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Although the application of CCTV security have not changed very much over the past years, the tools and equipment have significantly. cameras became smaller, cheaper and better, but the major breakthrough happened in recording equipment.

Therefore many customers shopping for complete CCTV monitoring and recording systems are confused by such a verity of available products. Goal of this article is to guide buyers toward best possible and most economical type of CCTV equipment, based on intended implementation and requirements.

Selecting the right cameras.

It is virtually impossible to describe all types of available security cameras in this short article. We will focus our attention on most popular and widely used camera types instead.

CCTV security cameras produce images using CMOS or CCD (Charge Couple Device) chips. Tiny, very low price CCTV cameras usually use CMOS technology, produce poor quality images and have very poor light sensitivity. Decent quality CCTV cameras use CCD technology. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4", 1/3" or 1/2". As a rule of thumb, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced and the higher the price. However, higher density 1/4" and 1/3" CCD chips can now produce as good an image as many 1/3" or 1/2" chips.

The number of TV lines in the security camera image is a measure of picture resolution (sharpness). The larger the number of TV lines, the better the resolution and hence, overall picture quality. Standard resolution camera may have 350-380 lines, over 400 TV Lines is generally considered good resolution while over 500 TV lines is considered high resolution. B/W chip cameras produce greater resolution and better light sensitivity, therefore suitable for use in dark areas where light conditions are poor most of the time.

On the other hand color cameras offer more realistic and natural picture. CCTV cameras are usually divided into different types based on the body of the camera used.

Professional grade cameras.

Have box type body with the ability to use different types and size of lenses. Exchangeable lenses enable this camera, to monitor objects from virtually any distance.

Although for indoor use, they can be used for outdoor when combined with weatherproof housing. They are considered to be the most flexible and widely used by professionals for commercial installations.

Bullet cameras.

Bullet cameras are, as the name suggest contained inside bullet shaped housing.

Most bullet cameras are weatherproof and sealed without the ability to use different lenses. Great advantage of bullet camera is the small size and integrated design, some bullet cameras will even have infrared LED future built-in. Infrared technology is simply LED light in infrared spectrum (not visible to human eye). This light will illuminate viewing area, making possible monitoring in complete darkness. This is great future, but it only works up to certain distance (usually between 10 and 50 ft. depending on model) Vary simple to install and estheticly designed, bullet cameras are great choice for residential and do-it-yourself installations where monitoring objects are within about 25ft from the camera location (with standard 3.6mm lens).

Board cameras.

Board cameras are basically fixed lens mounted on a circuit board. These cameras may be packaged in a small case (Mini Cameras) or dome (Mini Dome) or simply sold unpackaged, for mounting by the purchaser. Lenses in these cameras are either of a normal industry aperture or a "pinhole" lens of very small aperture. Pinhole lens cameras are often called "spy" cameras and may be mounted in a concealed way for covert surveillance purposes. The most popular examples of covert board cameras are smoke detector and motion detector cameras.

Since the lenses in board cameras are pre-mounted, have a fixed iris and are usually of a short focal length (i.e. wide angle), their flexibility of usefulness is limited. However, this type of camera can provide a low cost solution in the right situation, particularly in a home environment.

We have shortly described most popular types of cameras, lets now discus, how and where they mite be used.

Professional type cameras with C/CS mount lens attachment generally offer best performance and many important futures, like lens control output, Back Light Compensation and many more

Distance from monitoring object to the camera is not an issue, that is why ability to select different lenses, based on camera location is so important. Installation is bit complicated and professional installation strongly recommended. We recommend this type of security cameras for commercial installations.

Most Bullet cameras in comparison, do not offer high resolution and lens selection flexibility, but are likely to be weatherproof, some will have infrared light built-in and most of all they are relatively easy to implement.

Bullet cameras usually come with 3.6mm lens witch are considered to be suitable for most standard installations (good for covering small to medium size room or equivalent).

For larger roomsor longer distances, cameras with 6mm or higher lens may be required.

They are great choice for any do-it-yourself installation.

Board cameras in contrast are widely used in covert camera installations, sometimes called Spy cameras. Many wireless cameras are basically board cameras with built-in transmitter.

We are not going to go into wireless cameras right now, as this would be enough material for completely new article.

Board cameras are sold as plain circuit board, for integrating into hidden camera devices. They are also available in dome housing, as vary popular Dome Camera or integrated with Smoke Detector, Motion Detector, Exit Sign and so on.

Most board cameras also come with 3.6mm lens although some will allow lens to be replaced.

