How to Choose the Right Webcam Surveillance Software?

How to Choose the Right Webcam Surveillance Software?

By Dan Crane

Many people want to have some kind of spy equipment for better home security. However, besides wireless spy cameras, VCR or DVR systems, there is also special software used to control those surveillance gadgets.

Large companies use professional security systems along with already built in (embedded digital video recorder or PC based DVR soft) spy camera control software. But what about smaller guys? Do you also have to spend thousands of dollars for professional spy security system and software to feel safe and secure in your house? And the answer is not necessarily.

Webcam for Spying Purposes

You have the ability to use your webcam (connected to your PC) as a surveillance tool. And to control it, all you need is inexpensive webcam surveillance software. As a matter of fact, such software allows you to connect more than one camera. It can display as much as 16 webcam views on your computer screen.

Moreover, webcam surveillance software even allows you to detect motion and start capturing an event within milliseconds. This means that you don’t have to keep your webcam surveillance software turned on all the time in order to secure the area. By using motion detection webcams, you can also save your computer’s HDD (hard drive) space.

You know, video takes a lot of hard drive space. Non stop recording for 24 hours can cost you 1GB of HDD space a day. Well, it depends on the chosen image quality. Lower quality images will require less bandwidth. Also, if you set lower FPS (frames per second), then you’ll save even more HDD space.

But if you have a large HDD (like 160GB or more), then there’s nothing to worry about.

What to Look for in Webcam Surveillance Software?

Before you decide to order webcam surveillance software, there are a couple of things to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the features of webcam software that you should seriously consider, ok.

• Audio Capturing – Does your webcam surveillance software have audio capturing option? If not, then you should consider that carefully. If you want to record a conversation, it’s crucial.
• Compressed Files – Does your webcam software compress video files? If not, then the space of your HDD might fill up quickly. Try to search for software that compresses the video without losing its quality.
• Remote Access – This is very important. If you leave your webcam to record the area, you should have the ability to access your webcam’s view via internet connection. This is very neat function that is absolutely must in webcam software.
• Motion Detection – We’ve already mentioned that. Motion detection is also extremely important. You don’t want to record the area when nothing’s going on, right. So make sure that motion sensing is enabled in your software.
• Alert Options – Does the webcam surveillance software have an alert option? Some webcam software alert when they detect something. They can alert via email or even dial a phone number. You should seek for this feature, because it’s very neat.
• Multiple Webcams – Can your surveillance software record a live view from multiple web cameras? 2, 4 or 16? If you want to connect more than one camera to your PC, then multiple webcam support is absolutely must in the software you choose.
• Stealth Mode – Does the webcam software run in stealth mode? Stealth mode means that nobody can see if the software is running or not. Not even if they Press “Ctr+Alt+Del” and look at Windows Task Manager!

Look for webcam surveillance software that allows you to do all or at least most of the functions mentioned above. If your software isn’t capable of detecting motion, doesn’t have alert option, doesn’t have audio recording options, then search for a better solution.

In Conclusion

Webcam software (for spying or home protection purposes) combined with a few inexpensive webcams, can definitely serve as a basic home security system. You can put your webcams in the most important places and have your PC to record each camera’s view. And if motion sensors detect something unusual, they can alert you via email or phone.

However, if you’re really looking for quality and all-in-one solution for professional home protection, then a more powerful DVR security system with multiple spy cameras could be your best shot. Such systems cost over thousand dollars, but they’re ideal for quality home or office protection.

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Looking for Cheap Surveillance? Use Your Webcam!

Affordable Home Security Solutions with Your Webcam

Did you know that you could build your own surveillance system today by using a webcam?  Not to mention it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to install a surveillance system! All you need is your webcam, pc, and video surveillance software.

One reason for it being a cheap solution to home video surveillance is that many people already own a webcam they can put to use.  If you are without one, the price tag on these cameras are so low that it’s easy to get a best rated webcam under $100 or even under $50!

These webcams by Microsoft are all reasonably price with some coming in at less than $20!  Click on any photo to get more information.

Amazon.com is a great marketplace for buying a webcam to use in home surveillance.  Check out what Amazon.com has to offer.

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How to Build a Home Surveillance Camera with Your Webcam and PC

How to Make a Home Video Surveillance Camera

By William P. Jones

Home video surveillance cameras are a great option if you want to beef up security in your home, and gain the ability to watch over your possessions, your property, and even family members. Regardless of exactly what you need a surveillance camera for, they are extremely useful. However, they are also extremely expensive to set up and install when you buy one in a store or online. Keep reading to learn how you can make your own video surveillance camera to keep an eye on your home and family, quickly, easily and cheaply.

