Ask the Security Camera Expert

security camera system with fuzzy night time images 
Question: i have just installed cctv and bought my cameras from safetech, they are 420tvl night and day with ir and 2 540tvl for the garden. the gretaest …

Signet 4 channel H.264 kit purchased from Jaycar 
Question: goodday guys I have recently installed a Signet 4 channel H.264 kit purchased from Jaycar .Daytime it is great for my house and backyard but …

video loss message on security camera system 
Question: Hi I have attached the clip, one of my camera lately is giving problem, I can sometimes see clearly but at times, the picture is fading …

Is a license required to install CCTV and Security Cameras in the State of New York 
Question: Is a license required to install CCTV and Security Cameras in the State of New York Answer: I would definitely check out www.NY.gov …

How do I connect my security camera to my TV 
Question: Can you give me a step by step process on how to hook this up to my T.V? i have a 1/3 sony CCD security camera with BNC and power output. …

Having trouble finding the right security camera for unique outdoor installation 
Question: I'm a student at Marian university and I'm doing a beaver research project for one of my classes and i'm trying to install a camera in a …

how to view my video security dvr via the internet 
Question: I have a samsung shr-1041 security camera system and can not figure out how to veiw it on the web. I found the IP address on the systems …

How do I connect a cctv security camera to a Dynamic IP address  
Question: How do I connect CCTV security Camera to dynamic IP address? Answer: Well I did some checking on this one. Typically any individual …

Starting my own security camera company in Los Angeles 
Question: Hello, My name Horacio, I was wondering if you can give me some good advice on starting a security camera company in Los Angeles, California. …

security cameras damaged by lasers 
Question: Lasers do damage to security cameras- my neighbor has been lasering ours for a month and i notice the burning effect on the film can …

Signal loss of IR security cameras at night 
Question: We have an 8 channel dvr with 5 outdoor ir cameras fitted. We are experiencing loss of signal and recovery of signal after 1/2/3 hours. …

What is the best brand of CCTV security camera system for multi location truck stops? 
Question: Hi - what is the best hi-end brand cctv system for a large truck stop chain - 50 locations in 20 states - central command center required. …

What are the meanings of these CCTV system terms? IR LED, TVL, DSP, Vari-focal, CCD 
Question: What are the meanings of these CCTV system terms: 1. IR LED 2. TVL 3. DSP 4. Vari-focal 5. CCD Answer: I will give you some …

Security Camera Distributors 
Question: I want to start my own business with security cameras. I do not want to go through Best Buy or Radio Shack for the equipment. Is there any …

Can a IR Day Night Camera be rendered useless with a beam of light? from Harrasment Victim 
Question: We are having problems with trespassers harassing us on our property and we bought some of those multi-LED day-night vision cameras. …

how to connect cctv through a 3G phone 
Question: i have a problem to connect my cctv system over internet with my 3G phone with windows mobile 6.0 made in taiwan HTC TITAN II. I am using …

What is TVL in relation to Security Camera Specifications? 
Question What does TVL mean and why is it important. Answer TVL stands for TV Lines and relates to the resolution of an analog security camera. …

Target detection by analog security camera 
Question: I have a camera which has a resolution of 480 lines and an FOV of 70 degrees. To detect the target, the requirement states that it should …

What is shutter in security cameras 
Question: Hi Mr.Peter, Could you please tell me what is the actual definition of Shutter before going to Electronic Shutter. I know that it is …

Optical Zoom distance with PTZ camera 
Question: Hi sir , I would like to know the Optical zoom distance with a PTZ camera , When PTZ camera sees any object with 36x , up to what distance …

help to find what device is damaging my security cameras 
Question: I need help to find out what device is being used to damage my security cameras. without going into details, we know for sure this is being …

What is the difference between 420 TVL and 480 TVL security camera resolutions? 
Question What is the difference between 420 TVL and 480 TVL security camera resolutions? Answer I have a good article that gets much more …

password reset for pico 2000 DVR Not rated yet
Question: How do you reset the password on the Pico 2000 DVR? Answer: Typically you can do a factory reset and then use the default system …

Highest stored video resolution in video surveillance systems Not rated yet
Question: The information on your web site is very vauable. Thank you ! In a previous entry, you mention: "the highest stored resolution using composite …

