The cyber eye is one of the best covert surveillance cameras on the market today. The reason is relatively easy to understand-it has enormous flexibility and capability! This surveillance camera is a black and white digital with infrared sensors that allow pictures in complete darkness up to 10′ away. It has an 8 mm lens.

The cyber eye senses images and records and saves them to a non volatile memory so images cannot be lost in a power outage or when the unit is turned off. The unit can be set to take pictures at 1-60 second intervals for up to 680 frames.

The unit records images when someone moves in front of it then digitally stores the pictures for retrieval later by plugging the camera into a TV/VCR/DVR’s RCA input using the included cable. Easy enough? The unit automatically adds a date and time stamp to each picture. How cool is that!

This camera is great for catching someone sneaking around your house or you can put it in your car and aim it out the window. Since it works by changes in the picture and not motion, you can take pictures through glass and it will still work beautifully. You just get a cigarette lighter adapter and away you go.

The camera can also take pictures on command by pressing the EMERGENCY button on the remote. You can use the 3-button remote to navigate your way through the images, erase them if desired or record them on a VCR tape.

The cyber eye is 2 1/4″X3″x3 1/4″ This camera comes with 2 remote controls, a power adapter, and a video cable.

The cyber eye is the perfect surveillance camera for business, home, and car surveillance. It is not a hidden camera per se but it is small enough to hide just about anywhere. Get one and find out what is going on when you are not there.

By: Jack Krohn

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Each day in the city, you can see people go to schools, do their business, drive around traffic, and do what they need to do. Generally, these people are law abiding and want nothing more than to go on with life.

However, there are those who want to get their desires and accomplish their goals through unlawful means. These people are the robbers, kidnappers, and other law-breaking citizens who prowl around the streets. They are the ones who make the alleys, sidewalks, parks, and other public places unsafe.

That is why elements of law enforcement work double time to monitor and apprehend these criminals. They have a lot of ways to do this-having increased regular patrols, using high-tech gadgets, training for even better tactics, participating in dangerous stakeouts, and even resorting to trickery.

One of these ways is through passive observation. By passive observation, policemen monitor public areas without them being in the vicinity! They rely on monitoring equipment to observe and record any activity in that particular area.

How do they do this? Passive monitoring is usually done by surveillance cameras. These cameras can actually zoom in on minute details-a person’s face, identification cards, even hidden weapons if the conditions are right. More advanced models are even equipped with sensitive microphones that record conversations. Connected to a large database, images of people can be matched to get a positive ID on potential suspects.

However, there are many critics who abhor the use of surveillance cameras. And one of the more serious concerns is the invasion of a person’s privacy.

You see, the police department usually assigns personnel to watch live footage for standard monitoring. Now critics are worried that officers may zoom in on some unsuspecting person and act like peeping toms rather than police officers.

For example, some officers might focus their cameras on a woman’s bosom and private parts for enjoyment. They might focus the camera on a window of a nearby apartment building and spy on people’s private activities. For more high-tech CCTVs, the microphone might be used to eavesdrop on conversations they are not privy with.

To prevent this intention, police have placed special features in their surveillance cameras these instances. For example, in some cameras, the images black out when focused above the second story of a building. Or the standard microphone feature is disabled, effectively eliminating the chance for private conversations to be heard, unless there is an approval from a high-ranking officer who posses an access code.

Skeptics still believe that these cameras pose a risk to their private lives, violating the Fourth Amendment as written in the U.S. Constitution. But while there were indeed few instances of misuse, it can’t be denied that these cameras are extremely useful. Police officers assigned to monitor them are generally responsible and respectful. With these cameras, monitoring personnel can dispatch officers on the crime scene more quickly. And of course, the recordings can review the footage for evidence.

Clearly, the benefits outweigh the cons.

By: Steve Strong

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Many advocates claim security cameras are ineffective weapons against crime. Despite the multitude of research studies that show reduced crime rates in regions under surveillance these few people are still not convinced. One study of car parking garages showed a 51% reduction of criminal acts. Security cameras are an integral part of police investigation and special police units are dedicated to their use. Often officers with special training are monitoring 50-60 cameras at a time in a single room, which can be a monotonous ordeal, as camera feeds rotate through monitors every 5 – 10 seconds. However, anti surveillance activists frequently point to situations and circumstances where these units failed to respond when a crime was being committed.

