December 14th, 2009
Portable DVR
DVR HISTORY
As computer technology developed and chips became smaller and more powerfull the DVR industry really began to develop.
The two “main players” in this new industry were Anthony Woods who built up the DVR company , Replay TV and Michael Ramsay / Jim Barton who controller TiVo.
The visions of both companies to develop all purpose DVR’s for both domestic and business use became tangible reality as ever cheaper hard drives and new chip designs permitted , real time encoding of analog signals into digital signals. In the late 1990’s these were the core developments that jump started the DVR revolution.
The telecommunications industry also played a part in the new DVR industry. The main telco companies were planning the infrastructure of the future and as part of that planning they wanted the home of the future to be a digital “hub” with a main collection point / server for all the information needed for modern day living. This information could then be made available throughout the home on computers , televisions etc.
The idea of a specific set top box that would be part of the grander in house system was the genisis for TiVo’s focus on what it claims was the first commercial deployment of a DVR in late March 1999. The new set top box combined DISH Network programming with DVR capability and internet access from the home TV set.
Following the launch of of the first standalone DVR / set top box , Replay launched it’s first set top DVR . The great race for DVR dominance had begun.
Tags: CCTV DVR, Digital Video Recorder, DVR
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December 10th, 2009
Mini DVR and Camera
DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER HISTORY
Following on from the last post we thought it appropriate to delve a little deeper into the history of the DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER.
It is very hard to escape the fact that DVR’s are really just an extension of computer technology.
In the 1960’s the development of the DVR as we know it today started to take place. As with a lot of technology the prelude to todays sleek and powerfull DVR’s was somewhat different indeed unrecognisable.
Initially Digital Video Recorders were used in the major television companies for rewinding and freeze frames of sports programming but it was not untill the 1980’s or 1985 to be precise that home based designs were developed and patented by Honeywell the large US conglomorate.
The first patent in the DVR industry was known as the Goldwaser Patent.
Fast forwarding to 2005 top executives at TiVO basically shortened shortened the Goldwasser patent to the standard industry terms of time -shifting or time warp.
It is here that the story of the DVR starts to get interesting.
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December 8th, 2009
DVR
DVR RECORDERS : A LITTLE WALK THROUGH TIME
As you might have noticed, at spycamwarehouse.com we specialise in security equipment and in particular DVR Recorders, Covert Spy Cams and CCTV systems. It is our livelyhood so we make it our business to know eveything about the products we sell. Although not directly related to purchasing a DVR we thought a little DVR history could be of inteest. We do not plan to cover the topic in just one article so if you find it interesting just post a comment or look out for similar posts.
The history of the DVR is a metaphor for the history of the core industry segment within which Digital Video Recorders reside, that is, television and computers.
The advance of technology and it’s use in televisions and computers made a huge difference to people’s lives. Access to information and entertainment was vastly improved, and this is what DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDERS are doing today.
DVRs are having an impact in both domestic and business environments. For example the security applications of DVR’s are many and varied. All you have to do is consider the range of mobile and mini DVR equipment.
But it is not only security applications that are driving the growth of DVR equipment. In today’s busy world people want choice in entertainment and this can be achieved using DVRs and set top boxes.
As with all industries there are leaders and patterns of development. Over the next few weeks we will post more information about the history of DVRs
Tags: CCTV DVR, Digital Video Recorder, DVR, Spy DVR
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December 6th, 2009
16 Channel DVR
DVR EQUIPMENT
A lot of the information in our blog relates to DVR equipment and it’s use in security situations. However we are aware that not all people looking for a Digital Video Recorder have security and monitoring on their mind.
Another type of DVR is the integrated set-top DVR which is typically part of a set-top box that has a broader function as well as that of delivering and decoding cable and satellite signals for viewing by television.
These days the set top boxes usually have in built Digital Video recorders. These however cannot be connected to a CCTV system.
Although great for entertainment the set top box and DVR combination are no substitute for the standalone 4 channel and 8 channel DVR. These DVR’s can record footage from multiple cameras and are very easy to set up and control.
The standalone DVR’s sold by spycamwarehouse can be accessed remotely and come with a USB stick. They are very easy to operate and are proven to help prevent crime and anti social behaviour
Tags: Digital Video Recorder, DVR, Spy and CCTV DVRs
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December 5th, 2009
MINI DVR
DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER EQUIPMENT
DVR’s come in many shapes and sizes. For example there is the mini DVR and camera that is small enough to fit into a chewing gum packet and then there are the larger standalone Digital Video Recorders that are used as part of a more permanent security system.
The one thing that all Digital Video Recorders do is keep a permanent digital record of the footage you record. In most cases the footage will be date and time stamped, which is invaluable when trying to prevent crime or apprehend a thief.
