FAQ PAGE

FAQ Page

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Definitions -

• AGC - Automatic Gain Control is an electronic circuit that keeps the video signal at a constant level (1volt peak-peak). Useful on cameras working at low light levels.
• AI - Auto Iris is an automatic method of varying the size of a lens opening in response to changes in scene illumination.
• AWB - Auto White Balance is an electronic process used in video cameras to retain true colors. It is performed electronically on the basis of a white object in the picture.
• CCD - Charged Coupled Device: It is analog technology. The CCD camera has a little bit higher resolution than CMOS. The camera also functions better in low light. A CCD camera drains a little bit more power than the CMOS cameras. It uses 12v instead of 9v.
• CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor: a lower resolution camera compared to a CCD model. The advantage of a CMOS camera is that it uses lower operation current. CMOS camera is smaller than a CCD camera and works longer with the 9v battery.
• HAD CCD - Hole Accumulation Diode is a type of CCD sensor with a layer designed to accumulate holes (in the electronic sense), thus reducing noise level.
• S to N Ratio - Signal to Noise Ratio is simply the ratio of the signal power and noise power, expressed in decibels (dB). Or measure of noise on a video signal. It is represented in Decibels as the level of the video signal compared to the level of noise present on that signal. The higher the signal to noise ratio the better.
• BLC - Balance Light Control is a method to compensate for bright spots in a picture. It is also important to consider whether there are bright spots in the picture such as car headlights which can make identification of the vehicle registration or model impossible. This can also be a major problem where it is necessary to identify a person who is moving from bright daylight into artificial light. This could result in the subject becoming an unidentifiable silhouette.
• OSD - On Screen Display is a method of displaying set-up information or instructions on to a display monitor.
• Resolution - Resolution measures the cameras ability to reproduce an image. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality.
• LUX - LUX is the measurement of low light needed for the camera to view and record properly.
• FPS - Frames Per Second is the number of still frames (pictures) that give the illusion of motion, which appear in a single second of time. 30fps is considered "real time". So for real time viewing of your cameras, you need at least 30 fps for each camera.
• IR - Infrared, IR LEDS are used on Day/Night cameras which allow the camera to see in the dark.
• Focal Length - the distance from the surface of a lens to its focal point.

Questions -

• How do hidden cameras work? - A small board camera is built into an everyday item. The camera can be wired which means it is connected to the DVR or VCR using a cable. The camera can also be wireless, in this case the camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.
• Can I get audio in my hidden camera? - No you cannot. According to United States federal laws,audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera. This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio. Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies, with the exception of body worn cameras. Title 18, Section 2512.
• What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera? - Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR or monitor. Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording or viewing device.
• How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit? - Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2500 feet.
• How many wireless cameras can you have in one location? - You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver. If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location it's best to order them at the same time so that we can put them on different channels.
• Will a cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras? - Cordless phones that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and receiver. Wireless Internet, networks and Wifi can cause interference too.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a Quad? - A Quad is used with a VCR or other single channel recording device that splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once.
• What is a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency? - A frequency is used to transmit a signal or data like video. 2.4GHz is the specific wireless frequency that our transmitters use to send video signal to a receiver. All of our wireless cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. These units are FCC approved.
• Are the transmitters FCC approved? - The transmitters used in all of our wireless systems are FCC and Industry Canada Certified.
• What is CCD? - CCD is used in professional cameras because of it's high resolution quality and it's ability to record in low-light situations. CCD is basically a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which makes up an image. It's usually measured in inches with 1/3" CCD being the standard. They are higher priced but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.
• Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time? - Yes, you can record all four cameras at the same time. You can also record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at that moment.
• Do the receivers work through walls up to two feet thick? - Yes, as long as there isn't excessive amount of metal in the wall.
• Do the plug and play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the VCR or TV? - Yes, you need to buy the length of cable you need. We offer the CA-25, CA-50, CA-100 and CA-150.
• What is the difference between a PC based DVR and a Embedded (stand alone) DVR? - A PC based DVR has all the functions of a computer.