Over the time, most practical design has been Dome Camera with its esthetic appearance it blends into surroundings, especially with drop down sealing, great for use in stores, lobbies, gas stations and other public places. Practical solution for covert installation are also, Motion and Smoke Detector cameras, they are absolutely not substitute for your security alarm or fire protection.

cameras should always be selected based on the location of the camera (inside/outside), distance from the monitoring object, light condition and budget.

When shopping for security cameras, customers are faced with the fact that they will need to select one or another recording device.

The days of well-known CCTV time-lapse VCR recorder are almost over.

Although some customers still prefer this old fashioned recording solution, it is well worth to invest some extra money to purchase a good quality digital video recorder (DVR). Digital recorder transfers analog camera video feed into digital format, and stores it on hard drive. There are two major types of digital recorders on the market right now.

PC Based Systems.

A special board and software installed on the computer will allow camera inputs and store video on the hard drive.

Many people are under the misconception that personal computer with additional hardware installed, will do the job. This explains the hundreds of companies that have hung up a sign, taken out some ads and begun working out of basements and garages, holding themselves out to be DVR manufacturers and security specialists. The main problem with this type of CCTV recorders lies in the main component of it Yes, it is a computer, designed to do unlimited tasks, but non well. The truth is that any computer based digital video recorder is, and will always be vulnerable to software crashes, hang-ups, system instability, virus related problems etc

Stand Alone Systems.

Very similar in appearance and control functions to standard VCR recorders, are truly remarkable devices. Most video processing is done by hardware, therefore eliminating system crashes, video is also stored on hard drive in digital format. The basic operating system, usually Linux, is permanently stored on special processor, witch is impossible to overwrite or corrupt. Designed and manufactured with single application in mind, it is by far better in performance and reliability to its PC based rival.

Some DVR systems will even have remote monitoring capability, useful when monitoring is required in different locations thru Internet or network. Most important futures to look for when selecting the right DVR recorder are motion detection and frame speed. The higher the frame speed the more fluent video recording. Motion detection will allow recording video from each camera only when motion is detected; this is great for extending video recording time.

Security Monitors.

Video from Security recorder could be displayed on regular TV monitor. It is OK to do it this way, for baby monitoring or residential application, when quality of the picture is not that important. However for professional installation, security monitors are as much important as cameras. They offer extended life of picture tube (necessary with any static picture, that can cause picture burnout) and much grater resolution.

cables and wiring.

Finally any camera installation will require proper wiring. Good quality cable will prevent video degradation over long distance runs. It is recommended to use RG59 or RG6 coaxial cables as it is fully shielded and will prevent video loss up to 400 ft. Coaxial cables will require BNC connectors and proper installation possibly done by experienced technician. In short runs plug and play non-coaxial cables with factory installed BNC connectors may be used (up to 150 ft.). The plug and play cables are easy enough to install by not experienced users.

Cables for CCTV cameras consist of two cables bundled in one jacket. One cable for video and one for power delivery.

Conclusion.

Every CCTV system is as good and reliable as its weakest component. With this in mind, investing on highest quality and performance cameras, while purchasing low performance recorder, from economical and practical standpoint just does not make sense.

For example, why use cameras with 500 TV lines of resolution with monitor that offers only 380 or less. All the benefit of high-resolution camera is affectively sacrificed by limited capability of monitor. Asking questions is important before purchasing video security system, and your vendor will probably be able to give more details and recommend equipment for specific needs and requirements.

Robert Moskal is Technical Department Manager at V2Comp,Inc, a major distributor of security equipment located in Chicago area. More information about new products can be accessed at http://www.amazingcameras.com or http://www.v2comp.com

This article will allow consumers to educate themselves on the best deals possible for bundled services. In the ever changing and ultra competitive world of telecom many consumers can be confused with the many different bundled plans and services most phone companies now offer. With the implementation of bundled services consumers can now have most all telecom products (phone, tv, internet, wireless) and services provided by the same company at a lower rate than having multiple service providers. This article will categorically break down plans provided by most major telecom service providers available in th US. Each provider will be rated based on blanket availability, services offered, and cost effectiveness. These are comprehensive reviews based on research and not personal experience. Phone Companies Beware this article is designed to educate consumers and provide the best possible options for telecom services.

