An elderly CCTV prospect told me the other day, electronic gear of yesteryear can last forever but nowadays electronic gear can only last up to their tenure of the warranty period.
I dunno what to say to him but he reminded me of this awesome song by Freddie Mercury, Queen.
Showing posts with label cctv gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cctv gear. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, October 24, 2009
IP68 Rating CCTV Camera
2 weeks ago a tourist from Korea came to us, he was looking for a water proof CCTV camera for his fish pond.
We recommended him an Infra Red camera with IP68 rating enclosure.
The International Protection Rating, sometimes also interpreted as Ingress Protection Rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in international standard IEC 60529, it classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water. The standard aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof.
Am sure he is now able to look at his fishes back in Korea, as and when he wishes, no matter where he is.
We won't be able show you that gentleman's fishes but let me show you a fishman, my favorite yesteryear TV series – Man from Atlantis.
We recommended him an Infra Red camera with IP68 rating enclosure.
The International Protection Rating, sometimes also interpreted as Ingress Protection Rating consists of the letters IP followed by two digits and an optional letter. As defined in international standard IEC 60529, it classifies the degrees of protection provided against the intrusion of solid objects, dust, accidental contact, and water. The standard aims to provide users more detailed information than vague marketing terms such as waterproof.
Am sure he is now able to look at his fishes back in Korea, as and when he wishes, no matter where he is.
We won't be able show you that gentleman's fishes but let me show you a fishman, my favorite yesteryear TV series – Man from Atlantis.
Friday, October 16, 2009
CCTV Ivy League?
Calling themselves the C9 alliance, 9 of China’s top universities recently have banded together to form the country’s version of the American Ivy League of 8 private institutes of higher education.
The American Ivy League universities are often viewed by the public as some of the most prestigious universities worldwide and are often ranked amongst the best universities in the United States and worldwide.
Membership of the Chinese Ivy league means it is easier now for the 9 institutions to distinguish themselves as the premier education venues in China.
The downside of this oligopoly development is that all other universities, no matter how good they might be in certain areas, are considered second-tier.
I wonder what if this Ivy League mumbo jumbo crap happens to our CCTV industry?
The American Ivy League universities are often viewed by the public as some of the most prestigious universities worldwide and are often ranked amongst the best universities in the United States and worldwide.
Membership of the Chinese Ivy league means it is easier now for the 9 institutions to distinguish themselves as the premier education venues in China.
The downside of this oligopoly development is that all other universities, no matter how good they might be in certain areas, are considered second-tier.
I wonder what if this Ivy League mumbo jumbo crap happens to our CCTV industry?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
RoHS Compliance CCTV Gear
It is important to coexist with the environment for sustained growth and development. Hence look out for the RoHS compliance sticker on the CCTV gear or any electronic and electric gear for that matter.
RoHS stands for Restriction on Hazardous Substances.
The RoHS directive aims to restrict certain dangerous substances commonly used in electronic and electronic equipment which is harmful to the environment. Any RoHS compliant component is tested for the presence of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent chromium (Hex-Cr), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
RoHS stands for Restriction on Hazardous Substances.
The RoHS directive aims to restrict certain dangerous substances commonly used in electronic and electronic equipment which is harmful to the environment. Any RoHS compliant component is tested for the presence of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent chromium (Hex-Cr), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Green CCTV
While we have been enjoying the fruits of rapid technology development, the earth is suffering the negative consequences of the technology boom. With global warming and climate change deteriorating, people are beginning to realise the inseparability between the fate of the globe and the future of all human beings.
Hence, before you make any decision on your CCTV deployment please give green designed CCTV gear a thought.
Hence, before you make any decision on your CCTV deployment please give green designed CCTV gear a thought.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Maintenance Free CCTV
Yesterday a CCTV prospect came to our showroom, he was looking for a maintenance free CCTV solution. I explained to him that the only CCTV gear which required no maintenance is a dummy camera.
CCTV gear is like any other electronic gear, maintenance from time to time is unavoidable.
Now let me show him the world's only maintenance free elevator and escalator.
CCTV gear is like any other electronic gear, maintenance from time to time is unavoidable.
Now let me show him the world's only maintenance free elevator and escalator.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Facial Mask & IP Camera
Few days ago a customer came to our CCTV outlet.
He said an IP camera is an IP camera, so long he can record the video footage and to perform distance monitor via Internet and hand phone, the cheapest IP camera will do.
Well, I dunno what to say, no doubt a facial mask is a facial mask, but which one do you prefer?