So what type of DVR should you purchase. The answer to that is , IT DEPENDS. Before purchasing a DVR you must have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.
For example, one customer wanted a record of the seriel numbers on solar panels that he installed for customers. For this task he decided to purchase a handheld mini VGA camcorder and DVR and with it he took a brief clip of the solar panel when installed and zoomed in on the seriel number. This proved to be an invaluable record. However it would not have been practical to use one of the larger standalone Digital Video Recorders for this task.
In contrast another customer had a management company that looked after small apartment complexes. He wanted to have the facility to monitor on site activity and keep a record of that activity for six months. For this task the 16 channel DVR was perfect. With the facility to record and store footage from 16 different CCTV cameras he was well equiped to prevent crime and counter fraudulent insurance claims.
The important point is, both customers analysed their requirements and purchased the correct equipment. At spycamwarehouse.com we are always willing to offer advice and guidance to customers purchasing a DVR. We want to help solve your problems in as effective and cost efficient way as possible.
Tags: Digital Video Recorder, DVR, Spy DVR
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December 4th, 2009
- Covert Bag Camera
THE FEMALE TARGET.
As a group , women are the most frequent victims of crime. It is not just robbery or mugging but cases of domestic violence and sexual assaults are increasing all the time.
Again the key is PREVENTION and yes the mini covert camera systems we sell can help. They are not the one and only solution but they do have a role to play.
For example the covert backback camera can be used when on the move or placed stratigically in a home or business environment in order to record criminal behaviour.
Domestic Violence
The statistics are frightening, one in every four women is likely to be abused by an intimate male companion at some time in her life, but very few report the incident to the police.
The best form of defence against domestic violence is to avoid bad situations and most importantly unstable and unsuitable characters. If in doubt get up and leave a situation you are not comfortable with, attend self defence classes, confide with friends.
It all sounds easy but the steps above can seem totally beyond your reach if you are stuck in a rut and afraid of a dominant personality. But always remember you will suffer in the long run if you do not take action.
There are many local self help groups, contact them and get the support you need.
Stalking
Both women and men can be the victim of a stalker. Again to prevent such crime you need to be aware of your surroundings and identify possible danger situations. never walk home alone, avoid dark streets and change your routine.
The above is only a small introduction into the subject of crime against women. It is up to you to be proactive and get help.
In some cases help can be easy to get. For example the covert camera systems sold by spycamwarehouse can be invaluable but if you feel the situation is getting very serious you should contact the local police.
Tags: Covert Bag camera, Covert camera, Covert Surveillance, Crime
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December 1st, 2009
CRIME : LIKELY VICTIMS
At spycamwarehouse.com we regularly talk to people who have been the victims of crime as well as those who use our wildlife cameras and covert camera equipment.
After many years obsevation (not stistically verified) we have come to the conclusion that there are patterns of behaviour that make someone more or less attractive as a target for criminals.
Many victims bury their heads in the sand and do not even contemplate the possibility of a crime . In many cases it is only afer the event that action is taken. We are all guilty of “putting things off” , our advice is don’t.
For example one of our customers is a landlord and has a few vacant properties. One of those properties suffered damage due to vandalism. This could have been avoided. A covert CCTV placed at strategic points could have alerted the landlord to potential problems and saved him well over £5,000.
Some victims of crime just bury their heads and try to erase the memory of the traumatic events from their memory. In short they do not learn from the experience. If anything the trauma has made them even more vunerable. Again aour adive is , take heed and take action.
Get focused and aware of your surroundings. Criminals will target the easy victims. we are not suggesting that you radically change your lifestyle, just a few small proactive steps can protect you from unwanted criminal attention.
Covert CCTV
Tags: Covert camera, Covert CCTV, Hidden Spy camera
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November 29th, 2009
Covert CCTV
COVERT CCTV
In this blog we concentrate on the actions people can take to prevent crime and protect themselves in both domestic and business environments. Covert CCTV cameras play a part in any security system but in this article we will concentrate on actions you can take that do not require the purchase of covert cctv.
CHECK LIST OF ACTIONS
1. Be Positive : Don’t think of yourself as a potential victim. take the initiate and stay out of situations that have the potential to cause your harm. For example don’t walk home alone, always let friends know what plans you have. simple actions can help you avoid danger and all for zero cost, no need for a mini covert camera
2. Focus : if confronted with a potentially dangerous situation, stay focused. For example if you are approached by a suspicious individual, stay calm, look for potential escape routes. don’t panic and run towards danger.
3. Assess Options : With a clear head assess your options, easy to say but difficult to achieve. There will always be a safe option. keep cool and identify it.