First up AT&T The monopolizing entity of the Big 3 phone companies few can compete with the blanket availability of AT&T's products and services worldwide. Being one of only three telecom companies that also offer wireless phone service as a part of its residential bundle which also includes its unlimited calling plan phone service, satellite TV Through Dish Network and of course the world famous ATT Yahoo DSL. Few companies can compete, but there are cheaper bundled service plans out there especially for the consumer that is not interested in cellular phone service. Here is an example of the services offered and billing for the AT&T Residential bundled services plan.

Phone Service- Order AT&T All Distance Online Select(SM) online and get unlimited local and domestic direct-dialed long distance plus great calling features.

TV Service- AT&T | DISH Network entertainment package with over 60 of America's favorite channels. Includes local channels Plus Free DVR.

high Speed Internet- Yahoo DSL ATT,Plus, order Express online and receive 1 month FREE! (New residential DSL customers only. Bill credit applied after three months paid service. See offer details.)

Wireless Cell Phone- cingular Nation 450 anytime minutes cingular Wireless plan with Rollover Minutes, unlimited mobile to mobile minutes, and more. Plus get a $5/mo. discount with qualifying AT&T services.

Bundled Plan Total Cost $130.94/mo or less!

Well Old Ma bell Does Have A Cost Effective Money Saving Bundle With The Most Availability! 4.5/5 Stars

Next we have Qwest Communications One of the Big 3 telecom service providers its coverage area is limited to the Western half of the states mainly the Pacific Northwest but as far as price and overall services this company by far has the best bundled package including wireless cell phone service on the market. One Negative though No free DVR here but more channels with Direct TV as opposed to ATT Dish Network, Here are the details.

Phone Service- Digital Voice: unlimited local and long-distance calls from your home phone to anywhere in the U.S. and now Canada, anytime. PLUS, choose up to three of your favorite calling features.

TV Service- The DIRECTV package offers 185+ channels in 100% digital quality.

high Speed Internet- Qwest Choice DSL Deluxe with MSN. unlimited Internet access that's up to 25 times faster than 56Kbps dial-up.

Wireless Cell Phone- 500-minute plan, free UT Starcom 7025 phone (after $10 credit on 2nd or 3rd bill, with a two-year agreement), free headset and charger, free shipping, free activation and free unlimited Nights and Weekends Starting at 9 p.m. WHOO HOOO a FREE PHONE!

Bundled Plan Total Cost 125.96/mo

Unbeatable 5/5 stars if its available in your are choose Qwest!

Well here it is last of the Big 3 Phone companies Verizon. I'm wondering which of these companies will be around for the next 20 years with AT&T having a strangle hold on our national market. Verizon Phone company does provide some pretty stiff competition for Old Ma bell though, Here are the details.

Phone- Verizon's Freedom Essentials provides unlimited calls to the US and Canada as well as the main basic calling features with voicemail being FREE 1 up on AT&T.

TV Service- Same Plan as Qwest with Direct TV more channels for the money as opposed to AT&T.

high Speed Internet- DSL the cable companies sure have 1 up on DSL consumers with faster speed available but in a bundle Verizon has a pretty good plan, Connection speeds up to 3.0 Mbps, More than 80 times faster than dial-up, Three installation steps here is the one negative with their DSL service in the bundle One-year commitment required.

Wireless- Well We've all heard of the network on TV and the such and Verizon Phone Company does offer wireless services as part of its bundle with 450 anytime minutes and a standard wireless plan.

Bundled Plan Total Cost 134.99-144.99/mo depending on your area.

I would have to rate them #2 amongst the Big 3 as far as services and pricing but they do have the edge on Qwest based up blanket availability.

4.5/5.0 stars

Now we go on to the cable companies that have also submitted their bids for your telephone service as well first up we have Comcast Cable Company. Well if you are truly dedicated to cable TV and internet if available in your area Comcast Cable Company is the way to go all necessary equipment is Free after mail in rebates and services are exceptional based on consumer reviews online. Here are the details.

Phone- unlimited local and long distance in the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada from one provider. One bill for local and long distance. Keep your current phone number (subject to some restrictions).

TV Service- Over a hundred channels, plus local channels. Digital quality picture and sound. Parental Controls and an Interactive program Guide Movies and shows you can start on your schedule with Comcast OnDemand - many included at no cost.

high Speed Internet- Comcast Highspeed Cable Internet, Speeds up to 3Mbps and a reliable connection. Anti-virus and firewall software, spam filtering and parental controls included. Always connected, no dial-up required. Up to 10 email boxes and extra storage FREE MODEM NO LEASING FEE AFTER REBATE!

With no wireless service available as part of the bundle I still have to give the Cable edge to Comcast with So many cash back offers on signup!

