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Home > Nanny cam technology review -- a practical guide for selecting the right camera for your home
April 11, 2007
By: Lynn Bryant
Working parents are increasingly turning towards hidden
surveillance cameras within their homes to keep a watchful
eye on their children and their caregivers. Surveillance
cameras used for this purpose have garnered their own
section of the market and are often referred to as nanny
cams. These hidden camera devices will likely be popularized
further with the upcoming September 2007 release of the
comedy-drama film
The Nanny Diaries, where the nanny played by
Scarlett Johansson is being spied on by a
nanny cam hidden in a
teddy bear .
Typically, these cameras are covert in nature and come in
a variety of technical platforms such as wired, wireless,
and IP-based models. In addition to the various camera
styles available, the hidden configuration options are
virtually endless. This article acts as a guide to the
leading nanny cam technology available, and provides some
practical tips to consider when selecting this style of
camera to install within your home.
Which technology is right for you?
We will briefly consider the three main technology
formats nanny cams come in. These include wired versions,
wireless versions, and IP-based versions. We will review
some of the positives and negatives that may be associated
with each style to assist you in the selection process.
- Wired nanny cams -- This is the oldest style of covert
camera, which typically consists of a hidden spy camera
concealed within an object that is connected to a nearby
video recording device. This is a very reliable method of
video capture and recording. However, there are drawbacks to
this style of camera. Because both the camera and recording
device require a direct connection and close proximity to
one another, it can be difficult to conceal two units
instead of one.
- Wireless nanny cams -- This style is generally a more
popular choice than wired versions because they are easier
to conceal without wires to hinder the process. A wireless
nanny cam can be set up to electronically send a signal to a
video receiver or a recording unit such as a VCR or DVR.
Unlike the wired models, these receiving units are not
required to be in the same room as the camera itself.
Older forms of wireless cameras were often plagued by
interference from such things as satellite receivers or
2.4GHz cordless telephones. However, new wireless
advancements have greatly improved not only the strength but
also security of wireless transmissions.
- IP-based nanny cams -- A nanny cam built with IP
technology gives you the ability to access and view captured
video directly over the Internet. IP-based cameras come in
both wired and wireless versions, and are ideal for remote
surveillance. This is the most popular choice of technology
for nanny cams as it facilitates instant remote access to
events within your home. IP-based cameras come with a
built-in web server, which allows for direct connection to
the Internet from your in-home network. To facilitate video
storage and management, you can also incorporate your
personal computer to act as a recording unit to store video
images on its hard drive.
Choosing the right hidden configuration for your home
A simple search on the Internet for hidden nanny cams
will reveal a wide selection of configurations and choices.
Once you determine which technology is most appropriate for
your surveillance plans, you will need to determine the most
fitting way to conceal your camera. Some important
considerations include:
- Stay with the practical -- You can find hidden nanny
cams that come hidden behind objects as simple as a digital
clock to something as bizarre as a can of soup. When
choosing which type of object to go with, it is best to stay
with the practical. You want to select something that will
truly blend into the surroundings, and that can
realistically remain in one location without seeming out of
place.
- Select an object that can realistically monitor
critical areas -- Another important aspect to consider is
selecting an object that is capable of viewing the widest
possible area. A hidden nanny cam disguised as an air
freshener that is plugged into an electrical outlet near the
floor may be too limiting for a larger room. Perhaps a smoke
detector placed in the ceiling in the center of a large room
is more appropriate.
- Carefully consider placement -- Proper camera placement
can be the defining difference between a successful
surveillance system and an unsuccessful one. You will likely
have to consider installing multiple nanny cams concealed in
various locations throughout your home in order to ensure
thorough monitoring. In addition, pay careful attention to
camera placement to ensure all areas of interest are
thoroughly covered.
Deciding to incorporate a hidden nanny cam system within
your home can be a difficult decision to make. There are
many practical and legal aspects to consider before moving
forward with an installation. However, if you are careful to
design a system with a proper purpose in mind, you can
greatly benefit from utilizing this technology.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and contributor
to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to
video surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless
security systems for home and business.
Also See:
[ Home
wireless surveillance system & camera kits by X10 ]
[ Webcam
monitoring software for webcam viewing & PC-based surveillance ]
[ Infrared
outdoor cameras for an improved outdoor surveillance network ]
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