Security cameras, monitoring services, mobile access, smart homes – These are the concepts that come to mind when we consider contemporary home security but just like all technologies home security got its start long ago and has evolved to the point where we can include amazing technologies like the ones just mentioned. When we hear about home security we often don’t immediately think of devices like walls, the moat around a castle, or even the locks on our doors. These devices didn’t always exist, but they were a crucial part in the development of the security devices we have today, and were considered to be great technological advances in their time.
Locks
When first entering or exiting your home one of the first security devices you come in contact with is your door’s lock. There are many nearly pick-proof dead-bolt locks currently on the market, but you would not recognize the amazing technology we have in locks today when compared with the lock’s humble beginnings. In ancient times the way you would lock up your home was by tying your doors shut with a specialized type of knot like the thief knot or Gordian knot, but despite the added security these weren’t too difficult to undo and that created the necessity of creating a lock that required a key. The pin lock is one of the first locks that involved the use of a key which was originally made out of a wooden cylinder, and the insert itself would hang out through a hole in your door which unfortunately left it open to manipulation.
Moats
One of the most famous aspects of the medieval era in European history was the invention of the moat. Most people know what a moat is and immediately associate them with castles. Although the moat has such a strong association with the medieval era, they had been around for many years before that time. Early moats were used around ancient Egyptian fortresses, in ancient Babylon, and even in other cultures all over the world besides medieval Europe. Moats gained popularity in medieval Europe because they were very effective at defending against weapons specially designed to destroy the walls or entryways of the city, and were implemented in the protection of a city and its people.
Walls
Much of the original security for property was built to defend nations from other nations but eventually people began to settle into cities and individuals began to attain their own private property. Walls then began to be used as single-family property borders to divide land ownership within a nation. Early walls were made out of stones gathered on the property and were stacked on top of each other. After cement was invented it was used by the ancient people of Macedon to build reinforced and much more stable walls and later adapted to build the amazing structures in the ancient Roman empire.
Home security technology has advanced greatly since the ancient and medieval time of walls, moats, and the original pin locks, yet there is no doubt that the evolution of security technology won’t stop with high decibel alarms, surveillance cameras, and monitoring services. With the now widespread use of the internet we can access our home security system from our mobile devices, and the growing use of smart home devices is providing us with the interface that will allow even more devices to be used for security purposes. It will be a great journey to see what new home security devices will make their way to the forefront of technology in our lifetime!
Madison Parker is a security expert whose interests range from personal to home security systems. Get more tips and advice on the blog HomeSecuritySystems.net!
Using hybrid DVR surveillance systems means having a system that will allow you to record your security camera images and to watch them in real-time, usually over a secured intranet or internet connection. There are many ways that such a system can help to increase security for your business, but only if you understand their benefit and use them correctly.
Understanding the Hybrid
Today’s hybrid DVR surveillance systems are those that record images while allowing you to watch from a monitor. They typically use a secure port for doing this so that only those with access codes or other passwords can tune in. This means that you have the flexibility of monitoring activities in your business from just about any location where you can set up this access, even off-site if necessary.
Being able to record your security images rather than just watch on a closed circuit using a hybrid DVR is helpful if you don’t have 24-hour monitoring or if you want to use the recordings at a later time. This has many advantages, such as if you need proof of a theft or other such activities.
Using it Effectively
Using your hybrid DVR effectively means knowing where to put the cameras and knowing what to look for while monitoring. Inside your business, your hybrid NDVR should be placed where thefts are likely to occur such as at cash register stations, in areas of a retail store not readily seen by employees, or outside changing rooms. Remember that you want to monitor your employees as well as customers, so be sure to put a camera over the time clock station and warehouse entrances.
While you may have thought of using your hybrid NDVR only to monitor customers or to keep your outside property guarded, keeping your employee areas under surveillance as well will cut down on a tremendous amount of theft and fraud. If you consider the right way to use your hybrid system and take advantage of it fully, you’ll keep your business and your property as safe and secure as possible.