In one such example a woman was assaulted at knife point while inside her apartment building monitored by approximately 200 security cameras. She was forced into a stairwell where there were no cameras and raped. To use the horrendous nature of events like these to lobby against security cameras is unfounded. Cameras did not record the crime itself, but did observe the struggle in the hallways.

What are the alternatives? What would be fool proof? Greater physical presence of police and security guards? What are the chances security personnel patrolling the grounds would have stumbled upon the crime in progress, especially since none of the residents heard or reported anything? If guards had missed the crime what options would police have to follow up with other than slowly taking the victims description of the suspect and developing a sketch.

While these are terribly unfortunate events, just because a crime is committed under surveillance does not mean there is a problem with cameras themselves. The presence of cameras and readily accessible digital footage frequently leads to a speedy arrest of the perpetrator. Since there are so many cameras on the streets and in buildings, many times police can retrace a criminal’s steps providing them with an excellent profile of the suspect or his identity. In the example above police were able to locate footage of the criminal approaching the building from a gas station across the street. Other cameras in the gas station spotted the assailant purchasing cigarettes with his credit card and obtained his identity. He was apprehended immediately. Video footage is excellent evidence of the crime and will likely lend for a speedy trial and conviction.

People are people and sadly they make mistakes. Improvements in security technology are vastly closing the human error gap with image recognition. These high tech surveillance cameras can recognize items such as a gun or knife, as well as suspicious behaviors and criminal acts such as vandalism and assault. Absolutely nothing should replace personal common sense. One should always be aware of their surroundings and never take personal safety for granted.

Advances in technology have brought about much higher quality cameras at reduced prices making it a viable option for almost any homeowner to have indoor and outdoor video surveillance. Wireless surveillance cameras are quickly becoming the popular choice since they are so easy to install. These cameras can be quickly installed since there are no holes to drill and wires to run. Monitored security systems will dispatch security agents and notify police immediately.

By: Mike Josh Ward

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Some of us feel the need to watch over our children with a surveillance camera when they are babies. Camera surveillance provides information regarding their activities, condition and surroundings. Surveillance seems to continue from the time a child is born until they are watching over us (the parents) in our old age.

New Born

A surveillance system for a new born is referred to as a baby monitor. The most common type of system is a wireless camera often inside of a toy or stuffed animal sending a signal to a monitor. The monitor is portable so the parent can move the monitor with them to any location with in their home to view their new born child. The least expensive system is a battery operated camera and monitor. Baby monitors also come with wireless cameras that are plugged into a wall outlet, eliminating the need for batteries. Since the monitor is portable it will always require batteries.

Another system is a wireless camera transmitting a signal to a receiver then watched on a TV or recorded to a digital video recorder. The wireless camera is located in a housing such as a teddy bear with a transmitter. A signal is transmitted to a receiver where it is viewed on a monitor or recorded to a DVR/ USB. Many camera variations are created through the use of different housings.

As a young child begins to crawl and walk it becomes difficult to monitor their every move with only a single camera and a portable monitor. By placing additional cameras in the play areas and throughout the house it will be easy to view their activities while doing household responsibilities. Most hand held monitors have a viewing capability of at least 4 different cameras. With 4 cameras in operation four different views are available to see the babies activities.

Teens

The teen years are the most challenging for both the parents and teenagers. Families that have surveillance systems connected to the internet can easily check on their children when the children are at home and the parents are away from home. This occurs with a laptop or a computer at a location away from home. Home systems are created with the use of a wireless IP or a directly hardwired camera system connected to the internet. Having the ability to check on the children provides the assurance the children are being responsible while not at home.

Child surveillance is an individual responsibility and everyone has to make their own surveillance choices.

By: Dave Norton

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Security in today’s modern business office is a very different set up than a uniformed security guard coming by to rattle a doorknob periodically in what was standard security measures which were generally ineffective at keeping any determined criminal out of the building. More sophisticated systems were later developed where the security guard watched a bank of surveillance cameras stationed at various sensitive points around the premises. The guard may add this electronic gadgetry to patrols on foot. There may even be guard dogs added to the security team.

