Top Questions about Security Cameras

Looking to improve or purchase a Video Surveillance System but don’t know what is the best solution for your specific application. I bet you’ve done a search on the internet hoping to find that one link that answers all your questions and tells you exactly what you need. Yeah, good luck on that! There is so much out there, and so many companies, good and bad, that can offer security cameras to you. It takes hours and hours to filter through it all and separate the need to know, from the not what you are looking for.

ACS Security has 100’s of customers in the Baltimore Metro Area that have called us to help them with thier questions from a simple one camera add on to a complete system with digital recording. Well, have no fear! I can very simply narrow down the questions you have and help point you in the right direction.

Here are the Top 10 Questions I am asked on a daily basis about security cameras.

Question # 10. How far and wide of an area will the cameras see?
Answer – The larger the number the farther away you’ll be able to see. So for example – if you have a 3.6mm lens the area of sharpest focus is around 12 feet away from the camera but you will see a large area around the focal point. If you have a 50mm lens, then the focus moves to around 75 feet away from the camera and you will see less of the surrounding area because it is focused more on the object further away.

Question # 9. Do I need infrared (IR)?
Answer – If your camera is inside and you need to see the area when it is dark or the lights are turned off then I recommend using IR in this case. In most cases when installing cameras inside a High Resolution Low Light camera works well. No point in paying for something you don’t need.

Now if they are outdoor security cameras, infrared is great. Infrared LEDs can illuminate an area on its own with no other light source. So if you have a camera with IR LEDs, then even in a pitch black parking lot or alleyway you’ll still be able to see. It lights up people and objects so there is no hiding in the dark even when there is no lighting.

Question # 8. Do I need battery backup?
Answer – YES! You want an Uninterruptible Power Supply(UPS) with around 1000VA or more of battery backup. You also want the ability to plug at least 2 things into the battery-backed outlets provided. Those two items are your DVR and your camera power supply. So if you have a power outage your cameras will still get juice and your DVR will still be recording. The higher the VA rating – the longer your unit will stay powered off the battery. Having a UPS is normally a requirement of a full DVR warranty, and besides, it’s just smart to have.

Question # 7. Do I need fixed lenses or varifocal?
Answer – I get this one a lot, and honestly what I see through my eyes and what you see through your s are sometime two different things. Varifocal lenses give you the ability to manually adjust the zoom and focus on the camera to get the view the customer want and allows the installer not to worry about putting the camera in a specific spot to get the view. you need. This can be worth a lot if you are trying to cover wide areas far away, or you aren’t positive exactly what you need to focus on.

Question # 6. Do I need fixed cameras or moving cameras (PTZ)?
Answer – PTZ stands for Pan Tilt Zoom, and these cameras are electronically controlled cameras if you going to need to see different fields within a given area such as parking lot, warehouse or sports field then this is the solution. Someone is going to have to operate the camera around either through a keyboard/joystick controller, DVR or remote software. They work great when being operated but if you buy a PTZ and then leave it sitting in its home position all the time – you’ve just purchased a very expensive fixed camera. Now if you use it to look around your property every time you log in to look at your cameras, then a PTZ is the right choice. The only drawback is you can’t turn the camera back after it has been recorded and see what you missed. Your DVR will only record what your camera is looking at so fixed cameras usually are used if you need to record a specific area all the time.

Question # 5. Can one camera work for every location?
Answer – Every property is different, and sometimes each camera location on one property might need a different style, or a different lens. So if you found a company stating that they have one “end all, be all” camera that will suit every environment and all customers, hang up the phone. There is not a camera out there that is right for everyone or every scenario. That is why you got 5 million entries when you searched for business security cameras. Now pick up the phone again and call ACS Security Systems, Inc. because we offer a site survey and system design for every customer we talk to.

Question # 4. Can I go wireless?
Answer – Honestly…probably not. Most wireless security cameras are made for outdoor use and line of sight. Meaning the transmitter antenna and receiver antenna must be outside of all structures and be able to physically see each other. The signal will not go through walls very well, and trees swaying in the breeze will cause constant problems. So, if you have anything in the way, then you will either get no picture, or unstable reception.

Question # 3. If the camera focal point 18 feet away does that mean I can’t see anything past that?
Answer – No. That means the “Sweet spot” of the camera is around 18 feet away from that particular camera. Where ever a camera is focused, you’ll be able to see to infinity past that point, but it will get increasingly out of focus the farther away you get from that point.

Question # 2. Can I get license plates?
Answer – Sometimes the answer is a resounding yes, and sometimes no matter how much you want them, you just can’t capture them reliably. License plates are one of the hardest things to ask a camera to see. If you have an area that is around 12′ wide, where all of your vehicles have to filter through, and you can place a License Plate Capture Camera within 30 feet of the tag, and no more than 30 degrees off center from the plate – then you will get most plates day and night.

Question # 1. How much does security camera system cost?
Answer – This is a tough question because if you read Questions 10 through 2 you would realize by now that there are many variables that go into implementing a quality Video Surveillance System and no two systems are the same. Fixed Indoor cameras can start as low as $59 and go up to $499. Fixed outdoor cameras start at $99 and go up to $599. Then there is IP Cameras but that is for another time because that can get involved. You can find all kinds of cameras for cheaper but that truly isn’t all you need to be concerned with. I tell my customers all the time, don’t go down to the local Big Box Store and buy a cheap observation system, because you will get what you pay for. If you purchase a 4 camera system for $200, Congratulations – you’ve just bought a system that will be a very expensive paper weight in mere months. Any problems or technical issues good luck with tech support that is non-existent with those systems. Getting it on the internet to view it remotely is a pipe dream if you don’t have an IT person on staff Monday through Friday, or a relative with a degree in networking.

