Today, a great deal of “surveillance” companies offer just “PC based” CCTV surveillance systems. While PC systems can offer low-grade surveillance, today’s embedded systems offer a state of reliability that PC systems cannot offer. However, what is an “embedded” system? Well, you are probably using one already, like PDA’s, DVD’s and some of the newest cell phones.

PC surveillance systems can be nothing more then software and an expansion card that you insert in your home computer or it can be an “off the shelf” computer with cameras.

In either case, you’re getting nothing more then a want-to-be surveillance system. Several problems are associated with this type of system.

When running a PC based system you are vulnerable…
1. …to hackers!*
2. …to cashes!
3. …to viruses!*
4. …to access attempts!*
5. …to problems!

With a PC based system you need an understanding of PC maneuvers, plus if you have ever used a PC  program, you have probably found its not very stable. If you plan to use the computer you’re using for your CCTV equipment your really looking for problems like “system freezes” and “lock ups”. In addition, should you lose power, you never know if the program is going to restart or if you lost information.

OK enough about PC based CCTV equipment problems, but what is my alternative you may ask?

Answer - an embedded CCTV system!

With an embedded CCTV system you gain…
» Stability, an average of 100 times more stable than PC based system
» Lower hardware and software cost
» Smaller mechanical size
» Easy to use
» Operations and settings will return to previous conditions after power loss resumes.
» Non PC-based (embedded) units combine video multiplexing with digital video recording.
» Uses Push-Button Controls, No Computer or Mouse is Necessary.
» Units are Network Ready, so you can view 4, 8 or 16 images live over the Internet from anywhere in the World*.
» Stable platform with clearer images and faster searches than VCRs. Simple yet powerful.
» Comes with built-in hard drive.

Like to know more about an embedded system? Then click here

So Why embedded?

» No risk of Internet viruses*, crashes, and other PC related problems!

 *requires internet connection

All information is the sole property of ESLI Surveillance and may be used only with written permission of ESLI Surveillance

As with all advice listed on eyespyli.com or other publications, we try to give you a starting point. All CCTV jobs are different and individual needs have to be taken into consideration. Please check with one of our trained representatives with your specific requirements before starting any job.

When it comes to the question of “should I purchase a wireless or wired surveillance system” you need consider several factors.

Just how easy is it too “tap into” a wireless CCTV system? (Click here)

Although not everyone has the equipment to do so, it is very easy to “intercept” wireless CCTV transmission signals. The best rule to follow is… “if you do not want someone else to observe, run wires.

Isn’t a wireless installation easier?  (Click here)

Yes, wireless installation is easier since you do not run wirers from the cameras to the recording device (DVR). But remember, you still have to run power to each camera.

How is the picture quality of each? (Click here)

Although today’s wireless cameras are exceedingly better quality then in the past, we believe you can never achieve the same high picture quality as a wired system. Moreover, several items that we use daily can interfere wireless camera transmission. Some are; cell phones, microwave ovens, Bluetooth® devises, two-way radios and others.

The bottom line is, unless you have no other alternative, use wired cameras at all times.

Higher level of security, enhanced picture quality, superior reliability and less maintenance.

All information is the sole property of ESLI Surveillance and may be used only with written permission of ESLI Surveillance

As with all advice listed on eyespyli.com or other publications, we try to give you a starting point. All CCTV jobs are different and individual needs have to be taken into consideration. Please check with one of our trained representatives with your specific requirements before starting any job.

The purpose of this reference sheet is to provide a list of questions you should ask a broadband internet provider such as a DSL company, cable modem company, or other broadband providers for use with a digital video recorder.

Some of these questions may appear to be a bit technical but is necessary to ensuring that a correct Internet provider is used. Please contact ESLI if you have any questions. Also, be sure to tell your provider that you are installing a digital video recorder with Internet connection for additional help.
1. Ask for Static IP. A Static IP is needed and not a Dynamic IP. As static IP address has a constant address (i.e. 192.168.4.00) and never changes. A Dynamic IP address will rotate a IP address. In order to view your DVR remotely you need a constant IP address to logon.
2. In the case of using cable, ask the provider if it is OK to run services. Many times if using a cable modem provider the Authorized Usage Policy will prohibit the use of services or remote access to a machine
 
3. Ask if the connection will be using NAT or will a computer be assigned a
Public IP?
 
4.  If a router is used what is the router name , address and model? Will the provider manage the router? If ports need to be forwarder who will
do this?

