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CCTV Articles.



Dome Security Camera

April 1st, 2011

The dome security camera is one of the most popular types of digital video security camera in use today.  Thanks to modern technological advances a lot of electronic power can be packaged inside a small 3.5 inch diameter dome camera.  Not only are they small and powerful, but the average dome security camera is light weight as well (in most cases weighing just under one pound), which makes it easy to mount just about anywhere.

Today, there are three standard types of digital video camera based on shape; the box type, bullet type, and dome security camera.  How, what, and where the camera is used usually dictates the type, although user preference is also a factor.

Dome cameras originated from their older analog ancestors.  These cameras were often big and bulky and required a great deal more depth than today's dome security camera.  Often, the older cameras were actually box cameras placed behind a wall or ceiling with the body of the camera extending into the wall space ith just the lens extending through a pre-cut opening.   A glass dome was then fixed over the lens to make it more aesthetically pleasing.  Blackened glass or two-way mirror glass was often used to conceal the lens, so that potential shoplifters, intruders, etc. would not know in what direction the lens was aimed.

Current dome security cameras are nothing like what is described in the previous paragraph.  Considering that the main components of a digital video camera are the lens, the sensor chip, and the Integrated Circuit (IC) electronics the largest part of the camera is often the lens which on the average is about 3.6mm in diameter.

A digital video dome security camera is a compact, highly sophisticated electronic piece of equipment.   The sole purpose of the camera is to transfer light images into electronic images that can be seen on an electronic display device such as a monitor.

It does this by first using a lens to focus the field of view onto a tiny sensor chip.  These chips range from 1/3 inch to about 1/2 inch square.  One of two different sensor ships is used.  Although the chips go about the process differently, both yield the same result; transferring light into electronic impulses that can be measured (and therefore used to create an electronic image).

The sensor chips are either a Charged Coupled Device or CCD or a Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS.  After the sensor chip converts the light image into an electronic impulse, the IC chips take over processing and digitizing the electronic information and passing it along to the Digital Video Recorder or DVR.

There are several types of dome security cameras based on how they function or where they are intended to be used.  Dome security cameras can be classified as indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor types although most outdoor types today are the combination indoor/outdoor.  Indoor dome cameras are intended to be used inside, under protective cover from the weather and other elements.

Outdoor dome security cameras are protected by an outer shell or case that prevents water, snow, hail, or other damage to the camera itself.   These cameras are often rated according to the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC's) Ingress Protection or IP standard.   An IP rating of IP55 or higher is usually considered good.

Dome security cameras are usually flush mounted on a ceiling or wall, but may be mounted on special mounts that can range from peduncle type to horizontal extensions.  They require very little surface area for mounting, and can usually be mounted easily using from two to four screws.  The video transmission cable and the power supply cable usually attach from the underside of the mount or there are extensions exiting from under the mount such that the wires remain hidden and protected by the structure the camera is mounted on.

Dome security cameras may also work in InfraRed (IR) modes and the IR Light Emitting Diodes or LEDs are normally clustered right around the camera lens.   This provides directed IR illumination in the exact field of vision of the camera lens.

Security Camera King offers a wide selection of indoor and outdoor (as well as indoor/outdoor) dome security cameras.  Our cameras are of the highest quality and offer the best performance at the most economical price in the industry.

Compare Security Systems

April 1st, 2011

There are so many different digital video security systems on the market today that one would think it impossible to compare security systems.  To the contrary, this is an easy task when you consider all that Security Camera king has to offer.  In fact, we feel our security system packages are so superior compared to other market contenders that in this article, we'll compare security systems only offered by Security Camera King (SCK).

First, most digital video security systems offered by other vendors consist of a Digital Video Recorder or DVR and digital video cameras.  That's it–take it or leave it.   Cabling, connectors, and power supplies are often extra and there is no latitude in making adjustments to their package offers to better suit your needs.  When you compare security systems like this to ours, there really is no comparison.

SCK offers several top-of-the-line digital video security systems that include super high quality DVRs and cameras as well as enough video transmission cable, power supply cable, video cable connectors, power supply line connectors and power supplies to complete your package.  But SCK doesn't stop there.

