Security Video Technology is at the forefront of the Surveillance industry. The need to protect your business is very important. All business are effected with the economic slowdown, current recession, unemployment rising and wages falling, these are some unpleasant facts we must face. These include higher rates of violent crimes, burglaries, robberies, home invasions, fraud, theft, shoplifting, as well as employee theft.
As businesses layoff employees, they lose additional “eyes” making them more vulnerable to inventory shrinkage at a cost of 7%-27% of gross sales, while the option of having full-time security personnel at $1500 – $2,500 per week is just not feasible. Homeowners are now more vulnerable than ever before. Home Invasions are on the Rise!! Let’s not fool ourselves, as home and business owners we are not immune from being the next victim.
We at SVT are confident you will find state-of-the-art REAL TIME CCTV surveillance systems with excellent, pricing professional installation along with technical support. Please feel free to explore our site and contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. At SVT we only install Real Time DVR systems that work not some cheap Sams Club/Wal Mart low quality equipment. We promise a Return-On-Investment ranging between 2-6 weeks. At SVT we specialize in designing real time CCTV systems custom tailored to meet a wide variety of customers’ needs. So whether you are a small business owner, or Homeland Security Military SVT has cost-effective solutions for your loss prevention and surveillance needs. Any questions please Call us today!

Choosing The Best Lens on Security Video Surveillance Camera – Variable focal length cameras are becoming more commonly available. The SVT security cameras that have a zoom lens are usually housed in a weatherproof housing for outdoor use.

Fixed lenses are commonly seen in the small, easily concealed weatherproof ‘bullet’ cameras that are sealed, and fairly inexpensive. Therefore, the fixed lens is still a mainstay of video surveillance systems for the general consumer. Choosing the best focal length for your particular situation is important. You need to ask yourself these key questions:

1-Is the camera just going to be used for a wide coverage (say to cover the parking lot at my business or my front yard) to monitor general activity with little detail?

2-Is the camera going to be used to cover a specific narrow target area (say an entrance way or doorway) where I want to identify the face of the subject, and therefore need greater magnification?

Here are some steps that may be useful in determining the best focal length security camera:

First, determine the target distance – that is how far away your subject is likely to be. The idea here is to ascertain the target distance based on the situation. It’s not an exact assessment, but choose a target distance that is representative of the area you want to cover. For example, if you want the security camera to keep watch over your car parked in the driveway, choose a spot to mount the camera and then measure the distance from the camera to the far end of the car furthest from the camera. That way you’re able to cover the car and the surrounding area that a perpetrator might have to cross in order to access your car. The idea is to choose an average distance away from the camera that the perpetrator is likely.  Next, determine the width of the target area – that is the width of the area that you want the camera to cover. You want to choose a coverage area that is wide enough to capture the action, but not so wide that the magnification is diluted. Remember there is a trade off between coverage area and magnification, in that if you increase one you’ll decrease the other (all other things being equal).

Here’s where you need to make a decision as to whether you want more magnification or greater coverage area. If you want more magnification then you would choose the longer focal length, if you want a wider coverage area then choose the smaller focal length.

For example, let’s say that you have a security camera and your target distance is 25 ft. and your desired target width is 15 ft.  Remember, there is a trade-off between magnification of detail and coverage area!

If you want a better chance of identifying your subject at a distance you might want to go with the stronger focal length of say 16 mm to give you better detail. Keep in mind though, the field of view will be narrower which entails a smaller coverage area. For security camera with the target distance at 25 ft., using a 16 mm lens gives you are coverage width of only 7.5 ft. This lens may help you get a subject’s face in detail, but you may just miss him if he doesn’t walk through the narrow target area! (This high magnification focal length might be good for a doorway or entrance that is a narrow target area is or if your target is at a greater distance).

For any additional details and questions please feel free to contact us !!

When it comes to video surveillance security applications, it’s easy to see why night-vision-the ability to see in the dark-could be a significant bonus.

Infrared closed-circuit television cameras make this a reality, effectively monitoring the darkness for your surveillance system. Infrared security surveillance cameras have the capability to capture video in low light and no light (0 Lux) areas. Infrared cameras (IR) are sometimes referred to as IR cameras or “Night Vision Security Cameras” because of this.

