SURVEILLANCE CAMERA BASICS

March 11, 2014 By

More and more people are adding surveillance cameras to their home and businesses. They have always been good for security but people are now catching on that they are a great management tool as well. Prices today are surprisingly affordable and the types of systems and features vary greatly.

First let’s talk about the two basic types of cameras available. Analog and IP. Analog cameras are the older technology and require a monitor or TV to view them and are recorded on a digital video recorder (DVR). They are also limited to the same standard resolution you see on your TV set. In order to remotely view analog cameras, your DVR would have to be connected to the internet and you would log into the DVR and see the cameras through it.  You could also see what the DVR recorded.

IP Cameras transmit their signal in the same manner that computers do and their resolution is not limited like analog cameras are. That said there are IP cameras that transmit the signal via IP but are standard resolution cameras. IP cameras go up to 10 megapixel and can give a superb High Definition picture. IP cameras do not need a recorder to be viewed. You can log into each camera directly and if you do not want recording capability, that is all you need. Taking that a step further is cloud recording. Whenever the camera detects motion in front of it, the scene is recorded in the cloud for viewing at a later time. You can also receive text messages and/or emails informing you that the camera detected motion and you can even receive via email the video clip that was recorded. For cloud recording there is a monthly charge, starting around $10 per month depending on how many cameras and how much storage space you will require.

IP cameras can also be recorded locally, on a Network Video Recorder.  This device can be reached remotely from anywhere in the world and you can watch your cameras live or see what they recorded.

Having recording capabilities on site is a plus because if your internet is down, the cameras can’t transmit to the cloud recorder. To solve this problem, many people install a network recording appliance that will record all the video from the cameras for later access while still giving you the convenience of cloud service.

All these camera types come in indoor and outdoor models. IP cameras can even come in 360, where one camera mounted on the ceiling will cover the entire room.

With video surveillance today, you can watch your home or business from anywhere in the world on your computer, smart phone, or tablet. All you need is an internet connection.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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Smoke Detectors vs. Smoke Alarms

March 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Very often  smoke detectors and smoke alarms are thought to be the same. They are not.

They are two different products that can detect smoke. Smoke alarms are what you can buy at any hardware store and electrical supply. They are typically 110V and battery or simply battery powered. Most are ionization type detectors. They have sounders built into them to make noise when they detect smoke. In new construction, it is required that when using smoke alarms, they must be interconnected, so if one detects smoke, they all go off.

Smoke detectors that are part of a system, are usually low voltage, 12 – 24 volts, and may or may not have a sounder built in. Most residential and standard commercial smoke detectors work on the photoelectric detection principle. The big advantage of smoke detectors tied into a monitored alarm system is that the fire department will show up in the case of an emergency even if you are not home.

In commercial properties in NJ, commercial smoke detectors must be part of a fire alarm system, while residential smoke detectors can be connected to a residential burglar alarm system. Smoke detectors installed by an alarm company can either be primary (detection that meets code) or supplementary protection.

Here is a very important difference for homeowners and building owners to know. Smoke Alarms have a 10 year life expectancy and are required to be replaced by code at the expiration of that time. Smoke Detectors do not have that same limit, though should be inspected to make sure they work properly.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

February 25, 2014 By

We have all heard of Carbon Monoxide, the odorless killer. On average, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 170 people a year die of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning that was not produced by automobiles. Just this past weekend there were 2 deaths on Long Island due to a malfunctioning heater in a restaurant.

170 deaths out of a population of 300 million doesn’t seem like a lot, but they are deaths that can for the most part be prevented. Carbon Monoxide is particularly dangerous in a home because it  puts you into a deeper sleep.

CO detectors are designed to alert you before a life threatening level of CO is reached. Current detectors and very stable and very rarely false alarm. If a CO detector goes off, do not ignore it but go outside immediately and call the authorities.

The state of NJ requires that all new homes, and homes that are resold, have a CO detector in the hallway of every sleeping area.

The advantage of a CO detector connected to a monitored alarm system is that in the event of activation, the authorities are notified and can gain entry and rescue you.

If you do not have a working Carbon Monoxide Detector, get one tonight.

If you would like to discuss connecting a CO detector to your alarm system, call us at 800-369-3962.

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Can Surveillance Cameras Really Help Catch Criminals?

February 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment

We have all seen the TV shows.   A crime of some kind occurs and from some office some law enforcement agency logs on to every surveillance system in the area, and they all have high quality video, and in a matter or minutes identifies the criminal that committed the act.

