Posts Tagged ‘protection’
Video surveillance, security cameras or CCTV? Is there a difference?
In short, no. It is funny how there are so many terms used for the same thing. There are a lot of people who think that each of the terms represent a different type of camera system. Though there are many different types, brands and configurations, they all fall into categories of video surveillance, security cameras and CCTV.
“Video surveillance” is the term that is used more by the professional installers in the field. Is is the term that (to us) best describes what it is.
“Security camera
” is the term used primarily by the end user. Why? Because security is usually the reason they are purchasing. Sometimes people mistake a “security system” for “security cameras” or vice versa. A security system may consist a burglar alarm, access control, video surveillance, various other software and hardware or all of these components. Whereas security cameras are just that, a camera system (with some type of recording device such as a DVR or NVR).
“CCTV” is the term used by many manufacturers of CCTV components (it is also used by professionals in the field since it is much shorter to say and write than “video surveillance”!) CCTV stands for “closed circuit television”. Wikipedia defines CCTV as “..the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted..”
On a related note, many people who desire to access their video surveillance system via their iPhone or internet oftentimes refer to it as an “IP system”. They will call and ask us “can you tell me how much and IP system for my home would cost?” Most of the time, what they are really after is the price of a system they can access via the internet, not necessarily an actual IP system. An IP (internet protocol) system will offer much higher image quality (mega pixels) than a standard system, but the cost can be significantly more. Here is a video that goes into more detail about this subject.
Still have questions? Give us a call! 405-708-6510.
Be Prepared! Home Safety & Security Tips.
Every once in a while, I hear a story on the news about a crime that was committed and wonder “how in the world did that happen?” With all of the technology and security available to us, how does someone get away with a bank robbery? How can a no good thief get away with kicking in the front door of a home, stealing everything of value inside, the drive away and NOT GET CAUGHT? I really want to know the answers to these questions!
The ones that really get to me though, are the ones where someone is injured or killed by an intruder. I just think “I wish they would have had a gun”….. or some other time of means to defend themselves. 
The simple fact is, that it could happen to any of us, at any time. It could be the soccer mom who is home alone after dropping kids off at school, or her husband “Mr. Fix It” working on his 67 Mustang with the garage door wide open. But, he should be able to work on his car with the garage door open and not have to worry about some whacked out crack addict looking to steal something for his next fix, right?
To some degree, we are all potential targets. We are not helpless, but we do have a right and responsibility to protect our self, our home and loved ones should something like this happen. Better yet, we should do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening!
Look on line and you will find a plethora of information on home safety. Here are some of the best tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
1) LOCK your doors whether you are home or not. Yes, even you people in Mayberry.
2) Have some sort of sign posted indicating that you have security; an alarm company sign, NRA sign, beware of dog sign… SOMETHING.
3) Have a weapon on or near you at ALL times. Weapon= gun, baseball bat, golf club, stun gun, crow bar.. you get the picture.
4) Make sure EVERYONE in your house has a weapon and knows how to use it.
5) Keep some lights on, ALL of the time. Wicked people HATE light. They do not want to go near it because it exposes them. (and it makes it tough to sneak in a side door if there is a big spot light pointed at it!)
6) Have a plan. Everyone in your house should know what to do if; they hear gun fire, a burglar enters the house, if anyone unexpected comes to the door etc…. (there are literally millions of scenarios)
7) Don’t leave your garage door remote in your car unless your car door is locked AND you hide the remote AND you set your alarm on your house!
8 ) Don’t leave spare keys in an obvious place (like under the door mat, or flower pot…)
For more information on home safety, click here to learn about our next Home Safety and Survival workshop! Lunch is provided!
HD vs “High Resolution” Security Cameras
So many times I am asked what the difference is between HD cameras and “high resolution” (analog) cameras, other than price, that is. The other question I get is “who would buy the ‘regular’ cameras if they do not offer positive ID of an intruder.
In this blog, I will talk about the differences between HD and high res and I will explain “who” the typical customer is for each.
HD
I will avoid using a bunch of technical jargon since most of the people reading this would appreciate simple terminology.