We don't hand you your merchandise and say "Thanks come again" and that's it.  We also offer the most extensive technical support of any digital video system vendor.   From our video tutorials to our on-line knowledge base we offer you information, instructions, and a wealth of knowledge to help you install your own system, set it up, and keep using it happily for years to come.

But we still don't stop there.  We also provide full live technical support from a security expert accessible by either our on-line "Live Chat" or via telephone.  Our security experts are available Monday through Friday from 9 AM through 6 PM EST to help you design, choose, install, set-up, and use your digital video security system.

When you compare security systems, keep in mind that in addition to the tremendous support options we offer, our system cameras come with a full 1 year warranty and our DVRs come with a full 3 year warranty!  Compare that to other industry vendors' security systems.

SCK offers several different complete package systems.  We basically offer our systems based on the type of DVR and the maximum number of cameras (or channels) the DVR can input.  Therefore, our packages consist of 4, 8, 16, and 32 channel systems.  We also offer the 4, 8, and 16 channel systems with the Elite Mini Economy, Elite Mini HD, Elite Series, and Ultimate Series DVRs.  Our 32 camera package is only available with the Elite Series DVR.

We further break each of these packages into two different offerings based on cabling and power supply options.  We do this because our customer feedback has indicated when we compare security systems, that many customers prefer a pre-cut, connector installed "plug n play" cable system.  Other customers prefer to cut their cables to the exact length of their runs, some of which may be much longer than others, and apply their own connectors.  For these customers we provide a bulk cable package.

We also offer the option of changing or upgrading components and component's features for the purpose of tailor designing a system to fit your exact security requirements.   Some changes and upgrades are free while other may include an additional charge.

All of our package systems feature the following:

  • audio input;
  • firmware upgrades via the Internet or USB Thumb drives;
  • H.264 video compression, the latest and most efficient COmpression/DECompression or CODEC utility available;
  • High record resolution rates;
  • On Screen Display (OSD) Graphical User Interface (GUI) control;
  • IR remote control;
  • Full Internet capability including monitoring and controlling your system and cameras with a PA and Internet Explorer or even by 3G or 4G smartphone;
  • Email alerts;
  • Linux Operating System (OS);
  • State-of- the-art Digital signal Processors (DSPs); and,
  • Network ready DVRs with Web server technology built right in.

With all of these features, and much more available on our Elite and Ultimate Series DVRs, we feel that our systems can't be beat.  We invite you to compare security systems but we'll warn you now to save you time; when it comes to SCK digital video security camera system packages there is no comparison.

Pan Tilt Zoom Camera

March 30th, 2011

The Pan Tilt Zoom camera or PTZ is one of the most versatile dome cameras on the market today. Not only does it offer the standard electronic features of most other dome cameras, but the PTZ can do just that–Pan, Tilt, and Zoom.

In the video industry, Panning is the ability of the camera to about a horizontal plane, simply put turning from left to right and all the way around in a circle.  Tilting refers to the cameras ability to move about a vertical axis, once again simply put up and down.  With no walls, poles, or mounts to impede the view, a pan tilt zoom camera can easily maneuver its lens in any position equal or greater to that of an area covering 1/2 sphere.

In addition Pan Tilt Zoom cameras have the ability to change their focal length such to allow a field of vision that can range from "wide angle" to "Close-up" depending on the lens.  This lens movement and/or electronic (digital) action is called Zoom.

Pan Tilt Zoom cameras usually have a motorized mechanism that moves the camera about the axis, although some may also be able to perform these functions on a limited basis electronically.  When this technology is coupled with motion detection or object (shape) detection, the PTZ camera can be elevated in application from not only its PTZ functions but can also perform auto-tracking and following.

Security Camera King (SCK) offers a variety of Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras which range in price from $199.95 to $985.99.  SCK's PTZ-LX550L3X is an affordable solution for a PTZ camera priced at $199.95 with a resolution of 550 TVL!  This camera has a 3X Zoom lens with 360 degree continuous rotation pan.  It can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees and flip.  The maximum pan speed is 60/sec, tilt 30/sec, and the present speed is 100/sec.

