fishing charter is equipped with a camera system. If so… just hope you really do catch that 300lb. Grouper.

For more infomration on Security Camera Systems in Sports Fishing call 877-422-1907.

CCTV Has More Than One Meaning

Closed circuit television or CCTV is the industries standard in surveillance cameras. CCTV is often a single network of cameras, multiple networks of cameras linked together via switches or the internet, or wide area computer technology. In the instance of using CCTV online, the video is digital and therefore possible to be managed and stored automatically by computers and network storage devices. This technique is often used in areas that require constant monitoring such as banks, casinos, airports, military installations and convenience stores.

Another meaning CCTV takes on is the China Central Television. This network provides news and information to the majority of China, and is currently broadcasting the Olympics that are being held Beijing. When you Google CCTV more search results come up for the Olympics rather than closed circuit television because it is much more popular and relevant to what is going on in the community.

When the Olympics are over and much of the hype dies down, the closed circuit television (CCTV) will come back up as number one in Google searches. Google always shows the most recent and up to date news first, even if what you are looking for is a more popular search term. In this case, the Chinese Central Television holds more weight in Google due to its relevancy to the Olympics.

CCTV For Police Departments

Law enforcement is beefing up its security inside its police stations lately with the addition of security cameras inside its interview rooms, holding cells, evidence rooms and hallways. A security camera has many uses inside a police station. For example having a security camera watching the evidence room is a given due to the fact that a police station can have everything from money to drugs hidden inside its evidence room and what good is your evidence if it has been stolen.

Also another favorable place is the interview room for a security camera and also audio equipment is often being used in an interview room. The reason is simple, if you get a suspect to confess to a crime you now have video and audio proof to back up his claim in court.

High Schools Upgrading Camera Security and Access

The desire to provide a safe and secure learning environment for students has always been a top priority for parents, teachers, and staff in school districts across the nation.

Two Chicago school districts have taken this desire into consideration and have opted to upgrade their security camera system to give administrators and security personnel easy access to see whats happening at any given time during or after school hours. This new security system has been installed in Romeoville and Bolingbrook high schools in the Chicago area. Coordinator of safety and security for Valley View School District, Leroy Brown, has deemed these security measures "Necessary" for school security.

"If there was a fight at noon and we wanted to go and review the footage, we would be able to have the capacity to do that right at my desk. It's important. You need to know what's happening in the schools."

This new security system also integrates motion detection and intermittent video recording in key areas throughout the schools. If a student opened a side door of the school to leave or let somebody in, the cameras would begin to record and video would be displayed on the surveillance screens in the security office. These type of cameras and security measures are also effective in key areas of the school such as chemistry labs, athletic rooms, or any other type of area deemed important to keep an eye on. Brown has this to say about the security measures that have been put in place at these high schools.

"It is necessary. We haven't had a lot of problems like that but like anything else you want to prevent it before it happens."

Should these security measures be met with success camera security systems will also be installed at the local middle schools in the area.

Source: suburbanchicagonews.com

Intelligent Video Surveillance from Smart DVR's

As technology continues to improve all around us, in nearly all aspects of life, it makes sense that Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) are also following the same trend and becoming more "intelligent". As with most products in the world, especially when dealing with technology, there are many different expectations that people hold when it comes to the intelligence of a DVR.

Some people have very basic needs when it comes to a security camera system and are impressed when a DVR can record video to a hard drive, and then be played back from the web on any computer. Others, however, become lost in the world of CSI and create unrealistic expectations of the DVR. These people come to believe that any digital image can be magnified indefinitely, without loss of quality, and that faces can instantly be matched up to a criminal database.

Realistic expectations from an intelligent DVR come standard on a GeoVision Security system. These features include: recording when detecting motion, internet connectivity which includes remote viewing and playback through a web browser, central monitoring software to allow several DVR's to be monitored locally or remotely, and face detection, detecting missing or unattended objects, and many more.

With GeoVision DVR's all systems have the same quality of software and a high level of intelligence. GeoVision models only differ in hardware configuration which can affect the frame rate of capture, number of cameras each system supports, and the size of video storage. Many users are opting to go with the GeoVision systems due to their high level of intelligence and reduced cost when compared to less intelligent name brand DVR's.

For a better understanding of how an intelligent GeoVison DVR from Camera Security Now can help on your security camera project call us today at 877-422-1907.

Parking Lot Security Camera catches car accident on video

The video shows a basic accident that you will see in a parking lot all the time. A busy parking lot can be a perilous place where accidents are waiting to happen. This makes a parking lot the perfect place to use security cameras. A security camera may not be able to top the accident, but it will be your best evidence if there is any confusion in the accident.

Click here for a security camera quote for your businesses parking lot.

Bullet Security Cameras

A Bullet Camera is a Security Camera that is in the shape of a cylinder and they range from the size of a pop can to the size of a tube of lipstick. Bullet Cameras are very popular in today’s market due to the fact that they are very cheap and easy to install.