Well, reality is quite different. Here is what usually happens. The police look around and see if any of the buildings in the vicinity have surveillance systems.  They then contact the building owner and ask them for the footage from a specific time. They then look at the footage and determine whether the cameras saw the event. If so they have to determine if the quality is high enough to ensure an identification. Often times, it isn’t.

If the footage is decent, there are some techniques and software available to improve the quality, but no where near the scope that TV shows make you believe.  You can’t take a fuzzy image of a car and end up with a sharp picture of the license plate.

The quality of the surveillance system has a lot to do with this. Many analog systems just don’t have the lines of resolution to produce a sharp, clear picture. Over time, the camera loses focus and the overall picture quality can deteriorate.

The new IP systems, with megapixel cameras, can greatly improve this but focus is can still be an issue. It is also very important that all settings are correct, like motion detection and white balance, so you get the image you need.

Below the image on the left is analog and the image on the right is a 1.2 megapixel camera.

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The difference is striking.

So the answer is yes, surveillance cameras do help catch criminals.  But, it requires a lot of legwork to get the job done. Megapixel cameras are helping to up the odds of capture.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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100% Satisfaction Guarantee

February 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment

If you buy virtually anything at any store, you have a period of time that you can return that product and get your money back if you are not satisfied.

I think that policy should apply to anything you buy, particularly with a purchase as important as a security system to protect your home and family.  Lets face it, since less than half of all people in the country have a security system of any kind, it may be your first time considering and researching a system for your home.

Even if you do thorough due diligence, you are still taking a chance when having a system installed. There is just no way for you to know all the ins and outs and you have no choice but to trust the company installing the system. All the risk is on you. We don’t think that is fair.

That is why we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on everything we sell. If you are not happy we will remove the equipment and refund your money, no questions asked. Simply let us know within 30 days of installation. You see, we spend a lot of time researching the equipment we sell and attending training’s, and spend a lot of time talking to our customers to find out what works best.

We are confident that you will be 100% satisfied with our products, installation, and service and are willing to put our money where our mouth is.

We think that you should ask anyone you are talking to about an alarm system if they offer a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. If not, continue looking until you find one that does.

It is only fair.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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Practical Use Of Wireless Z-Wave Lock

February 7, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Here is a really good application of an interactive alarms system.

We recently installed a 2GIG GO! Control Interactive alarm system powered by alarm.com in an older couple’s home. They have had an alarm system for a while but decided it was time for an upgrade and had read about some of the features available today in our newsletters.

One thing that I never thought of, but my customer did, is access to the house by emergency personnel in the case of a medical or other emergency.  He wanted to make sure that a Z-Wave enabled lock was included with the system for the front door.

He had thought this through. If something happened and neither he nor his wife were able to reach the front door to let emergency responders in, he could unlock the door from a keypad or his phone to allow access. We also provided the central monitoring center with the code for the door (the Z-Wave lock has a numeric keypad on it) and they would give that number to the police department when dispatching.

The emergency responders could gain access. Problem solved.

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Central Station Passwords

February 4, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Whether you have a residential security system or a commercial security system, in order for the central station to know that the person that they are speaking to is an authorized user of the system, a password is used.

A password is a word that is attached to your monitoring account which the central station asks for before they will give you any information or take instruction from you.  If you do not know your password, you will not be able to stop a false police dispatch.  For this reason, it is very important that every user of the alarm system has knowledge of the password.

This password can be universal, one that every user of the system knows, or the preferable way, each user having an individual password. The advantage of the individual passwords is better security. Since every person has their own word, they will safeguard it closer than if everyone is sharing a word.  Also, if you decide that someone no longer should have access to your premises, you can change the alarm system user code, (the code that is used to disarm the system) and the password.

If a disgruntled employee has a universal password, even if their code was taken out of the alarm system, they would be able to stop a police dispatch.  Since the password is universal, a name is not attached to it so you don’t know who in reality answered the phone and gave the password.

Password maintenance is simple.  Simply call your alarm company and they can take your changes.  We ask for it in writing, via email or fax. After that, we do all the work.

To recap, for added security every user of the alarm system should be given their own unique password as well as their own passcode for operation of the system.

There are exceptions of course, very often husband and wife use the same code and often the kids as well.  This is not a great idea since they may share that password with their friends. It is easier to change one person’s code then asking all users to remember a new one.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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Alarm System User Codes

February 3, 2014 By Leave a Comment

To operate an alarm system from the keypad you need a numeric code.  These codes are called passcodes, PINS, or user codes.  In all cases, to disarm the system, you have to enter a user code. Some alarm systems are programmed to require you to use a code to arm the system as well.

The main user code is the Master Code.  The master code allows you to make some basic changes to the alarm system and review history and trouble conditions. The master code is also the code you use to add and delete other user codes.