The PTZ-LX550L3X offers 32 preset points with pattern tours including programmable 16 preset point number and dwell time/speed.  The camera can auto scan as well as be programmed to auto return to its home position.  This camera is rated IP66 for outdoor use so it can be used as an indoor or outdoor camera.

Our PTZ-HN03100 is the perfect solution for a hands down high quality Pan Tilt Zoom camera that works well with any of our featured Digital Video Recorders or DVRs.  This camera is also a super high resolution camera weighing in at 540 TVL.  It is vandal proof, IP66 rated with the outdoor mount, has auto gain control, auto white balance, and an on-screen display.  In addition it offers 10X optical and 10X digital for a combined 100X zoom capability.

Next in line is our SVP-54CDN10X 540 TVL Mini Dome Surveillance Camera.  This is a Veilux camera and as many of our customers attest on their reviews, you can't go wrong with a Veilux when it comes to quality.  This mini camera may be small but it delivers BIG results.  It offers true day/night with color day time video and black and white when the ambient light becomes less than .02 Lux.

This camera offers up to 256 presets and it offers high speed pan and tilt.  This camera even comes with its own wall mount!  Priced at $664.50 it's a professional level camera that offers professional results.

SCK offers two different models of auto tracking Pan Tilt Zoom cameras.  The first, Product# VP-ATDNC27X is priced at $707.69 and includes day/night capture and 27X zoom.  Once again this is a Veilux brand camera and stands for high quality.  The second model is SCK's SVP-ATDN36X and is also a Veilux camera similar to the first with the major difference being an increase in zoom capability to 36X.

Regardless of the model you choose, a Pan Tilt Zoom camera is a versatile, powerful, and cost savings camera.  When these camera are placed properly, one camera can easily replace the need for 2, 3, or 4 otherwise stationary cameras.  In addition, if standard non-PTZ cameras were used, these Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras also offer the powerful zoom function that allows you to get in close.

If you are interested in purchasing a Pan Tilt Zoom camera or would like more information, please contact one of our Security Specialists today.

Video Security Systems

March 29th, 2011

Video security systems are fast becoming the "wave" of the future.  Not only can they document events as they occur, but with Internet technology and other electronic technology advancements, they can even act as burglar alarms and alert you when possible illegal events occur.

A basic digital video security system is a component system that consists of three major components:

1)    One to many cameras;

2)    A DVR or Digital Video Recorder; and,

3)    A monitor or monitors

The system operates in the following manner.  The digital video camera converts light energy into electrical energy which can be measured and is used to create digital video data.  This data is sent to the DVR.  As previously mentioned, the DVR is a digital video recorder, just like the hard disk drive or HDD of a personal computer.  However, in security camera systems, the DVR normally contains a processor, just like the processor in a Personal Computer or PC.

However, the processor in a DVR is a highly specialized piece of electronic circuitry.  Unlike the PC processor, the security camera DVR processor is manufactured to handle specific functions of security camera systems such as digital video file production, camera control, and recording of digital video files.  It uses a specific utility called a COmpression/DECompression or CODEC program to process the digital video file from the digital video data sent to it by the video camera.

Digital video is basically nothing more than a series of rapid digital photographs taken in rapid succession.  Typically, high quality digital video is about 30 digital photographs taken within on second, also referred to as 30 frames per second or 30 fps.  When you think of the file size from just one high quality digital photograph, you can imagine how enormous a digital video file that takes 30 fps for 24 hours could be.

That's why the DVR's processor uses a CODEC to create the digital video file.  It uses special programming that shrinks the size of the file without sacrificing the high quality of the image.  CODECS change from time to time as different approaches and technologies make each CODEC better and more efficient.  One of the most popular and recent CODECs is called the H.264 CODEC.

The DVR in a video security system creates, processes, and stores digital video files that can be viewed instantly (live) on monitors or stored for later viewing on monitors or for archiving.  Many DVRs also have additional storage options such as CD/DVD writers or USB Flash drive connectivity to copy portions of video to portable media.  This may be necessary to give insurance companies, police departments, as evidence, etc.

The DVR may also contain other specialized features.  One common feature of many modern DVRs is internet connectivity.  The DVR may contain its own web server technology and programming so that it may be connected to any broadband internet service and instantly become accessible anywhere in the world there is broadband internet accessibility.