Office security is much more sophisticated today. Not only is there a need of protecting valuable equipment such as computers, printers, copiers and fax machines from the risk of theft from outside sources, but unfortunately, employees are known to be the instigators of the crime as well. Who better to know where the office safe is kept or where the most current electronic gadgets can be found? A discreet camera can provide surveillance of any space. By adding video tapes or some other type of digital image capture, a record of anything that occurs within the scope of the camera lens is maintained.

This provides some security in that the picture of a thief or burglar is recorded. In itself, it will not prevent theft, but it can provide a notification through an alarm system that someone has entered the space that doesn’t belong there. With sophisticated systems, the human security forces such as guards or law enforcement personnel can be summoned if the security of a space is breached. Sometimes security cameras are used as a preventative measure, since someone planning a theft may change their mind when they see a camera that is presumably recording their actions.

A security camera can provide safety in areas of the building or office that may not be visible from the main area. Stairwells, elevators, basements or even secured areas can all be monitored by a security camera set up. This can provide protection from accidents or foul play for employees working alone or in dangerous areas.

Although less obvious as a reason for office surveillance via a camera, if you have questions about work being performed by various employees in your absence, using a hidden security camera is a way to be sure that your employees are working when they are supposed to be doing so and not occupying their work hours with horseplay, personal work or just hanging around the water cooler.

As a business owner or office manager, having office security cameras can also be used to protect yourself from claims regarding sexual harassment, verbal commitments and other situations where legal action is threatened. Care should be taken that placement of surveillance cameras is in compliance with all state and federal laws regarding privacy issues.

Using surveillance cameras as part of your overall office or building security makes a more effective tool than human surveillance alone, since cameras can be placed to protect in areas where a human being would be less effective.

By: Andrew Stratton

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Crime has been a part of human society . . . and transgression. For millennia, people have been trying to stop or at least contain crime to a manageable level.

As years passed, the means to lessen and stop crime has advanced as crime became more complex. For example, from swords and arrows which can actually kill people, law enforcement now has guns and tasers. From bolas and staves which can stop criminals without killing them, law enforcement has developed rubber bullets and tear gas. From chariots and horse-drawn wagons to chase outlaws on horseback, law enforcement now has fast and tough police cars.

Another important development of law enforcement is surveillance. Surveillance has aided the police by monitoring crime-prone areas, checking out suspicious activities that may be a crime in progress. With surveillance, police are able to respond more quickly to a crime scene. Finally, surveillance allows police to gather evidence to convict a criminal to justice.

The foremost equipment in gathering surveillance are surveillance cameras. Sometimes called a CCTV, this modern equipment can zoom in and focus on details, and record images and, sometimes, conversations.

Many people think that surveillance cameras are just units. But, in fact, they are actually part of a larger system. Here, we will look at the important parts that make up this intricate system.

1. Camera – the camera itself is chock full of high technology. Most modern cameras have zoom functions which can focus on a person’s face, an identification mark, a strange baggage under his arm, or a weapon under his jacket. And the camera can zoom over a certain target from a hundred or more meters away.

2. Microphone – modern cameras are sometimes equipped with ultra sensitive microphones. Just like a camera lens, the microphone’s sensitivity and range can focus on a certain spot. This makes it an ideal surveillance tool for eavesdropping on clandestine conversations and illegal deals.

3. Housing – a camera’s housing provides protection for the fragile and sensitive electronics in it. The housing must be tough and sealed; no one wants rainwater or dust coming in to wreck havoc inside camera.

4. Mount – this is a frame or a stand where a surveillance camera is installed. The mount itself is screwed or bolted in places such as top of lampposts, the side of buildings, or inside traffic lights.

5. Servos – servos and gears allow the camera to move, allowing it to follow any target.

6. Computer network – this is the brain of the police surveillance network. The computer network allows operators to control the camera functions and monitor the activities in a given area. The operators manning the computer network also has direct contact with the police department for easy and quick deployment of law enforcement forces.

7. Recorders – Storage systems record and keep images as files to be used when police need to examine these images as evidence for apprehending criminals. In the past, images are recorded in magnetic tapes. Now, with the advent of computers and more advanced systems, the images are now stored digitally.

By: Steve Strong

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Web cameras are really inexpensive these days. With no technical knowledge, you can hook up one or several camerass to your PC and create own surveillance system, much like CCTV (closed curcuit television). But you’ll need the right tools first.