Infrared cameras have IR leds positioned around the outer edges of the camera lens which gives the camera its “Night Vision”. Infrared Cameras can capture acceptable video in total darkness and even better quality video in low light. Even a small amount of ambient light helps the overall night vision capability of IR cameras a lot. IR cameras are available in various body styles, such as dome and bullet styles.

There are also specialty cameras such as license plate recognition (LPR cameras). License plate capture cameras are a specialized form of CCTV cameras that has built in software that helps to identify and capture license plates on still or moving vehicles.  The intelligent traffic modes built into these cameras allows the camera to compensate for speed, weather, and headlight issues which all make it challenging to capture a usable video that identifies license plates.

Wireless technology is developing at a fast pace, but there are problems with it that you might not know about. Wireless CCTV security video can be hacked into by another receiver very easy plus it has poor picture quality. You’ll need to look at a lot factors before you put in place a wireless CCTV security video system, so check out the drawbacks of a wireless connection.

Understanding how a wireless system works will let you understand in a much clearer way the problems that you might encounter with it. You need to know exactly what the issues are because security video is a serious matter for your home or business. The whole point of having a CCTV security video system is to keep you and the ones you love safe at home, and it’s just as important too for your business and customers safety.

Wireless has certain ranges that must be considered too. Because a camera that has wireless capabilities, you need to know that the transmitter inside the camera has to send signals to a receiver at another location. You’ll have to have it connected to some other type of equipment to view the pictures, such as a TV or video recorder. The problem you might find is that if there are any obstructions, it’ll weaken the signal, and you won’t be able to view what it captures. At times though the signal will be enough to catch blurry images and jumpy screen shots of what’s being transmitted.

There are other issues too such as interference from other electrical sources in and around your home or business. Signals are set on the same frequencies, so you’ll run into problems with phone, garage doors, two-way radios and even lighting sources. Even if you clear up the issues within your range, a next door business, or another home owners phone, will limit or even cut out, your desired security cameras transmission to the receiver it needs to work. Don’t forget either that you’ll have to work around any permanent objects in the way of transmission too, such as trees or utility poles for a home or business security camera.

Wireless is viable if there’s no other option but most wireless systems are on the 2.4 GHz frequency band which is crowded with tons of other devices ranging from wireless PCs to cordless phones. This makes for possible interference with the reception of the video signal. Weather events such as rain, snow, and even wind can wreak havoc with wireless signals. Terrain features such as hills, buildings, and walls can reduce signal strength. Limited focal length lense availability plus the wireless cameras only offer them with a standard wide angle lens. If you want a varifocal ,PTZ or longer focal length lens, you may be out of luck. Anyone with a 2.4 GHz video receiver can possibly pick up your video signal from that wireless CCTV security camera. The manufacturers don’t really have a standardized encryption for most consumer wireless security cameras.

Parking lots can benefit greatly from the security provided by security video. Did you know that 80% of crimes at offices, malls, hotels, super markets, casinos and other retail outlets take place in the parking lot? Place cameras near entrances and exits to capture each visitor who comes to your parking lot.

Lawyers make a good living off of liability cases based on a lack of sufficient security surveillance video footage. Businesses that don’t take measures or “reasonable care” in the protection of employees and customers against criminal threats will pay the price. The lawsuits often revolve around lack of sufficient lighting, surveillance and response. Once crime takes a foothold in an area it is difficult to break the trend, but there are some things you can do that can improve security, deter crime, reduce potential liability and make your customers feel safer. It’s interesting to note that where parking lot security surveillance has been implemented, customer use has actually increased because they feel safer. Increased customer use means increased profit which can be used to justify the increased cost related to any security improvements.

When placing cameras, make sure that every area of your parking lot can be seen by your camera’s field of vision. Different types of cameras mounted strategically can interact with one another to create maximum visibility and security.

Parking lots have unique security needs – with risks for both owner and customer. A comprehensive security surveillance video system can help protect both your property and your customers, helping your business remain competitive and your customers satisfied.