In the case of video surveillance, HD cameras are measured in mega pixels. 1 mega pixel is equal to one-million pixels. When you compare a high resolution 540 TVL camera to a high definition camera, keep this in mind; 540 TVL = .4 mega pixels. This means, that the resolution of a 1 MP camera is 2.5 times greater than a 540 TVL camera! When you consider that most high definition cameras are at least 2 MP, there is a HUGE difference in clarity. The bottom line is, the images from an HD system are significantly better than those from an analog system. This means that you are more likely to be able to recognize/identify a person or vehicle via an HD system than a high resolution system.
So, who buys HD security camera systems? The price comparison is about as drastic as the quality comparison. An HD system will run you 2 to 3 times the price of a standard high resolution (analog) system. Needless to say, they are pretty pricey. Though historically, banks and detention facilities were the main user of HD systems, residential and small commercial use is becoming more prevalent. We install HD systems in homes, city government facilities and recently a multilevel parking garage in Bricktown!
High definition security camera image
This is a picture from a 2 MP HD camera. I pulled the camera up on my iPhone, and then took a screenshot of the image. (This may be confusing! If it is, feel free to come by the office an I will demonstrate.)
High Resolution (Analog)
Analog security camera systems are very common. As I stated above, they are much less expensive than an HD system. So, why (other than budget) would someone opt to purchase an analog system over an HD system? Standard high resolution systems are a cost effective way to “monitor” a location. When using security cameras only to monitor, the user does not need to positively ID a person. They may be monitoring their office,employees, pets or domestic help and they do not have a need to have facial recognition. Why? Because they KNOW who it is in the video. They are simply monitoring the activities. The problem is, when someone they do not know enters the picture, the images may be useless to the authorities. That being said, a good high resolution system is better than no system at all. Many a crook has been caught with this type of security camera!
Something to consider; The DVR that is used for HD is different from that of an analog system. But, sometimes both types of cameras are needed in order to have quality images as well as meet a budget. In this case, we install a hybrid DVR. This allows the user to have HD cameras in critical areas and have analog cameras in areas the wish only to monitor.
Who buys the analog security camera systems? Home owners and businesses who have a limited budget or who have little or no need to have very high quality footage.
Here is an example of an analog image. Again, this is a screen shot from my iPhone while viewing the camera on line.
Analog image from a 540 TVL camera
When deciding which type of system is right for you, consider not only WHAT you may need to see but also WHO. If there is an incident, how important is it for the police to be able to get a positive ID of the person?
I am happy to answer any questions you may have!
Forever Young- A testimonial (Security cameras)
Working with Chief DataCom is amazing. I’m so glad to have met Leslie and Chad. As a startup business owner, there are so many companies out there eager to take advantage of you, making it hard to find people to work with that you can trust. I met Company X and received their quote for camera installation, a digital recording system, and a monitor. Their quote was $1600 more than Chief DataCom for the EXACT SAME PRODUCTS. I remember calling Leslie a few days after she submitted her proposal—I was baffled at the savings and figured there must be something wrong, or labor wasn’t included. She said “Nope. That’s for everything.” I was shocked—in a good way. It was amazing to see that I didn’t have to sacrifice quality for savings. Besides that, the security cameras were installed the following week, all in one afternoon. The guys came in, did their thing and didn’t disrupt business. Everyone on the staff is friendly and fun to work with. I’m glad to have met Leslie and Chad. They’re more than just business owners, they’ve become friends and I highly recommend them to anyone who has any security needs!
-Deidra Johnson, Owner: Forever Young Adult Daycare, Edmond
Stolen crystals, you say?
There are few things more frustrating than someone taking advantage of a small business owner. It is even more perverse when the scoundrel steals from a new business that is trying (despite “the economy”) to get off the ground! We were delighted to answer the call of Beadle Dee Bead Shop in Edmond when we learned that a crook had hijacked some of their precious crystal beads! For shame! Next time they will be caught on camera!
Video surveillance works!
Video FYI
In case you didn’t know…
Video Surveillance (CCTV) and Business Telephone Systems are affordable!
The FBI and video surveillance
This video was produced by the FBI to give businesses a real understanding of the importance of video surveillance in solving a crime. Furthermore, the FBI stresses that the quality and placement of the cameras is crucial to the usability of the images.
