Big Brother is watching you! Often bandied about in the media, the idea of pervasive surveillance is one many Americans object to, not realizing that it already is a part of the very fabric of our society. Appearing not only in the accepted banking, shopping and travel locations, closed-circuit tv (cctv) security has broadened its scope in recent years to view and record our actions at school, in government and even on the highway.
Designed to provide surveillance on a "closed-circuit" security system, cctv differs from broadcast tv in that only the units directly linked can access the picture. With today's Internet technology, the ponderous tv's and access equipment of the past are now often replaced with Internet Protocol(IP) cameras that allow users to view the closed circuit picture from any internet connection. Technology improvement has also led to higher quality pictures including still-photography capabilities.
Americans are most familiar with the traditional surveillance capabilities of cctv security cameras and expect them in banks and stores. Many people, however, are surprised to learn that highways, stoplights and non-commercial locations utilize cctv security equipment as well. Even more people are unaware that the same technology that is "watching" them has also been an integral part of their daily living in making the production of our necessities and luxuries safer, more efficient, and less costly.
Although large-scale cctv can be expensive, there are many individual uses of cctv security equipment that the average person can afford and use. With easy Internet access and widespread cctv security availability, homeowners can purchase a system appropriate for their budget and worried parents can check up on their in-home "nannies" if necessary. Quality varies with cost, but each year quality is becoming more affordable and the equipment is becoming less cumbersome.
Closed-circuit tv security has made its way into the entertainment business in the form of cctv in broadcast form. Reality shows capitalize on the surveillance of its participants to compose the footage for its broadcast, so cctv becomes broadcast tv fodder. Providing reality and, often comedy through its "Big Brother" perspective, cctv has offered not only surveillance, but also entertainment for the masses.
How reliable and useable is cctv security? That is a question that Americans will continue to debate both on the street and in the courtroom as the technology becomes sharper and more pervasive. In the past, the often black and white fuzzy pictures of the lower-end systems could not provide any real evidence. Today's systems can and do. Additionally, with all the concern about altered photographic images and unlimited public Internet access, the possibility of corruption exists with cctv footage as well.
How much cctv security do we want in our lives? Obviously we have a lot of it now. Does it really prevent and solve crime? Does it slow traffic down? Does it keep our homes and children safe? There seems to be some indication that cctv security does indeed accomplish many of its intended purposes including improving safety in workplaces and aiding in identification. And certainly, cctv security gives us a little peace of mind, something we can fall back on if something does happen to us that we need to view and analyze.
Christopher Williams is an expert in the home security industry. With over thirty years experience in home security his tips are well respected. If you are after more information on cctv security please visit http://www.adt.co.uk
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August 31 2009 | home security | No Comments »
In a bad economy, when millions of people are out of work, crime rates increase dramatically. Crimes of opportunity increase the most. Robberies and home invasions are increasing, as testified every evening in the news. Protecting yourself from robbery and home invasion is why you need an intruder alarm.
Intruder alarms are becoming so popular that many builders throughout the country are wiring for security systems as part of new construction. Even in an apartment building or condo complex, you might need more than a deadbolt to feel safe and secure. A quick consultation with a security expert could help you decide if you need an intruder alarm.
Who Needs an Intruder Alarm?
If you live in a neighborhood where crime rates are high or are rising, you probably need an intruder alarm. If you are "elderly" or "disabled" you are among the groups of people who are considered relatively helpless and "easy prey." You should also have an intruder alarm. If you live alone or have children at home alone regularly, you should also have an intruder alarm. If you fit one of these groups, you should protect yourself because you could be targeted for a break-in.
Any home can be a target for any of a number of reasons. Unless you live in an unusually safe area, you will probably sleep better and your family will probably feel safer with an intruder alarm. The first step in protecting your family and your home is to understand how vulnerable you are. By consulting with a home security professional, you can get a very accurate assessment of your need for intruder alarms.
Consider Your Vulnerability
You can make an initial evaluation of your vulnerability before you make a purchase. This will help you be certain you are buying the right intruder alarm.
-- Do you leave your doors unlocked? How about in the day time?
-- Windows on the first floor of your home are not locked
-- Is there a wooded area or other good hiding place adjoining your property?
-- There is no light on some of your doors and windows at night
-- Do you often come home with packages, computers, etc. in your hands?
-- Do you walk from the street, driveway, carport or garage to the door?
-- There is tall shrubbery around back or side doors
-- If you shouted for help, would anyone hear you?
-- You have a lot of exterior patio doors and French doors
-- Someone could easily follow you or one of your children home
-- Do you keep large amounts of cash in your home?
-- Do people know you carry a lot of cash with you?
Intruder Alarms Fit Every Need
If these questions have pointed to risk of break-in, you will need to choose the right intruder alarm. Keep in mind that some intruder alarms are more appropriate for particular types of residences.
If you live in an apartment or condo (with a number of units in a single building) you might need only an alarm that makes a lot of noise. This type of intruder alarm can be purchased in a home improvement store and installed easily. If you live on the first few floors of the building, you might also want to install alarms on windows. These intruder alarms are often portable and can be taken from one apartment or condo to another. The goal is for the intruder alarm to make enough noise to rouse other people or a security guard. You can also choose a wireless model that will not require any special wiring.
If you live in a duplex or a single family home, you might want to consider something a little more sophisticated. For the home, there are several types of intruder alarms, often used in combination in an integrated system. There are alarms that notify you if a door is opened. Most issue a quiet beep if the intruder alarm system is deactivated " but it is enough to alert you. There alarms that notify you if a window is opened. Many of these also alert you with a quiet beep when the system is deactivated. There are also glass-break alarms that respond to the sound of the glass in a window or door being broken. And there are motion sensors that sound an intruder alarm if someone is moving about the house. All of these alarms have loud sirens designed to scare off intruders and alert your neighbors.
Intruder alarms are best connected to either monitoring companies or to the police department. This way you know help is on the way if your intruder alarm goes off. Your alarm system probably also will have a panic button you can use if necessary.
Whether you are a member of a particularly vulnerable group or you just want to know that your family is safe, intruder alarms can be a very good idea. Just evaluate your level of need before you make a purchase. Then, we suggest consulting a home security specialist. Then you can purchase the intruder alarms that make the most sense for your needs, your budget, and your safety.
Todd Cavanaugh owns Protech Security Systems. He has installed intruder alarm systems for ten years. Protech specializes in pre-wired and wireless monitored security systems, 24-hour surveillance cameras, access control systems and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Protech is among the intruder alarm Tucson companies recognized by the BBB as an Accredited Member.
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August 31 2009 | security-systems | No Comments »