He said an IP camera is an IP camera, so long he can record the video footage and to perform distance monitor via Internet and hand phone, the cheapest IP camera will do.
Well, I dunno what to say, no doubt a facial mask is a facial mask, but which one do you prefer?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Talisman
A husband and wife couple and an old lady came to us to get 2 CCTV outdoor cameras. Those cameras are to be deployed outside their newly extended dinning hall for their bungalow.
After half an hour of explanation, the husband wanted to get the big outdoor Infra red camera but his wife insisted on a smaller camera as she said the big camera looks ugly and overwhelming.
For the next 10 minutes I didn't have a chance to said a word as both of them engaged in a heated debate. The old lady finally spoke and stopped both of them from arguing. She turned and asked me politely for my opinion.
I said a more noticeable big outdoor CCTV camera is a talisman which can ward off potential burglar or thief.
The old lady didn't say anything and pulled out her platinum card to pay for the 2 big outdoor cameras.
Like I said in Size does Matter posting, camera size does matter.
After half an hour of explanation, the husband wanted to get the big outdoor Infra red camera but his wife insisted on a smaller camera as she said the big camera looks ugly and overwhelming.
For the next 10 minutes I didn't have a chance to said a word as both of them engaged in a heated debate. The old lady finally spoke and stopped both of them from arguing. She turned and asked me politely for my opinion.
I said a more noticeable big outdoor CCTV camera is a talisman which can ward off potential burglar or thief.
The old lady didn't say anything and pulled out her platinum card to pay for the 2 big outdoor cameras.
Like I said in Size does Matter posting, camera size does matter.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Great Flood
If we don't take care of our mother earth, all of us will end up being forced to use CCTV camera with IP68 water resistance housing.
The only way to escape this great flood is to live an eco friendly lifestyle. One of this lifestyle is to use only RoHS compliance electronic appliances.
The only way to escape this great flood is to live an eco friendly lifestyle. One of this lifestyle is to use only RoHS compliance electronic appliances.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
6 Channel DVR
Couple of days ago a “prospect” came to purchase a 6 channel DVR.
DVR only comes with 4, 8 or 16 channel, we explained if he wanted to deploy 6 cameras he must go for the 8 channel DVR.
The gentlemen said he had been to a few CCTV shops and had refused to get a 8 channel DVR as his house required only 6 cameras.
We asked if he could reduce the camera deployment to 4 so that he could purchase the more economical 4 channel DVR.
He angrily walked off.
One Chinese proverb says "Don't ask for a comb from a monk".
Sad to say that gentleman was doing exactly that.
DVR only comes with 4, 8 or 16 channel, we explained if he wanted to deploy 6 cameras he must go for the 8 channel DVR.
The gentlemen said he had been to a few CCTV shops and had refused to get a 8 channel DVR as his house required only 6 cameras.
We asked if he could reduce the camera deployment to 4 so that he could purchase the more economical 4 channel DVR.
He angrily walked off.
One Chinese proverb says "Don't ask for a comb from a monk".
Sad to say that gentleman was doing exactly that.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Ventilation
Like any electronic gear, DVR needs air ventilation to keep the equipment at a certain temperature range to prevent the electronic components from overheating. Overheated components will cause instability, malfunction and damage leading to a shortened component lifespan.
Hence, ideally a DVR should be placed at an open, airy place. But in my Network Attached Storage posting, I had pointed out that many DVR users actually hide their DVR in an enclosed space to prevent it from being vandalized or taken away.
This practice had actually forced the DVR to operate in an overheated condition and became unstable, shorter lifespan or malfunction. The solution can be found in my NAS posting.
Meanwhile check out this pride of lions seeking refuge from the scorching sun under the shade of the wing before they got overheated.
Hence, ideally a DVR should be placed at an open, airy place. But in my Network Attached Storage posting, I had pointed out that many DVR users actually hide their DVR in an enclosed space to prevent it from being vandalized or taken away.
This practice had actually forced the DVR to operate in an overheated condition and became unstable, shorter lifespan or malfunction. The solution can be found in my NAS posting.
Meanwhile check out this pride of lions seeking refuge from the scorching sun under the shade of the wing before they got overheated.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
True Colour
CCTV cameras are at the very edge of any CCTV system. If the image presented by the camera is bad, the video footage will turn out lousy. Sort of what you see is what you get eventually.
No doubt some CCTV camera is high definition or high TV line but the colour is unreal. Red is too red, green is too green, blue is too blue etc.
Sadly most Asian CCTV customers prefer those cameras which show “brilliant” colour... which is unreal.