Using security camera systems for a business are almost a “given” today as you see them in just about every type of business, either inside to monitor employees or outside to keep the property safe. But just buying cameras and placing them around your building isn’t enough to keep your business safe. You need to know where and how to place them for the most good. Here are some tips.
Follow the Money
Where does the money flow on your property? It might be at the cash register stations, in the accounting offices, or with the wait staff. It’s good to have a security camera wherever there is money so you can track it from beginning to end. Establishments like casinos or check cashing stores always have cameras located above the employees who handle money, as well as in all other areas where the money is counted or exchanged. Consider doing the same for your own restaurant, bar or retail store.
Entrances and Exits
You don’t want to think that your employees would walk off with money or inventory, but it does happen. Good security systems for a business should include cameras over all entrances and exits so you can monitor this risk. It’s not unusual for inventory to “disappear” from a warehouse or manufacturing facility, and security camera systems for a business placed in the right areas can reduce the risk.
You might also want to consider a security camera aimed at the parking lot, which will also help reduce your risk of loss. Employees who walk off with inventory may work with others who will pick up the stolen items. Monitoring your parking lot for suspicious cars and activities will alert you if this is happening.
You should consult with a sales representative for security systems for a business in order to determine the best places for camera locations for your own business. A security expert will look at your entire business facility and determine the best types of system, as well as the best cameras and recording devices. This will mean the most security for your business, employees and your inventory.
Having a camera on your property can help to keep your property and your business safe, but typically it’s good to have digital video recorder security systems attached to those cameras. If you don’t have a recording system, you need to have someone monitoring those cameras all day, every day, and this is just not an option for most businesses. A recording system also means having a record of any activity that may go on, which means being able to pinpoint the person responsible for a crime or incident.
With a Computer
Good PC based DVR systems will allow you to record the images on your computer and enable you to monitor those images with the computer. You may be able to air them on an intranet system or private internet address so they can be monitored by different people in different locations. It may also be easier to keep recordings filed away when you use PC based DVR systems. As with other files, you can keep them organized and put away by date or location or in any other way that assists you. You can also compress or zip them so you can keep as many files as necessary without taking up too much memory.
Standalone
Using standalone DVR systems can be convenient because you don’t need a computer for these systems. If you run a small retail store or other type of business, you may not want to invest in a computer system for your security and may not need hours and hours of recordings. Using standalone DVR systems will allow you to keep a few days of recordings on a tape or DVD and this may be enough for the security you need. This will give you a more affordable yet still effective security system. When you’re ready for new digital video recorder security systems for your business, be sure you understand these differences so you can make the best choice for your type of business and for your budget.
When you operate a retail space of any sort, whether that’s a large department store or small convenience store, you need a good security camera system. It can prevent theft and vandalism as someone may be deterred from these actions just by seeing a camera and knowing they’ll be caught on tape. It can also ensure that your employees don’t give in to theft of your inventory or cash, risks that are very common in a retail setting.
Once you start shopping for a camera and complementary system, you may be surprised at the choices you have. But a camera itself is not enough. You’ll also need to have a monitor for the cameras and may want to record what they capture. The best choice for you depends on your staff and physical needs.
Recording Options
Often a recording device of some sort is a good idea with your security camera system as you would otherwise need personnel to monitor the cameras twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. Recording is also practical as it will allow you to go back and find evidence after a theft or other event has occurred. A DVR system can be the best choice as you can easily organize your recordings and files and keep them on a computer hard drive.
Monitoring
In many cases standalone NVR systems are the best for retail spaces. NVR means that you can monitor the camera images over an intranet or closed internet addresses. When you set up a system like this, you allow more opportunities for monitoring. For instance, a staff member can be in a remote location and monitor the images over the intranet or internet system. This can mean having security staff in another location, and allowing anyone with the right password to have access to the monitoring.
Good standalone NVR systems can help an owner or manager monitor security in more than one location, and if you own a chain of stores or need security for various locations, this can be the best solution. You need less equipment when a system is stand alone, and this option will give you more ways to monitor that security.
