HowToSurveillance Blog

I found a great new online CCTV lens selection tool that provides a really quick and easy way to get an idea of the magnification and field of view for a variety of security camera lenses. It shows actual images for various focal length lenses which can really help you get an idea of the field of view and magnification of a particular focal length. This can help greatly in selecting the best focal length for your security camera. You can access the lens tool here at Apex CCTV:

Lens Comparison Tool

Of course you can also use our lens calculator at HowToSurveillance.com and we also have sample video of various focal length lenses, but I found the Apex CCTV lens tool to be very quick and easy to use.

Rob

Here’s a useful glossary of the most commonly used CCTV, video surveillance terminology provided courtesy of Brownstone Security.
CCTV Glossary

Remote video monitoring involves the use of a video surveillance system that is actively monitored by professional security personnel who can dispatch the appropriate response (e.g. fire, police, security guard) to a particular security threat. Modern security camera systems allow an area to be remotely viewed from another location via IP transmission (internet protocol).

Coupled with sensors and alarms, a monitored video security camera system is almost like having a 24-hour security guard on site. In fact, remote viewing allows security personnel to monitor multiple cameras simultaneously, allowing multiple areas to be watched, thereby expanding the capabilities of the security guard.

Professionally monitored video security systems are becoming more common place as the technology advances and the cost decreases relative to the benefits. An excellent article on remote video monitoring can be found here:
Remote Video Monitoring

Learn how video surveillance can be integrated at the ‘point of sale’ to prevent theft and fraud.

Point of Sale (POS) and video surveillance systems serve important purposes on their own; however, integrating your POS system with a video surveillance system can help to prevent several types of losses and/or liabilities from happening to restaurant/hotel/retail owners including:

1. Fraudulent credit card use – the video record of the transaction can be used to identify the person presenting and using the credit card. This will not only help to deter fraudulent credit card use but will also assist law enforcement in the prosecution of the thieves if a crime is committed.

2. Fraudulent credit card denials – the video record of the transaction will prevent customers from challenging their credit card transactions at a later date.

3. Employee theft – the video record of the transaction, or lack of transaction, can be used to identify multiple types of employee theft including failing to charge for items, undercharging for items, overcharging for items and direct theft of money from the cash drawer.

In order for the integration of a POS with video surveillance to be effective there are several items that must be taken into account:
Read the Entire Article Here

Many companies use video surveillance systems (VSS) to deter or catch theft and other criminal activity. What many businesses fail to realize is that this is not the only benefit of video surveillance; in many cases it may not even be the primary benefit of video surveillance. In today’s business environment there are many potential liabilities that business owners and executives must be worried about including liabilities related to employee injuries, customer injuries, employee and customer complaints, and damage to property. VSS can be used to limit liabilities in the following seven ways:
Read the entire article here

An insurance executive has pleaded guilty to staling ESPN reporter Erin Andrews in a hotel. He is accused of illicitly videotaping her in the nude, then uploading the videos to the internet and attempting to sell them. An FBI affidavit alleges that the man rented a hotel room adjacent to the reporter’s hotel room, used a hacksaw to modify a door and then used a cell phone camera to record her. The affidavit also alleges that he may have taped her at other hotels earlier in the year. He faces the possibility of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Here’s a great widget to calculate the lens focal length for a standard CCTV security camera. Input the CCD size, target distance and desired field of view (width), then click calculate.

To download this free widget for your security related website visit:
CCTV Lens Calculator