I know it is a matter of taste and I respect their choice but personally I like CCTV camera which shows true color, no reinforcement what so ever.
It is like listening to music, I like to listen to music flat.
Talking about true colour and music, do you remember the song "true colours" by cyndi Lauper. If you don't here goes;
I simply lost count the number of times I had pressed and repressed the replay button.
Those wonderful yesteryears...
No doubt some CCTV camera is high definition or high TV line but the colour is unreal. Red is too red, green is too green, blue is too blue etc.
Sadly most Asian CCTV customers prefer those cameras which show “brilliant” colour... which is unreal.
I know it is a matter of taste and I respect their choice but personally I like CCTV camera which shows true color, no reinforcement what so ever.
It is like listening to music, I like to listen to music flat.
Talking about true colour and music, do you remember the song "true colours" by cyndi Lauper. If you don't here goes;
I simply lost count the number of times I had pressed and repressed the replay button.
Those wonderful yesteryears...
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Network Attached Storage
A few days ago one of our existing customer called, he told us that his shop was burgled and his DVR was taken. He asked if we had a DVR system which can store the recorded video footage away from the DVR.
He is not the first victim who had encountered this deathliest CCTV system setback. The whole purpose of setting up of any surveillance system is to provide the user with clear recorded video footage, what is the use of a sophisticated CCTV system if the video storage was taken or damaged?
The only way to prevent the recorded video footage from being taken away or vandalized is to perform distance recording, record and store CCTV video footage away from the DVR.
You can do it on-site or off-site. Off-site CCTV recording is to record away from the site, it relies on the broadband. For example, surveillance cameras being deployed at the office and the recording being done at the owner's home.
Since broadband speed is slow in our country, it is close to impossible to perform distance recording if many cameras were deployed, another alternative is to deploy Network Attached Storage (NAS) to the surveillance on-site network.
NAS is essentially a self-contained computer connected to a network, with the sole purpose of supplying data storage services to other devices on the network (like the DVR).
Since those CCTV cameras are not connected directly to the NAS, intruders will vandalize or take away the DVR instead of the NAS. further more, NAS can always hide away from the DVR.
He is not the first victim who had encountered this deathliest CCTV system setback. The whole purpose of setting up of any surveillance system is to provide the user with clear recorded video footage, what is the use of a sophisticated CCTV system if the video storage was taken or damaged?
The only way to prevent the recorded video footage from being taken away or vandalized is to perform distance recording, record and store CCTV video footage away from the DVR.
You can do it on-site or off-site. Off-site CCTV recording is to record away from the site, it relies on the broadband. For example, surveillance cameras being deployed at the office and the recording being done at the owner's home.
Since broadband speed is slow in our country, it is close to impossible to perform distance recording if many cameras were deployed, another alternative is to deploy Network Attached Storage (NAS) to the surveillance on-site network.
NAS is essentially a self-contained computer connected to a network, with the sole purpose of supplying data storage services to other devices on the network (like the DVR).
Since those CCTV cameras are not connected directly to the NAS, intruders will vandalize or take away the DVR instead of the NAS. further more, NAS can always hide away from the DVR.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Choose Wisely
This is a follow up post to “Strength is Weakness”
The biggest, the most powerful and many cameras is not always the best or suitable CCTV solution.
Like CCTV to protect your property,bicycle lock is to protect your bicycle. Check out this 3 bicycle lock options and choose wisely.
(1) Big & Powerful
(2) Many
(3) Smart & Stylish
The biggest, the most powerful and many cameras is not always the best or suitable CCTV solution.
Like CCTV to protect your property,bicycle lock is to protect your bicycle. Check out this 3 bicycle lock options and choose wisely.
(1) Big & Powerful
(2) Many
(3) Smart & Stylish
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Strength is Weakness
It is not that hard to understand, every strength comes with its particular set of weakness.
For example, a more powerful car will consume more fuel, a popular singer like MJ will lost his freedom to walk freely on a crowded street etc.
There are strengths and weaknesses in every CCTV gear and solution too.
For example;
(1) Higher resolution camera produces clearer video but it comes with bigger video file which required higher bandwidth and bigger capacity hard disk.
(2) Big size camera is never meant for discrete application or small pinhole camera is not build to ward off criminals.
Hence, when it comes to design a CCTV system, the most advance, biggest, most powerful surveillance gear is not always the best choice. Choosing a suitable CCTV gear is more important than choosing the best gear.
Like this episode of Spy verses Spy, the toughness of the iron can also be the deathliest weakness.