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Providing dc power to cctv security camera system Not rated yet
Question: Hi I am installing 6 ip cameras around the outside of the house. Im running cat 6 cable back to the centre of the house and then dropping …

how to put ip camera with dymanic ip on a web site Not rated yet
Question: Hi there, how can you do the following: i have a ip camera and my provider has a dynamic ip and want to put camera live image on my web site …

Powering an outdoor Security Camera Enclosure with POE Not rated yet
Question: Great site! I have 2 IP cameras, both in a an IP67 enclosure c/w heater and blower. The cameras are power by a PoE switch. Is there …

save images from security dvr to Iphone Not rated yet
Question: How do I save image recordings to my I phone my dvr has a USB port & is new but when I plug in my phone or mem stick it says no device, …

Combining Security Systems Not rated yet
Question: I have an old Samsung security system with 8 cameras. The system works on CAT-5 cable. One camera is broken and the old vhs recorder …

Connecting old security cameras to a pc for recording Not rated yet
Question: I have a lorex system with 4 night vision camersa (b&W. I want to use these same cameras and connect everything to my pc to record while …

Can I record on the internet simultaneously as the cctv dvr? Not rated yet
Question: After installation of a cctv security system, I will be able to view the recording over the last few days on the dvd player or watch live …

How to Convert Analog to IP video security systems Not rated yet
Question: I have a q-see dvr with 8 cameras, 5 of which have lost the signal. Not sure what the problem is but was thinking to change the system …

Electronic shutter vs Global shutter differences and definition Not rated yet
Question: Hi sir Could you please tell me the differences between Electronic and Global shutter Thanks Answer: I am not sure what you mean …

what are effective pixels in security cameras Not rated yet
Question: Hi sir, Could you please tell me how do we get 540 TVL when you multiply 768 and 494 Effective pixels = 768 (Horizontal) X 494 (Vertical) …

Automatic White Balance Not rated yet
Question: What is Auto/Manual/Indoor/Outdoor Automatic White Balance ? Answer: White Balance is critical in any type of camera. The white …

Can you accidentally record over video security dvr recordings  Not rated yet
Question: I wanted to know if it's possible to alter or record over continuous dvr recordings..without knowing you have done it?? Answer: …

CCTV camera and Recorder Not rated yet
Question: Hi how long is reasonable to expect a CCTV camera and recorder to last for? Answer: That's a great question and there are really …

port forwarding for ip security cameras Not rated yet
Question: hello. how can i forward ip cameraes captures to internet and mobile? Answer: You can learn more by visiting a previous post at …

Max TVL in Security Camera Not rated yet
Question: What are Maximum TVL that can be make available in Camera? Answer: There are many cameras that will say they have higher than 540TVL, …

Machine to test the resolution of security camera Not rated yet
Question: There are any way or machine to test the resolution of camera ? Answer: I am not aware of a test equipment that will specifically …

Question about Samsung SNR 3200 NVR Not rated yet
Question: I have a query regarding a Samsung SNR 3200 NVR. The cameras are set to 10fps and recording is set at 2 I Frames. My client says on playback …

Connect a Security DVR to windows directly through LAN cable  Not rated yet
Question: I want to connect my security DVR in my PC through LAN cable in OS windows 7 but it can't ,it happens easly in XP os ,how can i connect …

Which would be higher quality in terms of capture, storage and display: [540TVL, 640x480] or [480TVL, 720x480]? What does one gain or lose between the two set-ups? Not rated yet
Question: Which would be higher quality in terms of capture, storage and display: 540TVL, 640x480 or 480TVL, 720x480? What does …

Connecting CCTV video to mobile phone Not rated yet
Question: HI I HAVE SAMSUNG WAVE 2 AND I AM FROM INDIA.WHAT SOFTWARE DO I NEED TO CONNECT MY PHONE TO MY CCTV SO THAT I CAN SEE THE VIDEO ONLINE ANYWHERE.IS …

High temp PTZ housings Not rated yet
Question: We have a customer wanting to install 2 PTZ domes under a vent a hood to show cooking demos on a large flat screen tv (22 foot hood with …

setting up an IP address for my DVR Not rated yet
Question: Hi, I use IE to put the IP address into my laptop to view the security cameras at my store. I'm putting in the 2 passwords that are required, …

power for IR night vision cameras Not rated yet
Question: I have read your information about not enough power to a CCTV camera when the IR LEDs turn on at night so I have added individual power …

