Tag Archives: CCTV monitoring

Recording CCTV- should I use a Digital Video Recorder or My PC?

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Choosing a new CCTV security system can often seem intimidating for first time buyers, especially considering the vast range of options available for Digital Video Recorders. Hard Drive size, frame rates and channels are all important to consider, but can seem truly impenetrable upon first consideration!

USB Video Capture Device AV RCA CCTV DVR Motion Detect

Our simple USB adapter is a great value way to set up a CCTV system!

What many people don’t realise however is that you can actually set up a basic CCTV recording system just using your home PC. Simply by using our USB video capture kit, you can connect any analogue camera straight to a computer and start recording to the hard drive.  The included software even allows a host of advanced features such as Motion Detection, usually found only in standalone DVRs. But what is the right choice for your system PC or DVR? We’ve prepared this handy table comparing the relative benefits of using both kits! Continue reading →

Could High Tech CCTV Cameras that can trace a face from a mile away breach human rights laws?

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Powerful CCTV Cameras that can trace your face from half a mile away – could this be a breach in human rights laws?

Most people are ignorant of how sophisticated and hi tech surveillance technology has become. In fact, surveillance cameras are now able to offer up to 29 megapixels, surpassing many cameras used by professional photographers.

Manufacturer’s figures suggest there will be 129,299 HD CCTV cameras in the UK by the end of 2012. What does this mean for Britain?

CCTV on pole

The UK’s first surveillance commissioner, Andrew Rennison, has issued a warning to the Government explaining the risks involved. “The technology has overtaken our ability to regulate it,” Mr Rennison said. “I’m convinced that if we don’t regulate it properly – ie the technological ability to use millions of images we capture – there will be a huge public backlash. It is the Big Brother scenario playing out large. It’s the ability to pick out your face in a crowd from a camera which is probably half a mile away.”

CCTV camera in cityCameras, as small as tiny dome cams, can now capture and store the images they record and use your image against a database of wanted people using algorithms that run in the background. And all of this can now be done from half a mile away, it’s that easy!

Mr Rennison continues to say that he feels that the public should have a say in whether this surveillance is acceptable and if they support it. And if not then “we need to increase the regulation”.

However, the Local Governement Association, explains the benefits of such CCTV. Going on to say that “Whether it’s tracking down a thug who brutally mugged an old lady, a vandal who trashed a war memorial or searching for a missing child, CCTV plays a crucial role in tackling crime and making people safer,” said Mehboob Khan, chairman of the association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board.

Back in February Big Brother Watch reported that UK councils have spent more than £500 million pounds over the last four years installing and operating high definition CCTV cameras.

The Big Brother Watch also echoed Mr Rennison’s concerns; claiming that the Government needed to give him more power to be able to clampdown on CCTV.

How do you feel about these extra high tech cctv cameras and about being watched 24/7?

 

CCTV in Toilets – Looking at the Surveillance of Schools.

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One of the biggest surveys so far into the scale of surveillance of pupils in public schools has revealed that over 200 schools have CCTV in bathrooms and changing rooms over the UK.

ClassroomAccording to the Telegraph, there are thought to be at least 100,000 cameras installed in schools across Britain, with 90% of secondary schools and academies using them. Continue reading →

CCTV News – London Surveillance ahead of the Olympics

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Having spoken previously about the amount of surveillance that we have in Britain and if it is really necessary we continue the debate by focusing on the plans ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

The country have been preparing for the amount of people that will be visiting the city of London during the Olympics, in shape of surveillance cameras, thousands of troops and private security guards all working alongside the police. Continue reading →

CCTV News This Week : 22/02/2012 How many cameras do we need and are we protected?

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How many cameras do we need? And are we protected?

UK councils have spent more than £500 million pounds over the last four years installing and operating CCTV cameras.

Big Brother Watches’ Nick Pickles, the campaign director explains:

“There is no credible evidence that more cameras will reduce crime, yet councils have poured enough money into CCTV in just four years that would have put more than four thousand extra police officers on the streets.” Continue reading →

This Week’s CCTV News – 9th February

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News that everyone is talking about this week are these two major stories:

Trendnet’s Security Threat

CCTV Split screenThe first, a rather shocking bit of evidence exposing a breach of security within Trendnet’s home CCTV cameras. The blog Console Cowboys first published this information in January, giving instructions on how to access thousands of streaming personal IP cameras. This is obviously a huge breach of privacy and has affected normal people during their everyday home lives. Continue reading →

Dispelling the myth of expensive CCTV

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CCTV is not expensive, and here’s why:

Buying equipment directly works out a lot cheaper than going through third party installers. Manufacturers like ourselves rule out the middle-man, meaning you benefit from affordable factory prices. Technology has come a long way over the past few years, for example imagine being able to buy a 50” TV that is thinner than a toaster for under £500 3 years ago. Well the same thing is happening with CCTV, image chips are becoming less expensive, yet the quality remains excellent. Just like a TV that is 3 years old is more than adequate in your home, CCTV technology that is 3 years old is great value for money and will deliver a quality picture. Continue reading →

CCTV for your Home Security – Protecting your home whilst you’re on holiday

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Going on holiday this summer? Who doesn’t look forward to summer holidays – a chance to get away with the family and partake in soaking up the summer sun and relaxing on the beach? But be aware that there are other fans of the summer months too, but for the wrong reasons. Thieves are often on the look-out for homes that look empty, particularly during holiday-times, as they know that families and households travel abroad. This gives them a real opportunity to target your house if you don’t have appropriate home security. Continue reading →