For example, a more powerful car will consume more fuel, a popular singer like MJ will lost his freedom to walk freely on a crowded street etc.
There are strengths and weaknesses in every CCTV gear and solution too.
For example;
(1) Higher resolution camera produces clearer video but it comes with bigger video file which required higher bandwidth and bigger capacity hard disk.
(2) Big size camera is never meant for discrete application or small pinhole camera is not build to ward off criminals.
Hence, when it comes to design a CCTV system, the most advance, biggest, most powerful surveillance gear is not always the best choice. Choosing a suitable CCTV gear is more important than choosing the best gear.
Like this episode of Spy verses Spy, the toughness of the iron can also be the deathliest weakness.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Facial Recognition
CCTV today comes with super advance facial recognition function.
Those more advance DVR can even detect human faces in the video and saved as thumbnail image index. With the index, it is very easy to retrieve the required video footage by checking and clicking the thumbnail image index.
But somehow I don't think it can tell the difference between the following individuals.
Macaulay Culkin – Matt Leblanc
Grant Imahara, Mythbusters – Stingy, Lazytown
Cod, Simon Bar Sinister Underdog - John Kerry
Madeline Albright – Roz
Michelle Obama - Toy Cymbal Monkey
Baby Alien – Richard Branson
Photos from snarlingmess.blogspot.com
Those more advance DVR can even detect human faces in the video and saved as thumbnail image index. With the index, it is very easy to retrieve the required video footage by checking and clicking the thumbnail image index.
But somehow I don't think it can tell the difference between the following individuals.
Macaulay Culkin – Matt Leblanc
Grant Imahara, Mythbusters – Stingy, Lazytown
Cod, Simon Bar Sinister Underdog - John Kerry
Madeline Albright – Roz
Michelle Obama - Toy Cymbal Monkey
Baby Alien – Richard Branson
Photos from snarlingmess.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Green Wagon
Everyone is jumping on the Green wagon.
Take a look at this 2 new drinks from Coke and Pepsi.
Did you check if your CCTV gear was RoHS Compliance? RoHS stands for Restriction on Hazardous Substances, for more detail check out my previous posting, Livi's 501.
Take a look at this 2 new drinks from Coke and Pepsi.
Did you check if your CCTV gear was RoHS Compliance? RoHS stands for Restriction on Hazardous Substances, for more detail check out my previous posting, Livi's 501.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Killing Field
Some readers might find the 2nd photo in this post disturbing, reader discretion is advised.
A boxful of damaged network Ip camera.
It reminds me of Pol Pot's killing field.
This is a follow up to “Better Safe than Sorry” post.
Those IP cameras were brought to us for repair by a CCTV installer, after inspection those IP cameras was damaged by power surged. It could be the power grid's power surged or another more likely culprit, lightning strike induction.
Induction is a very common phenomenon in tropical countries. It is caused by nearby lightning strikes. Induction generates high voltage spikes in electronic gear, this sudden power spikes will damage electronic circuit in the CCTV equipment.
Please note that, all electrical and electronic gear damaged by power surge is not covered by the limited warranty.
Hence, again, it is better safe than sorry. Power surge protector is highly recommended in any deployment of CCTV system.
A boxful of damaged network Ip camera.
It reminds me of Pol Pot's killing field.
This is a follow up to “Better Safe than Sorry” post.
Those IP cameras were brought to us for repair by a CCTV installer, after inspection those IP cameras was damaged by power surged. It could be the power grid's power surged or another more likely culprit, lightning strike induction.
Induction is a very common phenomenon in tropical countries. It is caused by nearby lightning strikes. Induction generates high voltage spikes in electronic gear, this sudden power spikes will damage electronic circuit in the CCTV equipment.
Please note that, all electrical and electronic gear damaged by power surge is not covered by the limited warranty.
Hence, again, it is better safe than sorry. Power surge protector is highly recommended in any deployment of CCTV system.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Downtime
World No.1 tennis player and Wimbledon defending champion, Rafael Nadal announced last Friday that he would skip Wimbledon 2009, citing tendinitis in his knee.
Like Nadal, no matter how good is your CCTV gear, it will still break down. Hence after sale service is a must to any surveillance solution and deployment. Good after sale service with quick repair turnaround time is utmost important to reduce downtime.
Like Nadal, no matter how good is your CCTV gear, it will still break down. Hence after sale service is a must to any surveillance solution and deployment. Good after sale service with quick repair turnaround time is utmost important to reduce downtime.
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