4. Be Proactive : don’t let the criminal take the initiative. in the case of a home burglary for example, remember you know your home better than the criminal. Perhaps you can channel him towards a door way, or get to a phone. Just stay calm and try to take control.
5. Don’t Be a hero : Always try to ease your way out of a dangerous situation. D. Make self protection your No 1 goal.on’t try to be a hero, even if that means letting the criminal escape.
6. Be Verbal not Physical : Unless you have a high level of profeciency in self protection techniques never engage physically with a criminal. If you do you will lose control of the situation.
The points above are only the bear miniimum you need to consider and if it strikes a cord take action, perhaps join a self defeence class but the least you should do is analyse the level of security in your home and after that decide if you require covert camera equipment.
Tags: Covert camera, Covert CCTV, Hidden camera, Mini Covert camera
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November 27th, 2009
Covert Camera
COVERT CAMERA EQUIPMENT
At spycamwarehouse.com we are becomming increasingly aware of an increase in crime rates. On a daily basis people contact us to enquire about covert camera and surveillance equipment.
By the time people contact us it is normally too late. that is why we urge people to be proactive and take positive steps to ensure their own safety and that of their family. Securing property whether it is a home or business should also be given top priority.
COVERT CAMERAS : PLANNING
We never advise people to rush into buying a covert surveillance cctv system. As with all pieces of consumer electronics proper planning and research should be done first.
For example it is essential that you establish
1. Do I need a 24hr Covert CCTV Camera ?
2. Is a wireless covert CCTV camera appropriate ?
3. What is my budget ?
4. Is the covert camera for domestic or business us ?
5. Do I need a hidden camera ?
The above are only a few of the questions that any prospective buyer should ask themselves but at spycamwarehouse.com we are more than willing to advise. In fact the planning aspect of purchasing a covert camera is something we will go into more detail about on our blog.
COVERT CAMERAS : CATEGORIES
When looking at covert camera equipment it is important that you understand the main categories of camera.
WIRELESS COVERT CAMERAS
Wireless covert cameras are easy to set up and offer a high level of flexibility as no cabling is required. The main disadvantage of using wireless cameras is the susceptibility of these cameras to interference. They also require a clear line of sight between the covert camera and wireless receiver.
BODY WORN COVERT CAMERAS
Spycamwarehouse.com offer a range of body worn cameras. They are perfect when you require images and audio to be recorded on the “hoof”. Basically covert cameras can be concealed in almost any everyday object and nobody will suspect.
Covert Camera
Tags: Covert camera, Covert cameras, Covert CCTV, Hidden camera
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November 25th, 2009
COVERT CAMERAS AND PERSONAL SECURITY
At spycamwarehouse.com we specialise in the sale of covert camera and cctv equipment. Nearly every day we talk to people who have been the victim of violent crime and are looking for protection and security from future attacks.
Yes, covert and hidden camera
Covert Pinhole Camera
equipment play a part in any defence against crime but it is always better to be able to take proactive steps to protect yourself from the unknown.
We have identified a number of common factors that people should recognise as possible “danger situations”
KNOWN PERPETRATOR
In many instances the perpetrator of a crime is known and trusted by the victim . It could be within a domestic or business environment. One example we came across was a coffee shop owner who employed a manager. For over ten years the arrangement worked a dream. However due to personal reasons the manager started to “dip” into the takings. An unfortunate turn of events but one that could have been caught very quickly through the use of a covert camera.
We are not suggesting that you adopt an overly defensive attitude but taking proactive action can help ensure that you do not suffer financial or personal loss. In the case of the coffee shop owner the lost takings from one week alone would have paid for a covert camera and DVR
PROFESSIONAL CRIMINAL
Professional criminals are always on the lookout for the opportunity to take advantage of the elderly, the weak and the vunerable. If you know someone who you think maybe a target for professional criminals then try and do something about it.
Perhaps a word in the ear of a visiting relative or the local police could help prevent a crime. Perhaps you have a older relative living on their own. In such cases a covert CCTV camera could be the deterent you need.
WRONG PLACE , WRONG TIME
Sometimes you just have a bad day and through no fault of your own you suffer personal injury or loss. Unforseen events can cause of great deal of upset as well as the physical loss. Even an argument in a scholl car part can be very distressing.
Mini covert camera equipment is not the solution for everybody but should be considered.
SUMMARY
At spycamwarehouse.com we just want you to become more security conscious and by doing so avoid the mental trauma or physical pain that inevitable ocurs when you are a loved one is the victim of crime.
Don’t forget to view our instructional covert camera videos on youtube
Tags: Covert camera, Covert CCTV, Hidden cameras, Surveillance
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