Active WebCam

Active WebCam captures images up to 30 frames per second from any video device including USB and Analog cameras, TV-boards, Camcorders and Network IP cameras. The program broadcasts captured content or from your computer or uploads it to FTP server. Broadcasting can be viewed using any Internet browser; no plug-ins or downloads required. The program performs simultaneous recording and broadcasting from unlimited number of cameras. Your camera / cameras can be used as surveillance system. When the program detects motion in the monitored area, it sounds alarm, e-mails you captured images, starts broadcasting, or records video. Live broadcasting as well as recording can be password protected that all video and audio information are scrambled and cannot be viewed without valid password. The program has features to place image overlays and date/time stamp on each video frame, and adjust picture size / quality.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/activewebcam.htm

Blue Iris

Blue Iris is professional-grade software utilizing the latest video software technologies, including MPEG and Windows Media webcasting. Watch your home, cars, and valuables. Watch your pets. Watch your kids. Watch your nanny, babysitter, or your friends. Use up to 12 cameras, the $20 kind, or your digital camcorders. Use motion detection, audio detection, or capture continuously. Overlay text and graphics. Use the built-in web server, or post to a website. Receive alerts via loudspeaker, e-mail, instant messaging, or phone. Updates and support included.

Video Security:

* Use motion or audio sensing to trigger recording, or record continuously or periodically.

* Images may be captured as either JPEG images, MPEG movies or Windows Media movies (full version).

* Receive alerts via loudspeaker, email, instant message, voice phone call, or external program/script.

Friendly Interface:

* The initial view shows live views on the left, and a list of clips on the right.

* When you size the window, the main image sizes with you.

* Click on a camera view or clip to open it.

* Click on the image to zoom in or out.

* A status bar at the bottom lets you know what Blue Iris is doing, and provides help when you pass the cursor over windows and controls.

Powerful Clip Viewer:

* There are controls for playback and stepping frame by frame. A position slider allows random access to any point in the video.

* Zoom and Pan functionality.

* Control the speed of playback (audio as well as video) and the audio volume.

* Automatically archive and retire images.

WebCam Features:

* Built-in multithreaded web server, supports authentication.

* Post images to a remote web server.

* Broadcast MPEG, a JPEG image stream to a Java client applet.

* Perform “true” webcasting using leading-edge Windows Media Technologies such as variable and multiple-bitrate encoding (full version).

* Detailed stats.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/blueiris.htm

By: John Deprice

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Surveillance cameras come in various varieties. The variety is so large that the spread and specifications seem daunting when you actually want to buy one. There obviously has to be a manner in which the process of deciding on a surveillance camera is made easier. And there is!

The first thing that you need to do is to decide the specific reason that you want the indoor or outdoor security camera to achieve. Do you want to keep a track on what the family is doing or do you want to keep a close eye on the workers on a construction site? Almost all public places have a surveillance camera to monitor activities and today it is unlikely that you will find a mall, a garage, a school or university that does not have a surveillance camera. The other thing that you need to decide is whether you want to monitor the output from the camera at a remote location through a computer or while you are sitting in another room with a Close Circuit Television (cctv).

With new technology, wireless surveillance cameras are becoming more popular by the day. These are most efficient since they are easy to install. No ugly wires collect in a bundle and cause dust to accumulate. Wireless surveillance cameras are also convenient to move around in case you want to use it in a room other than the regular one.

However, if you want to install the surveillance camera in the outdoor, there is no better option than the solar powered surveillance camera. This is so because solar powered cameras do not need to be pulled down every now and then to be charged. The solar cells last for about two years and are self sufficient in terms of making the surveillance camera work.

One thing however is extremely essential to note for solar surveillance cameras and also for all outdoor surveillance cameras. These cameras need to be made from sturdy materials that can stand the sun, rain, dust and snow.

Today the solar powered surveillance cameras are so sophisticated in their specifications that they are designed to provide safety and convenience. Some of these can transmit color images to the receiver. The solar powered cameras can detect heat and movement up to 25 feet and more. With such a range the number of cameras that you may need to install in the facility also reduces.

The solar powered surveillance cameras are in fact the right solution for any kind of surveillance requirement. Not only are they convenient, the technical specifications match any other. With these installed, you can rest be assured of the fact that you shall be able to see and monitor the activities in the areas you want to.