Power supply problems with infrared night vision security cameras Not rated yet
This was a recent Q&A via email between myself and a visitor here on the website. First Name: Art Your Question: I want to see if I have this …

how to view security cameras over the internet Not rated yet
Question: how to view security cameras over the internet of rey sharp by using dlink502tglb model pls help. Answer: Please see the answer here: …

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Security Camera Interlaced versus Progressive Scan Not rated yet
Question: When speaking of images per second, most people equate that to two images needed to produce 1 frame per second. That is fine for interlaced …

What wiring is used for CCTV security camera systems Not rated yet
Question: I am planning to put at least 2 outdoor cameras in the future in my new addition. While the roof and walls are open what type of wiring …

How do I setup static ip to view my dvr over internet Not rated yet
Question: I got provided static ip address (92.27.8.104) from my isp. My router is Thomson TG585 v8 and my dvr is Cnm Secure H.264 4 channel. How …

Wireless security cameras that connect to a router Not rated yet
Question: Hi i have just purchased ctv cameras that are wireless and connect to a router, i would like to view these from another computer or so... …

Access a 192.168 from the internet for security camera systems Not rated yet
Question: I have a samsung dvr unit and have assigned it a 192.168.1.199 address. I have also configured the router to forward that address. I just …

Intentional Manipulation of video security images Not rated yet
Question: Can a person intentionally manipulate a security camera computer system in order to make viewing blurred or exray like to cover up …

cctv online Not rated yet
Answer: Hello, I have a Pico2000 program running to view my security cameras. The comp. is connected to the internet. The program has a "remote …

Black Screen from Security Camera Not rated yet
Question: Hi, I have 10 security cameras and have just recently "tried" to install another one. (analog) Got the wires ran and everything set just …

Sports event camera Not rated yet
Question: Hi, I'm not sure if you can help but maybe you could point me in the right direction. I am currently looking for a wide enough lens to …

how to know number of tv lines of resolution in a CCTV Security Camera Not rated yet
Question: How to know the know the number of TVL in a ccd sensor. Because the vendor says it is 480/540 tvl. Is there any procedure to calculate the …

help me get my privacy back from covert security cameras Not rated yet
Question: I believe that i'm being watched with covert cameras, but I cannot find them with the device i purchased. It just made the person I suspect …

cctv camera disabled by IR beam Not rated yet
Question: Hi.. I have 7 dome vandalproof outdoor cctv cameras around the perimeter of my home ---1/3 sony super had ccd--- 550tvl--- 0.lux (ir led …

How do I provide power to an Analog PTZ Security Camera using 24 VAC Not rated yet
Question: We have an STV-16 powering four 24 V AC cameras. 3 are fixed, one is a dome. Occasionally, the dome loses power, as if the SmartFuse has …

remote viewing of security camera dvr or What is Port Forwarding? Not rated yet
Question: hi peter, on my samsung smt 190dn i can't seem to figure out the remote viewing. i've watched tutorial videos for remote viewing and tried …

problem viewing security camera system recordings  Not rated yet
Question: We have 7 security cameras throughout our subdivision. All of our equipment is about 1 year old. I can view all 7 cameras from my laptop …

Security Cameras not viewable on monitor Not rated yet
Question: I have 8 cameras connected to my workplace and for some reason I can't see the videos on my monitor. I've had them for 6 months and this …

I want to be an expert in the security and biometrics field. Not rated yet
Question: I want to be an expert in the security and biometrics field...How can i go about it?? Answer: Hi Rahman, Thank you for your question. …

I have a 380 tvl security camera - Will it give me clear images? Not rated yet
Question: I have a 380 tvl (TV lines) security camera. Would this still give me clear images? Which is the best TVL to use? I would like to use …

tv has vertical scroll with new security cameras system Not rated yet
Question: We just hooked up our new 4 camera security system, the tv now has a vertical scroll. It did not do this with our previous system, we borrowed …

Choosing the right security camera installer Not rated yet
Question: I thought I saw an article a week or so ago on your site about choosing the right security camera installer. If so can you please re-post? …

Do all retail stores have security cameras? Not rated yet
Question: Do all retail stores have security cameras? Answer: That is a great question for sure. Since I am in this industry I think I …

replace IR night vision outdoor security cameras that dont have that IR haze Not rated yet
Question: I am looking to replace 2 out door cameras. They are IR for night vision, but I want to make sure we donot have the same issue. The cameras …