Why are they called Bullet Cams?
Bullet Cams are often referred to as either a helmet camera, micro video camera, lipstick camera, or bullet camera. They are most commonly referred to as a bullet camera. They received this name because they resemble a bullets shell casing.

Bullet Cameras are becoming more an more popular due to the fact that they are one of the most cost effective solutions for CCTV monitoring. They provide great quality for a low cost. Also the fact that most average in size of only 2 inches makes them a very discrete security camera. Bullet Cameras are also able to function in both indoors and outdoors and are able to function in low light and normal environments.

When buying a bullet camera another thing you might want to keep in mind is trusted manufacturers. It is just like buying the name brand computer like dell over some off brand no name computer. You just want to make sure you are getting the best quality for your money. Some trusted name brands you can count on include: Cop professional CCTV, Ever Focus and KT&C.

Another great selling point about the bullet Cameras is they are almost always ready to go right out of the box. The camera typically is already assembled with the casing, camera, lens and the IR emitters built into the camera their usually is nothing for you to worry about except where to mount the camera.

To learn more about the bullet Camera or if you would like to buy one visit our bullet camera page on CameraSecurityNow.

Surveillance at the Democratic National Convention

When the Democratic National Convention comes to Denver in August, there will be new security camera systems installed to deter crime. On the 14th of July, Denver City Council approved an agreement with Avrio Group for the installation and maintaining of a security system. The agreement was worth over $940,000.

The new system will be an addition to the existing HALO (High Activity Location Observation) system that is currently in place. Some technology being considered is video feed from the cameras being fed to police cruisers. Many of Denver residents are questioning the effectiveness of having so much security, some even worry about privacy. City Officials assure them that the security will help with security and safety and that technology on the cameras keep them from looking in windows, homes, and stores. Federal funds will be used to repay the city eventually for the additions.

Get More CCTV News

Like our blog then check out our websites CCTV News Section on CameraSecuritynow.com. Camera Security Now has been a Nation CCTV installer for over 20 years. On CCTV News you will find a vast amount of articles all about security Camera information and news.

Have a question see our CCTV News articles and you will be bound to find the answer to any of your security camera problems. If not you can "Ask A CCTV Expert" on the Tech-Army Forums.

Cincinnati to receive security cameras

Cincinnati Ohio will be installing 120 “crime cameras” soon after receiving a two million dollar federal grant.

Cincinnati City Council is hoping to see similar results as observed in Chicago where their 600 surveillance cameras have reportedly assisted in 1,400 arrests.

Cincinnati has long been plagued by an increasing crime rate since 2000 and it is hoped that the cameras will bring back a feeling of security to the citizens. “Hopefully by doing this….we really begin to make our neighborhoods safer,” said City Councilwoman Roxanne Qualls.

The cameras, in addition to being available to police patrol from laptops within the cruisers, will be viewable to 911 dispatchers after receiving a call. It is even said the cameras can even zoom in on the sound of gunfire.

The new Cincinnati Security Cameras will first see action around Glenway Avenue this October.

CCTV installers wanted

CameraSecuritynow needs CCTV installers all across the U.S. We are looking for the best of the best in CCTV installers. If you have the skills, if you have the technology then join our tech-army.

We deploy our tech army all across the nation to install security cameras for home and corporate users. When ever we need a security camera installed in your area we will contact you about the job.

Why Join? Increase your leads, take advantage of our national marketing efforts, increase your income, become a part of one of the internets largest technology marketing firm.

So why wait any longer, become a part of our tech-army.

Toldeo requires CCTV cameras in small restaurants and convenience stores

An ordinance was just passed in Toledo, Ohio that requires convenience stores and small restaurant owners to install a CCTV system in their business.

The ordinance requires all CCTV systems to meet the following criteria:
• Produce a "recognizable, color, retrievable, enlargeable, and reproducible photographic images of persons" and that they be of sufficient clarity for identification purposes; remain fixed and not pan in the designated area.
• Camera must cover the cash register or area where the money is being exchanged.
• CCTV System must be maintained to make sure it is in proper working order and have a light or other signals that shows the system has been activated.
• Business must post sign stating that the business is under video surveillance.
• Recorded tapes must be kept for 30 days and business owners are required to ensure the accuracy of the time keeping in conjunction with what has been recorded.
• The recorded images must be able to be retrieved by the police department's crime lab.

Those found in violation of the following will be subject to fines of $100 each day until the ordinances criteria is met.

The law has been recently been challenged by local business owners who are claiming the law is unconstitutional. With the law being challenged the city has delayed the enforcing of the new law until July 1. Business owners say that they are having a hard time trying to meet the criteria, due to the cost of buying and installing the CCTV systems and the cost of buying the license. Some business say that they might have to close down if the law is to be enforced.

Andy Went from CameraSecurityNow says he has seen a definite increase in calls from small business owners looking for a quote for a security camera system.

Toledo is not the only city to adopt a law designed to help prevent crime around convenience stores. Houston, Texas and Hartford, Connecticut have both adopted laws similar to Toledo’s security camera law.