I find it interesting that the FBI recognized the importance of video surveillance use to the point of producing a video on the subject!
Video Surveillance (CCTV) works!
Is your uncle’s cousin’s neighbor licensed?
A few days ago we had the pleasure of meeting with a new potential customer. She is a lovely lady and I can just imagine her baking cookies for grandkids or sharing a cup of sugar with a neighbor.
She called us because she had a video surveillance system installed a few years ago and the “young many who installed it” (no doubt a friend of a friend) is not returning her phone calls. She has tried to reach him a number of times to no avail. (I am sure he is just busy.)
She was referred to us through a mutual friend and we were more than happy to go take a look at the system for her. As our technician went through the process of troubleshooting the video surveillance system, he was totally baffled. There seemed to be no reason for the system not to be working. The technician decided to call the software manufacturer to see if there was an update that needed to be installed. Of course, as part of the process, he needed to give them the key code. As it turns out, the software had been pirated.
Pirated!!?? You ask? That’s right! Apparently this is a fairly common practice for those “nice young (unlicensed) men” who peddle video surveillance systems to unsuspecting people in need of protecting their home or business. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to take advantage of such a nice lady! Actually, I can imagine it. It happens all of the time. It happens to all sorts of people.
Don’t be afraid to ask to see the license of anyone installing ANY type of security device or system in your home or business. The state has the fingerprints, name, addresses and contact info of EVERY licensed security & CCTV person on file just in case it is ever needed.
P.S. Video Surveillance works!
Buy now, pay later.
This seems to be the theme of our American shopping practices. Is there ever a time when we should buy now and pay later? As business owners, we have decided that our aim is to operate debt free. For us it is not just a goal it is a reality. However, there are many companies out there that are simply not in the position to completely avoid debt.
What happens if a business owner has a real need for a product or service that can significantly increase productivity, sales and/or customer service or decrease loss and expense but does not have the cash to pay for it today? Not all of us have the luxury of an open checkbook. (Maybe none of us do.) Not all of us have capital reserve, but we all have a need to improve our daily operations.
At Chief DataCom we offer low interest financing for those who need it. Many businesses suffer loss due to theft or careless mistakes that could be totally avoided with video surveillance. Other businesses miss important customer calls due to lack of phones, phone lines, voicemail or the ability to retrieve messages while on the go. In these situations a choice must be made either continue the way business is currently being conducted and save a dime today, or improve operations and add money to the bottom line while making low interest payments.
This is an important decision to make especially if you are one of those losing money or missing out on potential sales. Financing is not the best choice for everyone, but for some it can be the one thing that keeps their business afloat or propels their business to the next level.
If you are in need of a new business telephone system or video surveillance but do not have the cash on hand today, financing may be an option for you. To those of you who do have an open checkbook, we are here for you too! (We just don’t recommend financing.)
Video Surveillance in the News
We have all heard (or read) the stories recently about video surveillance in the news: a woman observes her house being robbed while monitoring it remotely via the internet, a tragic story about a boy who was kidnapped and the perpetrator was captured due to video footage, robberies are foiled, mysteries are solved…. every single day.
This week I went to several networking functions and heard story after story of either success or failure.The successes usually have to do with a business or home owner deterring a theft or catching a thief. The failures have to do with people who see so clearly with their hindsight and only wish they had video of what happened.
One of the most interesting incidents over the years involved a hotel owner. We had ardently advised him to have cameras placed in a hallway that lead to an exit. Parts of the hotel were still under construction and were not all that secure and they had started receiving some high dollar equipment such as plasma monitors.
The hotel owner decided to err on the side of “saving money” and not have the cameras installed (the cost would have been less than $1000). Unfortunately, a thief saw an opportunity and stole all of the equipment. If I recall correctly it was tens of thousands of dollars. The thief was never caught, and the hotel did install the cameras within 24 hours of the robbery.
That is the kind of story we just hate to hear. It is frustrating for the bad guy to get away. I know that in an age of people being concerned with “violations of civil rights” it is easy to lose sight of what is REALLY important: the safety and security of loved ones and our livelihood. Check out this news story about video surveillance success!