Most DVR and security camera systems come in 4, 8, or 16 channels.  This means that the DVR can handle 4, 8, or 16 separate camera inputs at one time.  Security systems requiring more than 16 cameras simply use additional DVRs to expand the number of cameras needed.

Highly specialized security cameras may have highly specialized DVRs.  Portable systems, systems that are used for a small amount of time, systems that have self contained cameras and DVRs all in one unit may utilize different digital storage methods for the DVR.  For example school bus DVR and security camera systems often use a Compact Flash Card or similar portable storage medium instead of a full sized hard disk drive as the DVR.

Is a DVR necessary in a security camera system?  No, not necessarily, but a system with just a monitor and no DVR will not be able to record the video so that it may be reproduced for later use.  A baby monitor is usually a good example of this.  On the other hand, a retail store facility would not realize the full potential of protection without a DVR and security camera system.

Other DVR and video security systems' functions pertaining to the DVR may include audio recording, various output display resolutions as well as connectors, remote control, e-mail and smartphone notification, and mouse and/or keyboard control.

OD-LX520IR50 Vandal Resistant Dome Camera

March 25th, 2011

Security Camera King's (SCK's) OD-LX520IR50 Vandal Resistant Dome Camera is the featured camera for all of SCKs Ultimate series DVR complete package systems.  Although this camera sells individually for only $74.95, it's a very high quality high definition camera that produces detailed video and comes packed with many useful features.

The OD-LX520IR50 Vandal Resistant Dome Camera may be used indoors or outdoors and is rated at IP66.  The IP rating is the International Electrotechnical Commissions (EIC) standard for Ingress Protection; in other words it is a rating that grades the amount of protection that is afforded to the camera from weather and other elements.

A rating of IP66 means that the camera is dust tight and is completely protected against contact with dust.  In addition, the camera can withstand powerful water jets projected from a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure without any harmful effects to the camera.

The OD-LX520IR50 is a vandal proof camera which means it has been designed in such a manner as to prevent as much mischievous damage to it as possible.  There are no exposed screws, the case is rugged and durable, and even the video transmission and power supply cabled can be run from behind the camera to prevent exterior exposure.

The camera is also a night vision InfraRed camera.  This camera can create crisp, clear detailed video images in total darkness and has a total darkness IR range of approximately 50 feet.  This is supported by the 23 separate IR Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that surround the camera lens and flood the camera's field of vision with IR illumination.  Although this IR illumination produces a bright, nice contrast video image, it cannot be seen by the human eye.

The OD-LX520IR50 also has back light compensation to automatically adjust for subjects that could otherwise be distorted to back lighting.  It also comes with auto white balance for proper contrast and brightness control.  The included lens is a small 3.6 mm/F2.0 lens.

For the technically inclined, we'll provide the following additional information.

The OD-LX520IR50 utilizes a SONY 1/3″ CCD with a horizontal resolution of 520 TVL (television lines).  It's signal to noise ratio is more than 48 decibels and its clock frequency is NTSC 28.636 MHz and a 2 to 1 interlaced scanning system.

The minimum operating illumination is 0 Lux because the camera is an IR camera that can operate in total darkness.  The 23 IR LEDs that surround the lens can provide a working range up to 50 feet, but greater lengths can be obtained using additional IR illuminators.  The IR mode begins working when the ambient light dims to less than 10 Lux which is detected and then IR is initiated by a CdS (Cadmium Sulfide) cell (i.e. photocell).

The camera has an internal, negative synchronous system with a Gamma rating of 0.45 and an auto electronic shutter speed range of from 1/60 to 1/100,000 of a second.  It has a video output of 1 volt peak-to-peak at 75 ohms with auto gain control.  The camera operates on 12 Volts DC with a draw of 300 mA (this includes the IR LEDs).

The camera is small, compact and light weight.  The camera dimensions are 3.7 x 2.7 inches at weighs just under one pound (15.9 ounces)

The OD-LX520IR50 is durable an can operate within a fairly large temperature range.  The camera has been field tested for storage only at temperatures ranging from -22 degrees F through +140 degrees F and has a significant operating range of from 14 degrees F through 113 degrees F.