Viewing security cameras video via a PC system not connected to the internet Not rated yet
Question: Just read your answer to the question on viewing a security camera video that works through a DVR on the Internet. My 8 camera system goes …

pelco dvx 4500 used dvr password code Not rated yet
Question: i bought a pelco dvx 4500 second hand but the original owner did not tell me the code? Answer: You can go to Pelco's website to …

What is Recording Frame PAL 25fps Not rated yet
Question: What is Recording Frame PAL: 25fps Answer Great question. I will explain some background and will try to keep from getting to technical …

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In the country with Verizon mobile internet connection to connect security camera DVR Not rated yet
Question I live in the country and have a Verizon mobile internet connection. How can I set up camera's for remote access without leaving my PC logged …

CCTV Field of View with a security camera looking down a hallway Not rated yet
Question: Hi I have some question about FOV. I have a hallway that is 39’ long by 5’ wide there are two cooler doors on the right side of the hallway …

Static IP address for security camera DVR Not rated yet
Question: For cctv viewed over the internet through a router. Other than buying a static IP address, is there any way, like using a UPS to keep the …

store manager wanting to view DVR over the internet Not rated yet
Question: need help setting up Netrome remote access. Worked until I changed my modem. opened pinhole, but Netrome DSS is not accessing the internet? …

If I have CMS for IP Camera, How do I promote to market?  Not rated yet
Question: How CMS can be promoted ? I have CMS for IP Cam. We can customized for buyer. Answer: Well the short answer (which sometimes really …

what type of security camera can be Hidden and undetectable Not rated yet
Question: Can you tell me what type of security camera can be hidden and undetected by a camera detector? It has no infrared light, but has night …

CCTV TVL resolution Conversion Not rated yet
Question: Please send me the Tvl to Resolution. for Example - 420tvl 510 (Horizontal) x 492 (Vertical) 480tvl? 450tvl? 520tvl? 540tvl? 600tvl? …

security Camera for night vision Not rated yet
Question: I live on a small farm and have open fields on all 4 sides of my house. Like to know your pick for security camera system for a good distance …

Having a Vertical Scroll Problem with Security Camera Monitor for Store Owner? Not rated yet
Question: I have a security camera that goes to a old style monitor and to a computer dvr card on the monitor I have a vertical hold problem and it …

Best practice for placing ceiling security cameras in hallways Not rated yet
Question: I typically place two cameras (crossfiring), 20 feet apart within hallways to capture objects 30 feet down the hall (effectively covering …

Problem With Security Cameras Displaying Scrolling Lines and Dots Not rated yet
Question: I have installed 16 cameras in a plastic manufacturing factory. A few of the camera's are showing disturbance in signals like signal issues …

cctv security camera system for my office Not rated yet
Question: There are a lot of questions with this one so I will just insert my answer through out. i need four cameras for my small office …

I would like to know if there is a way to convert TVL to resolution. Not rated yet
Question: I would like to know if there is a way to convert TVL to resolution. Specifically, I would like to know if 420 TVL equated to equal or …

Can I use CMS with Apple - Mac computers? Not rated yet
Question: Can I use CMS with Apple - Mac computers? Answer: This is a good and valid question. I wish I had the answer you are looking for. …

How well does a dome camera work with 420 TVL,1/3 Sony color CCD,3.6mm lens Not rated yet
Question: How well does a dome camera work with 420 TVL,1/3 Sony color CCD,3.6mm lens. Answer: That is a pretty basic Security Camera. 420 …

How do you hook up a DVR to all your security cameras? Not rated yet
Question How do u hook up a DVR to all your cameras? Answer First let me give some background on the differences in DVRs. A DVR is basically …

What is SNR in relation to CCTV Security Cameras Not rated yet
Question: What is SNR (signal to noise ratio) and how does it relate to CCTV Security Cameras? Answer: The signal to noise ratio is measured …

Security Camera Specification of an electronic shutter (what is it and why should it specified?) Not rated yet
Question: What is an electronic shutter in a CCTV Security Camera? Why is it important? Answer: Video camera shutters work quite differently …

Gamma Correction-What is it and how does it effect Security Camera Systems Not rated yet
Question Gamma Correction(what is it and how does it effect CCTV?) Answer Gamma correction is a typical camera specification. It is an electronic …