Even a basic camera system that you can purchase from most general electronics stores will probably cost you upwards of $300; this is simply too much to be paying for the right to security and safety for you and your family. However, what you probably didn’t know is that you can actually make a home video surveillance camera using a webcam or webcam-capable digital camera or camcorder.

This is beneficial in a number of different ways- firstly, you may already have a webcam lying around your house, or if not, they are cheap to purchase (compare around $50 for a brand new webcam against $300 minimum for a store purchased security camera) Secondly, webcams are extremely discrete and inconspicuous; nobody would take a second look at a webcam, let alone assume that it was being used as a security camera. This really is covert security at its best.

You set up your webcam in a position to monitor whatever you want, and then connect it to a computer (either desktop or laptop). Here’s the clever part- there is actually video camera surveillance software available on the Internet, often included for free with home video surveillance guides, that will then allow you to check a live feed of your camera from any computer in the world. What’s more, you can even use your cell phone to check the live camera feed, now isn’t that convenient?

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Do It Yourself: Tips to Build Your Home Security System

Easy Tips to Build Your Own Remote Home Surveillance System

By Andrew Stratton

What is remote surveillance?

A remote surveillance security system allows you to monitor your home while away. Whether you go on a vacation, are at the office, or away on business, you can have access via internet to view what your surveillance cameras are catching on video. This type of security system is ideal for families who are often away for extended periods, offices that have chronic theft or vandalism problems, and households with members that require the aid of a caretaker if left alone.

Equipment Needed:

Computer

A computer or a laptop is essential in building your remote surveillance system. You can use your existing computer or you may even choose to invest in one specifically used for security purposes. Be sure that it is password protected to prevent people from snooping or deactivating your security system. Unfortunately it is all too common those closest to us to be the perpetrators of a crime, so trust all users with caution!

DVR

A digital video recorder system is the cornerstone piece of equipment for any remote surveillance system. The DVR allows you to record and watch the security footage via internet.

Security Cameras

There are many different types of security cameras available depending on your individual needs. Which camera you choose will depend on its location and required performance.

It is common to use infrared cameras outdoors or in dark rooms to help catch nighttime perpetrators. Indoors you may choose to use more concealable cameras, such as dome fixtures, which can help you catch potential suspects while remaining aesthetically pleasing.

Cameras can range greatly in price, and you often get what you pay for. Quality cameras can get sharper pictures, will work under many different conditions, and are often easy to camouflage.

DVR Software

Many DVRs already come with software, but you may choose to purchase a different system to find the exact specifications and features you’re looking for. There are many different kinds of remote surveillance software available. The DVR cards and software are often referred to by the number of channels, or cameras being used.

If it’s a four channel, than that is how many cameras the system can operate with. You can then program your DVR and camera to pick up only motion, alert you of detections via email or cell phone, and other recording options.

Although remote surveillance systems can be set up on your own, there are also premade kits available which come with all required equipment and accessories (although sometimes they come at a higher price than purchasing individual components) and you may choose to have a professional install the system for you.

Be sure to check your equipment regularly to ensure it is working properly and hasn’t been damaged or altered in any way. A well planned and built home remote surveillance system can help protect your family and belongings as well as give you peace of mind.

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How to build an outdoor home surveillance camera system

Build outdoor home surveillance camera system

Installing an outdoor home surveillance camera is a great decision and is made even better when you decide to actually build your own outdoor surveillance camera system!  But where do you start?  You need to know which type of camera equipment you plan to use, what type of monitor you want in order to view what the camera is capturing, and how you plan to record your data.

Building an Outdoor Surveillance Camera System

1. Camera.  You can’t build a surveillance system without having a camera so this should be the first piece equipment you consider. Decide whether you will use closed circuit television (CCTV), or a webcam.  Since this is going outside, the better choice would be a CCTV camera, which is commonly used in home surveillance systems.  Make sure it’s an indoor/outdoor CCTV camera.

1. Surveillance Monitor.  Now that the camera has been chosen, we need to be able to view the data captured with an LCD surveillance monitor.  The brand of monitor chosen is up to user preference and it isn’t necessary to break the bank on the monitor.  Some things to keep in mind for the best surveillance environment is to seek out monitors that provide high quality color images and are at least 8” in size.

1. DVR or VCR.  We can capture images and video and we can even view them on the monitor but what good is the data if you can’t save it!? That’s the purpose of the VCR or DVR recording device.  DVR is the more popular choice given its ability to store large amounts of data and having a built-in HDD.  VCR recording devices are still available on the market and are typically cheaper than DVR devices.

These 3 pieces of equipment are must-haves for anyone looking to build an outdoor home surveillance camera system.  With a little bit of time and patience, you’ll be well on your way to building your outdoor home security!

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