By: Steve Thibeault

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In an ever changing world where security has become unstable, more people are starting to realize that their once safe environment is not safe anymore. This fear needs to be addressed and what better way to do this than to get a surveillance camera. Designed to monitor anything in its sight, the surveillance camera does more than that. It gives the owner the feeling of control and the confidence to leave his home safe and sound. Because of the sophistication of its design, people are given more options to choose the perfect surveillance camera with the following considerations:

Security Reason

The homeowner would be the best person to know his place inside out and this gives him the information he needs to assess the kind of surveillance camera that he needs. We are talking about entrances and exits, the people who live and frequent the house, the times when they are expected to be home, down to the areas where they usually stay. With these in mind, you are ready for the next concern.

Location

Whether indoor or outdoors, choosing the right place to put your camera is crucial to the camera’s objective. This actually dictates the design of the surveillance system, and how overt you would want it to be. Some people prefer their surveillance cameras to be as overt as possible to flaunt to passersby that they are actually being monitored. Others prefer to be on the strategic side, catching the culprits red handed like a mouse bated with fine cheese. Whatever the purpose of the owner is, location will definitely set this up.

Design

For hiding purposes, there are surveillance cameras that have been designed to look like ordinary objects or small enough to allow its set-up to be carried out as discreet as possible. We’re not just talking about the surveillance camera, we’re also referring to the cables, and most importantly, where to place the monitor which will dictate the strategy of the owner to keep his place absolutely safe. You could even go more sophisticated with Wireless Security Cameras, Digital Video Recorders, and Infrared Security Cameras

Whatever the purpose may be, the owner is given total control over the security of his place. He just needs the right tools and the right strategy to feel assured that no matter what happens, he will be in control wherever he is. Presenting these important facts, we hope that we’d be able to help you achieve your objectives with our expertise and credibility on everything about your safety.

By: William M Ward

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The average person looks at covert surveillance with his own biases. But in all intents and purposes, surveillance cameras have good points too, especially if you’re on the trail of a false hearted lover. But what is one man’s meat is poison for another.

Crackdowns on cheats, lovers, and ex-loves

Covert surveillance is a torment to cheating lovers and exes and professional cheats at the poker tables. On the other side of the fence, surveillance cameras are the answers to fervent prayers to catch cheats.

For the average Jane, the words surveillance cameras are thrilling – the need to know if her lover is being true or faithless is overwhelming and any spy ware available in the market is a tantalizing gadget.

Unless there is proof of infidelity, no sane man or woman will admit to it. It’s the big AHA! And poof, relationships are destroyed or re-established after repeated promises of good behavior.

Spying on spouses, legal?

But there are rules to follow in the spying game. Even if you’re on a personal mission, you have to be careful lest you be accused of invading one’s privacy. But is spying against one’s own husband, wife, or lover a crime?

There are many ways to spy on a partner, spouse, or co-habitant:

1. tapping telephones

2. accessing stored computer files

3. intercepting emails

4. stealing passwords to gain personal information

5. spying through surveillance cameras

If you are thinking of doing anything of the above, think twice. Depending on the degree of your spying, you may violate criminal laws, civil codes, and the common law. If you are going to use this proof of infidelity to blackmail or demean your spouse or partner and cause him or her undue stress and trauma, you are liable to answer in court for your careless action.

When not to snoop

When you suspect your live-in partner or husband is onto something and you don’t have surveillance cameras or don’t know a thing about spying, don’t do it on your own.

One woman hid under her husband’s SUV parked in the alleged girlfriend’s house. She fell asleep and unfortunately, someone let all the air of the wheels out and trapped the poor woman under the car.

If you can’t risk your partner’s ire and disgust, then don’t snoop. Snooping often leads to distrust and the eventual dissolution of a relationship. Again, if you can’t endure a break-up at this point in your relationship, don’t snoop.

Going beyond snooping is stalking with snooping. If you are going to the extent of trailing your spouse everyday and making those mysterious calls to his workplace just to make him miserable, be warned.

When to snoop

But still there are ways to get around the snooping issue. If your husband is behaving strangely and you suspect he is into drugs or other illegal activities, then snoop. It is for his sake that you are taking pains to know what is going on.

Get your surveillance cameras to do the snooping in the house when you’re not home. There is a perfect reason for the surveillance system. You can always say that home security is your number one priority. So there is no reason for any police officer to knock on your door and arrest you for spying on your own house.

By: Nahshon Roberts

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