If you have a business and would like to watch your employees but don't know how - we're here to help!  We've included some helpful information below in the form of an informal tutorial:

Whether you are considering covert or non-covert, or wired, or wireless, all surveillance systems are similar in nature.  They all involve a camera, a way to get the video signal to the monitoring station (where you watch the cameras), the means to view the camera, and often, a way to record the video taken from the camera.  Which camera and what equipment to use all depends on your particular application, the venue, your budget, and even your taste.

To see what type of camera is best for you, please see our article on "How to Select the Right Camera." It will compare wired to wireless cameras, Black & White cameras to Color, and Covert Cameras to Non-Covert Cameras.  To gain a better understanding of how the entire system works, continue on below.

Wired & Wireless Cameras

Depending on your particular application and the type of structure you're working with, you must first consider what type of camera you would like to use.  In short, the options are wired or wireless.  While wired cameras have always been the traditional choice of business owners and operators, wireless cameras provide a certain level of versatility and convenience that no wired camera can offer.  However, with wireless cameras, you must consider the distance the video signal must travel to reach the wireless receiver, and what type of obstructions it will encounter (walls, floors, machinery, etc.).  When choosing a camera system, pay special attention to the maximum range of the unit.  Also, wireless cameras may not work well in malls or other places where other businesses may be using similar cameras for their surveillance systems.  Too many cameras in one place may cause interference.

When using a wired camera, you must run a video cable to your monitoring/ recording station.  If you're not familiar with cabling and what to use, we recommend a store like Radio Shack.  Just tell them how far you wish to run the video cable and they will be able to recommend the proper cabling to you.  Not only can they sell it to you in bulk, but they will also make sure you have the necessary attachments to hook it up to your camera.  Common attachments include adapters that will allow you to attach a BNC cable to the RCA connector on your camera.  Adapters and cable ends typically cost just a couple of bucks. 

Switchers, Quads, & Multiplexers

When your surveillance system involves the use of multiple cameras, you must also decide if you are going to use either a switcher, quad, multiplexer, or a DVR with these built-in already (usually the most cost-effective, and suitable up to 16 or more cameras).  

Switchers typically run for less than $100, and will cycle between all your cameras.  You may either manually select a camera to watch by simply flipping a switch, or allow the switcher to automatically cycle through your cameras.  Some switchers, typically referred to as "Advanced" models, may also include alarm hook-ups that will automatically pull up a certain camera when an alarm goes off.

Quads are more expensive than switchers.  Typically starting at about $250.00, quads, unlike switchers, will allow you to simultaneously record & monitor 4 cameras at a time.  It does this by splitting your screen into 4 sections.  Similar to switchers, you may manually select a particular camera and pull it up to a full screen view.  However, only live images may be brought up to full screen view.  Although some quad manufacturers have included digital technology that can bring a prerecorded camera into full screen view, we've found that the image is highly pixalized and does not meet our standards.

Multiplexers are the most expensive of the three.  Typically starting at over $1,000.00, multiplexers allow you to simultaneously record multiple cameras.  Unlike quads, multiplexers allow your VCR to record all cameras simultaneously, and in full screen view.  

BE AWARE THAT OUR DVR's COMBINE ALL THESE COMPONENTS TOGETHER IN ONE SYSTEM - At an affordable price!

TVs & Monitors

Standard Televisions are similar to video monitors, except that TVs also have a built in tuner and typically offer a lower picture resolution to that of a dedicated monitor.  In many cases, you can save money by using a standard TV rather than purchasing a dedicated security monitor.

Remote Video Monitoring

In short, Remote Video Monitoring allows you to watch your cameras remotely, and in real time, from another location.  This may be done either over the internet, your office's intranet, or by "calling into" the cameras over standard phone lines using your computer's modem.  All this may be done very simply, and at a very surprisingly low price.  OurDVR's are perfect for watching your employees & business(es) from afar, or from the comfort of your home.