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Home > How do nanny cams work? A closer look at how these tiny tools can effectively protect your family
June 17, 2008
By: Lynn Bryant
Nanny cams have experienced a huge growth in popularity
in recent years. Improvements to surveillance technology has
increased equipment quality and functionality, as well as
driven down overall costs. Manufacturer's efforts to focus
on homeowners have also driven improvements to the
installation and system management process making these
systems much more appealing to the average consumer. People
are much less intimidated by the technology, and more
inclined to put it to use within their homes.
Just how do nanny cam surveillance systems work though?
What is going on behind the scenes of this remarkable
technology that makes it such an effective security tool? In
the remainder of this article, we take a closer look at the
specific technology that comprises these powerful covert
surveillance systems.
Basic core technology
The main component of any video surveillance system is
the video cameras themselves. There is an almost limitless
number of camera styles, options, and technologies to choose
from for just this one piece of equipment. In an effort to
simplify some of the options available, we have broken down
the main technologies into the following three categories.
- Core component -- The central component of
video surveillance cameras is a charge-coupled device,
or CCD, which converts the light that comes through the
camera's lens into an electrical signal. The electrical
signal is then further processed by additional camera
components to produce a viewable video image. While the
process of producing the video image itself can vary
depending on whether or not the camera is an analog or
digital version, the core CCD device remains the core
component of most surveillance cameras.
- Analog vs. digital cameras -- The electrical
signal that is produced by the CCD device needs to be
further processed to create a viewable video image. The
two primary ways of producing this video output are
analog and digital processing. Analog cameras utilize
integrated circuits to process the video output, while
digital cameras use a process called digital signal
processing, which employs tiny computer microchips. In
general, digital security cameras produce a superior
image quality as compared to older analog versions.
There are clear advantages as well to the digital
method. Images are of higher quality, and there are a
greater number of options for video storage and
playback.
- Special features -- These include such things
as special lenses, resolutions, infrared features, and
playback speed. There are an almost limitless number of
options and combinations, to choose from. Deciding on
which special features to include in your camera
selection will depend entirely on your specific security
needs. Important options you might want to consider for
a nanny cam surveillance system are real time playback
speed along with high-resolution images to ensure you
have a clear and accurate portrayal of events.
Wireless technology
Not all nanny cam systems are built with wireless
technology. Purchasing a system with wireless technology
however does have its benefits. Wireless systems are much
easier to install, and camera positioning and video
monitoring is often easier to accommodate with wireless
versions. .
Wireless systems are comprised of two basic components, a
transmitter, and a receiving unit. The transmitter is
typically built into the actual camera itself, and is used
to transmit video images using radio frequencies to the
receiving unit. Receiving units vary by system. Some systems
come with receiving units that are hand held viewing
monitors. Others come with a receiver that can be plugged
directly into a VCR, TV, or DVD recorder to accommodate
recording or direct TV viewing. Still others come with
receiving units that can be plugged directly into your
personal computer allowing for wireless transmission of
video images directly to your PC for easy storage as well as
viewing.
Covert camera technology
The core technology that goes into creating covet
surveillance systems does not vary all that much from
standard systems. Covert surveillance systems however, are
designed with special tiny cameras and components to
facilitate the hidden nature of the system itself.
Technically any surveillance system can be used to conduct
covert surveillance if you can figure out a way to
completely conceal the cameras from view. Purchasing a
system that is specifically designed for covert
surveillance, however, will already be built with these
considerations in mind, making it easier for you to
incorporate within your home. .
IP-Surveillance technology
This technology is not standard in all nanny cam
surveillance systems. It is however worth mentioning as it
can add real practical benefits and functionality if
included in your system. IP-based surveillance cameras give
you the ability to remotely access and view live
surveillance video from your network of cameras. This
feature can be a real asset to any nanny cam system as it
gives you the ability to log in and view your children at
anytime throughout the day. This feature alone is the
primary reason many parents choose to incorporate
surveillance systems within their home.
An IP-based camera captures and transmits video signals
to a built in encoder that contains an onboard web server.
The web server enables the IP camera to act as a network
device, which gives you the ability to access, and view
captured video images through your existing network. In
addition, you can also have access through an external web
page, which can be accessed anywhere over the Internet.
Choosing a system that is right for you
The purpose of this article was to give you a general
understanding of some of the technologies that comprise
covert video surveillance systems. This is certainly not an
exhaustive resource on the subject, but rather an
introduction to the terms you will surely encounter as you
begin your search for the perfect system for your home.
Gaining further knowledge on the subject can only benefit
you as you study to determine which technology will provide
you with the most benefits.
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:
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[ DVR system
features for optimum DVR video surveillance ]
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