Advantages of DVR Security Camera Systems
If you have a small business that uses DVR video security systems, you know how convenient and inexpensive these systems are. For many commercial applications DVR video security systems are the perfect solution. The systems are simple, easy to set up, easy to operate, and require little maintenance. But if your operations are expanding, you may find that a DVR system is a bit more limiting than you would like.
When an NVR System Makes Sense
NVR, or network video recorder systems record data over a network rather than onto a local storage device. When a facility is spread out over several buildings, it’s easy to see how an NVR system would be more manageable than numerous DVR systems, each with their own storage devices. While NVR systems are great for multi-site applications, they are more complicated, more expensive, and require more expertise to set up.
Why Hybrid DVR Systems are Popular
Luckily for many businesses, hybrid DVR systems are available that combine the best of DVR and NVR systems. They employ off-the-shelf technology and are easy to set up. Additionally, they are less expensive than strictly NVR systems. Enterprises that are in the beginning stages of expansion often turn to hybrid systems as a stepping stone to a full NVR system that may be necessary in the future.
Time for an Upgrade?
Only you can know for sure if it’s time for a hybrid or NVR system. For many businesses, a straight-up DVR system does the job perfectly. In these cases, there’s no real need to go to an NVR or hybrid system. But if you believe your DVR system isn’t quite adequate, then it may be time to explore your options in hybrid systems.
What to Look for in a Video Security System Provider
Don’t go by price alone when choosing video security systems. Customer service before and after the sale should be a big consideration too. The most sophisticated security system available doesn’t do much for security if you don’t know how to use it and can’t get help from your provider. Always buy from a vendor with a good customer service track record.
The term “IP camera” refers to digital video cameras that send and receive data over a computer network or over the internet. As just one example, your computer’s webcam is an IP camera. But the term usually refers to surveillance cameras. IP cameras may be centralized, meaning they require a network video recorder (NVR) for recording and management, or they may be decentralized, meaning they record directly to hard digital storage media, like a hard disk. Decentralized IP cameras are sometimes referred to as digital video recorders (DVRs).
How NVR Systems Improve Security
Network video recorder systems are advantageous when more than one surveillance camera is needed. Because the video is managed centrally on a server, these systems are popular in settings like multi-building hospital complexes or college campuses. Pure network video recorder systems, however, can be complicated to set up and manage, and they can be more expensive than a small business can afford.
Advantages of Hybrid DVR Surveillance Systems
Hybrid systems use the best of DVR and NVR surveillance systems, and are generally more affordable for smaller businesses. The expense of pure NVR systems comes from the cost of standalone encoders, software licenses, and server costs. NVR systems also require more physical space and more IP addresses for functioning, and they are harder set up. But hybrid systems are basically “plug and play” systems that cost less and are better suited to simpler security applications.
Pre-Built, Off-the-Shelf Technology
Because hybrid IP camera surveillance systems use off-the-shelf technology, they are a great security solution for businesses who want to eventually migrate to a pure NVR system. The same client software for DVR systems can generally be used in hybrid systems, so that the switchover toward an NVR system can be done seamlessly.
Affordable Security for Businesses
Providing surveillance security for your business or facility is critical in today’s world. Fortunately, technological innovations are making the process simpler and more affordable. Whether you choose a DVR, NVR, or hybrid system, you’ll have the peace of mind that will allow you to concentrate on running your business successfully.
What is a DVR Security System?
DVR stands for digital video recorder. Digital video recorder security systems record video digitally onto a mass storage device like a disk drive, memory card or USB drive. These systems allow video playback to and from a physical storage device. Instant retrieval of data, high quality images, and easy customization are just a few of the advantages of a DVR security system over traditional video security systems. Auto-start recording and night vision are incorporated into some digital video recorder security systems.
What is an NVR System?
NVR is the abbreviation for network video recorder and refers to a software program that records digital video input over a network. Video on an NVR system is encoded and processed at camera level and is streamed to the network video recorder for remote viewing or for storage. With pure NVR systems, centralized servers can be used, reducing equipment, service, and power consumption costs.
CCTV Network Camera Hybrid Solutions
Today hybrid systems are available. These DVR NVR security systems incorporate functions from both NVR and DVR systems. Many systems referred to as NVRs are actually hybrid systems. For smaller security applications where cameras are managed locally, CCTV network camera hybrid systems are good choices because they do encoding, management, storage, and serving of video with fairly simple on-site configuration.