By providing their clients with the proper tools and knowledge, ESLI Surveillance believes they will create a happier & safe consumer.  The problem for consumers when selecting one of today’s DVR CCTV systems is not having the proper information and knowledge. When you’re unfamiliar with the latest equipment and how its features may benefit your particular situation, it’s easy to select the wrong equipment. Sadly, you’ll never know until it’s to late, and that’s not the time to find out.

A digital video recording (DVR) CCTV surveillance system is only as good as the equipment purchased. That may seem like a simple & obvious statement, but unfortunately, a few will try to save money by taking short cuts or purchasing cut-rate equipment. Whereas others simply believe that having visible “dummy” cameras will scare someone away. ESLI does not carry any “fake” or “dummy” cameras. They believe this is like having a safe made out of cardboard, worthless.

As with all security systems, a professional thief can find ways to bypass systems, but knowing a few tricks of the trade can help prevent or at the least, make it harder for them to get away with committing a crime.  Let’s get started!

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One of the first things a thief will look for when they notice security cameras around a home or business is the digital video recorder and security VCR’s. Each item has a value at a pawnshop, but most importantly, if they take the DVR / VCR there’s no evidence. The good news is there are several things you can do that will help.

Look for a DVR that has an Internet connection with email notification. When someone walks into the cameras frame of view, email notification activates the DVR that in turn sends an email to your cell phone*, or any programmed email address. This feature alerts you via email that something is going on, instead of finding out when you come home or open up your business.  ESLI believes it’s better to be alerted while the incident is occurring then just reporting it to the police after the fact.

Most DVR’s have a feature that allows you to connect to your existing alarm system. When the DVR detects motion, the DVR will trigger your alarm system, thus making your DVR part of your overall security system.

A trick used in the CCTV industry to mislead a thief is too purchase an inexpensive VCR, then, hide the DVR and make the VCR as visible as possible. Be sure to keep a tape in the unit so the intruder will believe they have escaped with the evidence.

Hard drives found inside DVR’s are used to store video and audio. Depending on the length of time you want to store information determines your HD size. Fortunately, ESLI has a DVR Storage Calculator, which will help.

Power surges can decrease the cameras life. An excellent way to avoid this is by purchasing a distributed CCTV power supply. Many installers and CCTV suppliers will sell you a power supply for each camera.  This costs less, but it can leave the power cords visible and can easily be unplugged if located next to the camera. When using a distributed CCTV power supply, power to the cameras are centrally located. Each camera is individual fused offering a greater reliability factor when compared to individual transformers.

Like the DVR, CCTV cameras are a vital part of your system. Yet, people will spend $49.00 for a camera. Do you know what you get when you spend $49.00 for a CCTV camera? You wind up with a $49.00 camera! That’s all right if you’re using it to watch your baby from one room to another but not to protect your home or business.

There are several features you need to look for when it comes to selecting the proper CCTV camera. A great place to start is here. Also, keep in mind that if the camera doesn’t incorporate Infrared technology, it will be useless in a dimly lit or dark area such as a bar or parking lot.

Finally, never leave camera wires exposed. This provides the thief with an easy and accessible way of disabling your system. This may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many installers cut corners by not doing something as simple as safeguarding the CCTV wires. Just look around at some cameras at your local stores and you’ll see what we are saying.

Remember, cutting corners and saving a few bucks may seem reasonable at the time, yet in the end, it may windup costing you a lot more.

Because each CCTV situation has distinctive requirements, you should contact one of our trained representatives to help with your actual conditions.

Copyright © 2007

Authors: M.Schulke & A.Schulke

www.eyespyli.com

All information is the sole property of ESLI Surveillance and may be used only with written permission of ESLI Surveillance

As with all advice listed on eyespyli.com or other publications, we try to give you a starting point. All CCTV jobs are different and individual needs have to be taken into consideration. Please check with one of our trained representatives with your specific requirements before starting any job.

*Cell phone must have email capabilities