Everything Matters
It is not uncommon for someone to buy a hidden camera, set it up and then be unhappy with the results. All of that could have been avoided if the buyer took just a little bit of time and learned how to use it properly. You have to know what it can do, and what it cannot do, in order to get good results.
The first thing you need to do is determine the type of video you are hoping for. Do you want to record the video to an SD card and then view it later? Do you want the video to be put out to a monitor so you can watch it in real time? Many people have determined that the use of SD cards is very beneficial because it allows for backup and saving the videos. SD cards are tiny and they also save space because they are much smaller than the large traditional backup tapes.
Most hidden cameras that use an SD card to record are hidden inside an innocent looking common item found in any home. There are no wires or antennae visible. They are sometimes found in lamps, clock radios, air ionizers, calculators, clocks, you name it and there could be a hidden camera using an SD card to record inside it. These cameras are the easiest to set up and use. Now, you can get one of these cameras that can record in low light or no light at all! These cameras are truly “plug & play”.
A wired or wireless hidden camera requires different steps to set up. They usually require an external power supply. You either have to plug them into an electrical outlet or have a battery pack attached to it. If it is wired you will have a video “out” cable and a power cable or battery pack. That is a lot of wiring to try and hide. It can be done but takes a lot more work. If you have to plug it in try to place it as close to an outlet as possible so that you do not have to use an extension cord. That would look pretty obvious if you have an extension cord running across the room into a book that has a hidden camera inside!
Try to avoid buying a unit that has to be manually turned off and on. This will require you to put it in a location that you can get to easily when you want it to record. The other option is to get a camera that is either motion activated, sound activated or can be set to record at only certain times. This will permit you to initially turn the camera on and leave it that way. The camera will go into a stand-by mode until activated by sound or motion. Pretty convenient!
Again, if you decide that you want to watch the recording in real-time you will have to be running some wires. No big deal if the situation permits. For the wireless hidden cameras you will need a transmitter attached to the camera. This tends to make it not as easy to hide. Then you need a receiver at your monitor or TV. You have to run a cable from the receiver to your TV or monitor. More cables! On wired cameras you will not have a transmitter or receiver. You run a cable directly from the camera all the way to your monitor or TV.
Save yourself a lot of headaches. When you buy a hidden camera take just a few minutes to learn how to set it up correctly so that you get the results you want. You will be glad you took the time because it will do what you want it to, capture the criminal on film so you can have them arrested.
That one video could have saved you a lot of trouble.
Learn more about today’s hidden cameras. Visit Jim Wilkinson’s website at www.YourGreatestProtection.com. Find an All-In-One hidden camera that is right for you.
Tags: crime prevention, hidden cameras, safety, Security, surveillance, Tips
Posted in Tips · November 14th, 2009 · Comments (0)
There are many reasons to use hidden cameras. Many of the reasons take place at work, at home, in a parking lot, and much more. Protecting yourself, your family, and your property is the best thing you can do and hidden cameras can assist you with that in many ways.
If you think something is going on in your office at work or your home when you are away you should consider using a hidden camera. The newer ones can be very small and positioned in almost any location. They also blend in real well with where you put them. You can get a motion activated, a sound activated, or scheduled recording time, hidden camera.
One reason to use hidden cameras is at work. Statistics show that employees in retail jobs are the ones that steal from the companies and not so much the customers. Cameras allow you to confirm your suspicions and find out which employee is taking from you. Workplace issues with employees stealing office supplies and even money from the petty cash drawer is also very common. It is hard to prove who did it with a number of employees and when it is happening in your office. This is the best time to get a hidden camera so you can find out which employee it is that is betraying you.
Kids often get out of control when you are away from home. You may suspect your kids are going through your bedroom or in the office on your computer while you are away but you cannot prove it. Hidden cameras are the best solution to finding out who did what while you were away. There is no more denying it when you have a video for proof of who was in your room. When you have a lot of kids it is hard to tell who is telling the truth. Now you can record their every move while you are away and find out if they really are having parties or if they are behaving themselves.
Are you having a problem with someone vandalizing your car? Often a victim will be the subject of repeated acts of vandalism by one individual. Unless you actually witness that person doing damage to your car the police cannot make an arrest. With a hidden camera strategically placed you can record the person doing the damage and then the police have solid evidence who was responsible for the vandalism.
There are hundreds of legitimate reasons to use hidden cameras. They are becoming very popular as a tool to help prevent loss, prevent damage being done to property and for protection of our children. When a hidden camera is used you will either confirm your suspicions of inappropriate behavior, be able to identify vandals, and gather concrete evidence that a certain person committed a certain crime. Shop owners will see their revenue increase when the theft stops. Buying a hidden camera is a wise idea.
Visit Jim’s website, Your Greatest Protection and take a look at all of the unique, everyday items that hidden cameras can be installed
Tags: crime, hidden cameras, Security, surveillance, theft prevention, Tips
Posted in Tips · November 14th, 2009 · Comments (0)