Typically, user codes (other than the master) can arm and disarm the system.  If selected they can do other functions, such as bypassing zones, as well. You can also program a code as a one time code, if you need to give someone access to your premises only once.

For various reasons is a good idea to give different users of the alarm system different codes. First, the alarm system can keep track of who disarmed the system.  You know who came in and what time. Second, if you fire the person or cleaning service, you don’t have to remember a new code, you simply have to delete the code you no longer wish to be in the system.

Most alarm systems have the capability for at least 12 user codes.  If you need more, make sure you tell your alarm company. It is important that you keep track of the user code position that any code is assigned.  Often you can’t see the codes from the alarm keypad so keeping a simple spread sheet is a good idea.  Make sure you are instructed as to how to add and delete codes. If you want to make sure that the system keeps track of arming and disarming, tell your installer. The newer systems we install, from 2GIG, keep track automatically.  With the interactive service, that information is available right from your phone.

When you have an alarm system installed, you will also need to have a password for the central station.  That will be the topic of the next post.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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What Kind Of Maintenance Is Necessary For Alarm Systems?

January 30, 2014 By Leave a Comment

So you bought an alarm system, what kind of maintenance and service should you do?

Really, not much. It should work flawlessly for quite some time.  The first thing to go will be batteries.  All systems will have to have their system battery replaced after 3 to 5 years.  When the battery is low, the keypad will notify you as will the central station. The batteries for most alarm systems in service today are 12 volt and 4 to 7 amp hour. Newer graphic self-contained systems have different smaller batteries, the 2Gig GO! Control has a 7.2 volt back up battery.  All batteries should give you 24 hour back up. It is not a bad idea to schedule replacement of your battery every 3 years to preempt any possible issues.

If you have a wireless alarm system, you will also need to replace the batteries in the various devices such as door and window transmitters, wireless motion detectors, wireless glass break detectors, wireless carbon monoxide detectors, wireless smoke detectors, key fobs, panic buttons, and other wireless devices.  Most of the new devices use lithium batteries, from CR123 3 Volt lithium batteries to lithium watch sized batteries.  The smaller the device, the smaller the battery.  Typically the bigger batteries last longer, 3 years plus, while the watch type batteries last 2 years plus.  Devices that are used most often, like entry doors, drain quicker. On the newer systems, the keypad tells you which transmitter has a low battery, making replacement easy.

Make sure your alarm company shows you how to change the batteries during the installation.  You should also get a list of the batteries required for all the various devices you have so you don’t have to scramble to find out when they are low. If you choose not to replace your own batteries, the alarm company should be happy to replace them for you.

Older systems use typical alkaline batteries, 9 volt, AAA and AA are common.  These need to be replaced more often. Many older systems don’t tell you when the batteries are low so regular replacement is necessary.

Other than changing batteries, not much else is necessary. Make sure devices such as motion detectors and smoke detectors are clear of spider webs and that’s about it.

If installed and programmed correctly, your alarm system should monitor all parts and devices on the system, as well as services it is connected to, like power, telephone, and cellular. If any of these systems go down, your alarm system should alert you to that fact. The first reaction is to think that there is something wrong with your alarm system, when in reality it is working correctly.  It is supposed to tell you when it is compromised when a service it relies on is not working properly.

Even though the system monitors itself, testing the alarm system is something that you should regularly do. You depend on your alarm system and you should make sure that it is working properly all the time. The best way to test the system is as follows:  Call the central station and put the system on test. Arm the system and then trip a zone. Reset the alarm and then call the central station to make sure they received the right signal. Next week put it back on test and trip the next zone.  Go clockwise around your house and you will eventually check all your devices and then start again. It is worth the effort to protect your home and family.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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How Long Is The Warranty?

January 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment

What kind of warranty do alarm systems come with?

The answer to this question is a really short blog post because the answer is quite simple. Most alarm companies offer a 90 warranty on alarm systems. Common practice is to sell you a service contract when you are buying the system.

We feel that 90 days is nonsense.  We take pride in our work and do a professional installation following all recommended techniques and best practices.  We use high quality components and installation materials. All of our installers have a minimum 5 year experience installing alarms and are good at what they do.  We offer a full one year warranty on everything we sell. If anything breaks or stops working, we will repair or replace it within a year at no charge. The only exceptions are damage caused by external reasons, some examples are lightning, water, and vandalism. Other than that, it is covered.

If you live in Central or Northern New Jersey and would like information on any of the topics discussed above, or if you would like us to perform a Home Safety and Security Audit, absolutely free, please call 800-369-3962 or simply click the link below.

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