Commercial Applications
NVR, DVR, and hybrid systems are widely used commercially. You’ll find these systems in place at:
Medical facilities
Shopping centers
School campuses
Warehouses
Government facilities
IP network technology can be used to link multiple digital cameras together even over areas that cover multiple buildings.
Customer Service
Nobody denies that price is a big consideration in choosing a security system. But it is important that anyone choosing a system for a school, hospital, mall, or government complex choose a vendor with highly qualified customer service. The best system in the world won’t do much if nobody knows how to operate or use it optimally. Every video security system setup is unique, and you get much more for your investment if you know you have great customer service backing up the products you buy.
The world is a dangerous place; few would argue otherwise. The evening news is almost never good and the numbers are not much brighter. According to the FBI, there is a burglary every 14 seconds in America. But those statistics are actually quite low by historical standards. Home invasions, burglaries and robberies are all less common than they were a few decades ago. One of the reasons is technology. DVR security camera systems are not only more reliable than their predecessors, they are also much cheaper.
Before DVR video security systems came on the scene, the only people who could afford home surveillance systems were millionaire jetsetters. Now any home or business owner can find DVR security camera systems for a fraction of the price they sold for only a few years ago.
Who needs them?
It would be nice to be able trust people absolutely, but it would also be immature. Most of us know that folks don’t always play by the rules, or do the right thing. Sometimes they lie, cheat or steal. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently reported that employee theft costs American companies around 40 billion dollars each year. Most of this crime is petty crime. Workers simply help themselves to pens, paper and pencils from the storage supply closet. Telling them to stop is simply not enough of a deterrent for most office thieves. They need to know there will be a price to pay for their pilfering.
DVR security camera systems send a simple, unequivocal message to employees at home and in the office: someone is always watching. That might sound a bit Orwellian, but most workers do not mind, since most of them are honest individuals. Only a very small portion of employees would ever dream of biting the hand that feeds them.
A leading supplier of security cameras for the home and office, SecurityCameraWorld.com has an extensive line of DVR and digital video recorders as well as new hybrid DVR systems. Cameras can be installed inside or out, with wires or without. Most businesses prefer wired systems, since they are a bit larger and easier to discern, which tends to deter crooks. Homeowners, on the other hand, prefer smaller, wireless cameras that can be hidden in out-of-the-way places, like a closet or armoire.
People are less likely to do wrong when they know someone is watching. It would be nice to take folks at their word and trust them to do the right thing, but it would also be monumentally naïve. And naivety is rarely rewarded in this world. Anyone who has anything valuable to protect should consider a state-of-the-art surveillance system for their home or office. Are we being overly cynical? Let’s take a look at the numbers.
The FBI tells us that a burglary happens every 14 seconds in America. Most occur during daylight hours, when homeowners are hard at work. And speaking of work, employee theft is a major problem in the US. The Department of Commerce reliably estimates that businesses lose around 40 billion dollars to pilfering employees each year! What can you do?
Before we get into specifics, let us address the moral issue. It is in no way an invasion of privacy or a breach of ethics to install digital video recorder security systems in your home or office. Whether you want to keep an eye on a new nanny or checkup on your employees, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Which system is best?
That really does depend on what you need to protect. Most homeowners prefer DVR NVR security systems, since they are often wireless units. Wireless cameras are generally smaller than the wired variety and can be placed in out-of-the-way spots. Business owners, on the other hand, often like wired digital video record security systems because they generally work better outdoors and do not drop or lose signals. CCTV network camera hybrids are popular with both businesses and homeowners.
SecurityCameraWorld.com is a leading seller of digital video recorder security systems for the home and workplace. Their clients include major retail shopping centers, medical facilities, warehouses and average homeowners. Whether you want James bond or a basic system that will give you piece of mind, SecurityCameraWorld.com has got you covered. As security experts, they are more than happy to help any prospective client assess his security needs and recommend a system that will keep his home and/or business safely monitored.