Prevent theft – Many thieves see parking lots as potential gold mines with miles and miles of cars or personal property that they can take. Visible security surveillance cameras can help deter thieves from breaking into cars on your lot, and can help aid law enforcement in identifying criminals who do rob cars on your lot. Cameras can also help prevent theft of store property – shopping carts, outdoor displays, tables and chairs, landscaping, etc.

Improve image – Customers are undoubtedly the most essential aspect of many businesses. Keeping your customers happy and giving them a sense of safety and peace of mind when they’re shopping at your business establishes a sense of trust and loyalty.

Liability issues – It’s inevitable that an accident will happen in your parking lot. Whether it’s a car crash, armed robbery, rape, a slip n fall, break in or an errant shopping cart denting cars, security video surveillance is an easy way to avoid costly liability cases.

Well it’s another year in the books !! This year 2011 seems like it flew by wow!!
I have watched crime increase 10x more this Christmas season. It’s a combination of a number of things causing this trend.

People are willing to take more chances in the criminal element.

At Christmas while we’re out shopping for gifts we’re not the only ones on the look out for bargains.

Most crime is opportunistic and the festive season tends to offer criminals plenty of chances to take advantage of people’s generosity and good cheer.

Christmas shopping is one of the most stressful things about the season and you don’t want to have to do it twice.  Take care when you go out shopping also be sure you, your car and your purchases are kept safe and secure:

• Park in a well-lit, busy area – this will provide natural surveillance for your vehicle but more importantly will improve your personal safety, particularly if you’ll be returning to your car after dark 

• The most obvious things are the easiest to forget – make sure you always close your car windows and lock the doors !! 

• Take all your valuables with you – the glove compartment is one of the first places a thief will look for wallets, purses, satellite navigation systems, stereo faces and mobile phones 

• Keep any purchases out of sight – if they can be seen they can be stolen, it only takes seconds to smash a window and grab boxes and bags left in the car

CCTV is a proven crime fighting tool. Without CCTV surveillance camera footage the Muslim terrorist in the September 11, 2001 world trade center plane bombings would have never been identified!!
Knowing that there is an extra set of eyes watching helps to reassure people that they will be safe.
CCTV also acts as an important set of eyes for the police, providing valuable evidence where incidents occur.

They will help deter, not only serious offenses, but also the nuisances – vandalism, graffiti and litter that seriously undermine people’s quality of life.”

When cameras are properly targeted, they can deter offenders, reduce the level of crime and increase the feeling of safety.

CCTV can often provide invaluable evidence that leads to the identification of offenders and in turn can save the police valuable time during the investigative process.

Evidence has shown that CCTV systems deter property crimes and robberies plus violent crimes such as rape and aggravated assault.
Fortunately in most situations, when a CCTV system is in place, criminals generally shy away from these monitored areas fearing prosecution since these recorded images can be used in court.

HD CCTV is coming to the Security Surveillance Industry full force in 2012.

HD CCTV is perhaps the first new product category in fifteen years to be introduced into the surveillance industry, a new way to provide high resolution on selected cameras while preserving the existing CCTV system backbone.

Prior to the advent of HD CCTV systems, the only way to achieve high-resolution video surveillance was to install IP cameras, which can be very costly and present technical challenges. HD CCTV squeezes new value out of existing CCTV cabling infrastructure. HD CCTV just works bottom-line !!

In an HD CCTV-based system, HDTV signals are transmitted digitally over conventional CCTV media without packetization or any perceivable compression latency. HD CCTV is a zero-training, plug-and-play resolution upgrade for the installed base.

The HD CCTV uses technology from the (Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers) to include the family of video interfaces known as HD-SDI, covering transmission of 720p and 1080p formats, among others, at data rates around 1.5Gb/s, to create derivative standards to enable plug-and-play security systems and equipment that can deliver high-resolution, high-definition (HD) surveillance video with no delays, no image artifacts, or no visible jitter. The same quality as a HD Movie in the theater !!

Security Video Technology has been testing HD CCTV compliant products including cameras, DVR and monitors, all of which are able to form a complete HD CCTV system solution at no packet loss, long transmission and zero delay. We have no doubt that HD CCTV will come to its full bloom in the security industry in 2012

To learn more about HD CCTV contact Security Video Technology (SVT) We have HD CCTV system solutions ready for installation in 2012.