Bundled Plan Total Cost 99.00/mo

Next Up Charter Communications, the reviews are in some good some bad and well some just plain indifferent. Charter Communication Cable...Cable TV's answer to the Big 3 phone companies (AT&T, Qwest, Verizon) and satellite tv's quest to crush cable have assembled their own bundled telecom services package as well. Though wireless cell phone services are not offered as part of the Charter Bundle. Charter does have a few advantages that may just sway a chunk of loyal wireless consumers back to the wired world. Here are the details.

Phone- unlimited local and long distance in the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada from one provider. One bill for local and long distance. Keep your current phone number (subject to some restrictions).

TV Service- Over a hundred channels, plus local channels. Digital quality picture and sound. Parental Controls and an Interactive program Guide Movies and shows you can start on your schedule with Charter OnDemand - many included at no cost.

high Speed Internet- Charter Highspeed Cable Internet, Speeds up to 3Mbps and a reliable connection. Anti-virus and firewall software, spam filtering and parental controls included. Always connected, no dial-up required. Up to 10 email boxes and extra storage

Wireless Cell Phone- NA

Bundled Plan Total Cost 99.97/mo

On Demand is Pretty Nice and no matter what DSL users say cable is faster than DSL but with no wireless service it means I still have to look at another bill month to month. Limited availability Though. 4.0/5 stars

Last but not least Time Warner Cable Company Well While Competing in huge markets such as New York, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio Time Warner has a bundled services package that seems to be the best for the loyal cable consumer. Still no wireless phone service but with high speed cable internet service through Road Runner and On Demand programming as well as a free DVR included in its digital Cable package it seems to be the service to outlast Charter and Comcast in the Cable Providers rank and file in our new telecom bundled services world.

Phone- It's time for a better residential telephone service. It's time for unlimited calling to anywhere in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico, plus popular calling features for one low "monthly" price.

TV Service- Time Warner Cable Over 250 Channels With features like Digital Video Recorder (DVR), you can now record anything you like and watch it later, with all the control of a VCR or a DVD. You can even pause live TV. Plus On Demand

high Speed Internet- high speed cable via Road Runner. Hey Its Cable internet always on and faster than DSL.

Wireless Cell Phone- NA

Bundled Plan Total Cost 99.97/mo

Hey I had AT&T but DSL was too unreliable I now have Charter but wish I could have Time Warner

4.0/5 stars

In closing with the market as competitive as it has become for your telecom dollars finding the best bundled services package for your home or business is just a matter of educating yourself.

Trish Reed is a CSR for a major teleservices company specializing in market research.

Educate Yourself And Save More Ordering Your Bundled Services Online CLICK HERE NOW!

There is nothing as charming as the whirling sound of a ceiling fan, as it gently cools a room on a sultry day.

Despite the fact that ceiling fans have been in existence for over 100 years, they are still very popular today and have improved over time. They now have better motors and materials, a better overall finish and controls, and the variety is overwhelming. In addition to this, there is always a type to suit even a restricted budget.

When choosing a ceiling fan, you need to determine the size needed for the room. You then need to see how it is going to be placed. If the fan is also going to be the main light source, then you would also have to purchase a light kit that will provide adequate lighting. Other options include remote control, dimmer switches and reversible blades.

It would be a good idea to consider the construction of the fan and blades. If the motor casing is made from thin metal, there will be a rattling or humming sound while in operation. If the blades are made of wood, you could experience warping. Therefore, while the look and benefits of the fan are important, the construction of it is also an important aspect to look into.

While there aren't a lot of ceiling fans that will work outdoors, there are some that do. An outdoor ceiling fan is especially designed and manufactured to withstand the effects of heat, cold, dust, dryness and humidity. This is why no indoor fan should be installed outdoors as it is not designed appropriately for outdoor use.

In case you were under the impression that ceiling fans only help to keep us cool, you are in for a surprise. The fact is that these fans are just as useful for helping to keep the room warm in cold weather. You just need to ensure that when you buy a fan, it can be set to blow down in warm weather and up in cold weather.

Once your fan is installed and you are making the most of, you also need to remember that at times it needs to be cleaned. Dirty blades can make ceiling fans shake and wobble, and to keep them running smoothly you need to clean them often, at least every two months. However, for weekly maintenance you could dust the blades with a feather duster, making sure that the fan is switched off while doing so.

You can find further information on ceiling fans and home decorating ideas at Ultimate Ceiling Fans