The AgCam - Surveillance for farmers and ranchers

The AgCam was designed and developed by an American farmer, for American farmers and ranchers. They bring so much to the table, especially for a farmer or rancher. But you don't have to be in the farming industry to enjoy the benefits of the AgCam.

The AgCam was engineered to work in the most harsh of environment without any loss in performance. The video will always be crisp and clean. The AgCam is fully weather and waterproof. Its encased in a solid aluminum housing that is sealed with triple o-rings. It's equipped with an exclusive auto shading lens for when pointed in direct sunlight and it has automatic infrared illuminators for in dark conditions. It's low profile makes it easy to find a suitable place for mounting. A 20lb pull magnet is used for mounting, which also allows for mobility. You can use this camera for anything from watching livestock to watching what you are towing with your truck. You can even use them for theft protection, hunting or ice fishing!

Outdoor Wireless IR IP Cameras

The Outdoor Wireless Infrared IP Camera has many more capabilities and advantages over standard wired camera devices. This camera can communicate wirelessly with any standard 802.11/g wireless devices allowing tons of flexibility when installing and operating the camera. The camera also uses encryption methods and password protection to protect your wireless network from unwanted intrusions. This model was designed for outdoor use and operation and functions perfectly in extreme temperatures and is splash resistant and can hold its own in wet weather.

The camera also has the ability to enable two-way voice communications between the network camera and a PC being used to monitor the camera. Because the camera connects wirelessly accessing the cameras feed is easy and you can connect from any PC with access to the internet and can be viewed in real time. By accessing your camera wirelessly you can also change many of its settings including color and night view settings, camera name, white balance, and even pan/tilt range. Another unique feature is the camera has sensors that can be triggered by motion, sound, light, and timer. One of the most unique features of this camera is that it comes equipped with an infrared heat sensor and can be set to record automatically and even notify you by e-mail.

These features make this camera perfect for monitoring any type of important entrance, room, or even a parking lot. Due to its wireless capabilities the camera can be set up virtually anywhere allowing for convenient placement anywhere you would like. A popular use of this camera is as a home security device to monitor your front door and to see who's visited your front door in your absence. These cameras are also being employed by banks and business to watch their vaults and security safes to see who's been entering an area. Hotels have also been utilizing these types of cameras to monitor their parking lot for vandals and to get license plates of all their visitors.

If you are interested in this product call us at 877-422-1907 or see here for an Outdoor Wireless IR IP Camera Quote.

Infrared Security Camera - Advice

Key to a successful CCTV installation is having the right expectations. One of the most misunderstood technologies in the world of CCTV is found in the forum of the Infrared Camera.

From those who mistakenly believe that off the shelf Infrared security cameras will allow them to detect body heat, to those that think that Infrared cameras will give them perfect night vision the world is full of “CSI” induced self delusions.

Generally speaking Infrared, which literally means “below red”, can simply be thought of as type of radiation, or light, whose wavelength makes it invisible to the human eye.

For those who care to better understand Infrared CCTV technology and how it can benefit security systems in the real world follow this link to our article entitled “IR Cams – How You Can Benefit”.

IBM's New Software to Autonomously Monitor Security Cameras

Starting this summer several thousands of surveillance cameras in Chicago's Operation Virtual Shield system will begin to be watched by IBM's new monitoring software called Smart Surveillance Solution. This new software is designed to analyze video sequences in real time from security cameras and monitor events through multiple sensors such as video cameras or audio inputs. This software provides several advantages over traditional video monitoring solutions, which only record and save the data locally or need to be monitored manually by hired employees.

The Smart Surveillance Solution provides real-time alerts by identifying predetermined suspicious behaviors and can help anticipate incidents such as robberies, vandalism, and theft. This video monitoring software also incorporates license plate recognition in parking lots and face capture in lobbies to ensure everyone has been identified. Another advancement in security is that this software can index video events into categories such as people and cars, based on the actions that were previously recorded, providing easier searching and playback when the need arises.

This video monitoring technology is currently being used in the city of Chicago and is taking the first steps to provide intelligence to video monitoring security. With the ability to be re-programmed and fine tuned to address new threats, the Smart Surveillance Solution could soon become the standard for all security surveillance cameras in the United States.

PTZ Security Camera Testimonial

A long time customer and owner of his own CCTV Security Camera Business in San Jose placed an order a few weeks back for a PTZ camera. This particular camera was to replace an existing PTZ that was intentionally destroyed by the workers at a packaging plant. The customer left me a voice mail and I thought it was worth passing on as a PTZ Testimonial: " Hey Andy it's Rudy, I just wanted to say thanks for that great PTZ camera. I installed it last week and the picture is amazing. I know you said this was the replacement model for the PTZ cameras we sold them a few years back, I think this new one is a Merit Lilin 7600NL. I think, but anyway I wanted to say thanks for hooking me up with such a nice camera. The image is super clear. The client loved it and they are very happy. So thanks again buddy, have a good day."

So the next time you are looking for a trusted CCTV supplier, remember that good advice and good service are still the cornerstones that allow good products to make your Security Camera System a success.