So cost is what everyone is most concerned with, and rightly so. Just keep in mind – when you need to pull up recorded video quickly and easily so you can get this information out to whoever needs it. What you don’t want, is to be on hold for an hour waiting for tech support or trying to fumble through manuals. If you’re lucky enough to stumble on the right footage, the wrong camera choices you made will make it impossible to tell exactly what occurred or who is in the video, do you think something like this can be used in a court of law.

These days without good quality cameras and video proof of the crime, and footage of vandals doing the deed you get nothing from your local police department. So let your security camera system do the work for you. This is where ACS Security Systems, Inc. is the first place to call when thinking about getting a system, if you want experience, trained personal, maintenance, ongoing customer training and solid warranty.

Call Jack Lucas at 410-557-6006 or 410-663-9799 for a site survey today.

Ways to secure a Business.

With crime rates rising, it is becoming increasingly important that your business is properly protected against intruders and for many years now, the most trusted way has been in the form of business alarms. Businesses are often the target for thieves, who believe they may find expensive items inside their buildings and offices. It is, therefore, very important to fully ensure that your business is fitted with a reliable alarm system. Perhaps one of the most effective solutions for this is an electronic intruder detection system, which will not only sound an alert should there be an intruder, but will automatically inform the police.

Indeed, some business owners may not necessarily realise the true cost of a break-in. Lost hardware could mean lost custom and private information, which could have a serious long-lasting effect on the business. Any stock which is lost may not be covered by insurance should there be the absence of an alarm system, or perhaps even a faulty one, but there are plenty of alarm systems on offer that can protect your property sufficiently.

Wireless alarms can be quite cost effective and innovative. They cause minimal disruption when being fitted as there is no need to rewire the whole building, with the installation taking only a short amount of time. Door and window alarms are the most important, as this is where intruders are most likely to enter your property. There are several solutions to this problem, however, with vibration or movement sensors which will stop any burglar in their tracks. These alarms are fitted along the door and window frames with magnetic contact strips. Once broken, an alarm will sound attracting attention and thwarting a potential robbery.

There are even innovative solutions to the traditional alarm format in the form of doorstops and keypads. A doorstop alarm simply sits at the bottom of the door and is set off once the door is opened, whilst the keypad is mounted near a door or window and requires a code to be turned on and off. With many alarm systems, your property will be assessed individually to enable it to be fitted correctly. This proves more effective when stopping burglars.

To accompany alarms, it may be the best option to also fit CCTV to protect your business even more sufficiently. Intruders are often put off by these, as they fear being identified. Although some may fear about the cost of such an investment, it is nothing in comparison to the security of knowing you and your property will be safer.

Today’s technology means that these cameras can pan, tilt and zoom to focus more easily on anyone who should come within the vicinity. They could also be used to protect any workers from your firm and also their vehicles. They can also be fitted to be as visible or concealed as you like.

For more information about protecting your business call us today at 410-663-9779 and ask for Jack.

Card Access Control in Maryland

As a  Owner/Operator of a Commercial Building or Business, dealing with keys can often be a messy affair. Card Access Control System can give you everything you need and a whole lot more. Keys can be easily duplicated,  do not restrict anyone from entering the building any time they want as well as who is really entering the facility. Managing who has keys to what doors can be difficult if there isn’t a Master Key System set up and maintained and getting keys back can be a nightmare especially if they are duplicated, then it is pointless in getting key back. There is a service charge to have the locks change when you could do it yourself by deleting  card through the system software with a couple of key strokes on the computer.

Why go through all that hassle? While retina scanners and fingerprint readers are nice they are not ideal for the Main Entrance of the building. The most cost effective way to control the doors to your facility is a proximity Card Access System. The benefits of using this kind of security system are major and include:

– Risk reduction – With a Proximity Card Access System you can limit the times and the people who have access to your  any door. Unauthorized persons have no way of gaining entry into specific areas.

– Sense of security: visitors are prohibited from certain areas. This gives employees more tranquility at work, because there are fewer distractions and disruptions.

– Keep track of employees: Proximity Card Access System allow you to know where and when employees access certain areas. In case of an emergency, you can easily count employees because you know where everyone is.

– Identification, etc: Using Proximity Card Access System, you can easily identify all aspects of who has access to what areas of the facility by printing  on the cards such as color codes, photos or company logo and any other relevant information.

– Restrictions: Allowing access to certain employees at certain times can prove to be a valuable ability, especially if there are unauthorized areas of your building such as IT Server Room, Employee Files, Financial Records and Money Rooms.

– Temporary Employees: If you allow cleaners to have access to your building after hours, you can easily program them entry according to a specific schedule.

– Automation: Proximity Card Access Systems can be programmed to lock doors according to business hours. This ensures efficiency by preventing patrons from accessing your building when they aren’t supposed to and  provides a safe and secure environment for employees and tenants.

– Vehicle Parking: Proximity Card Access Systems are perfect for allowing authorized persons on the lot or parking garage.

– Elevator Control: Keep from anyone getting one the elevator or control who can access what floors within the building.

 – Real Time: You can view everything occur as it happens. A benefit of this is that you can see how much time is being spent where, and also view attendance records for different areas.

Don’t think that a Proximity Card Access Systems is only for a High Rise Building or Large Business because they aren’t, and the average system installed today is 4 to 8 doors and these systems are module so they can start off with one door and grow as large as anyone would need.

Call Jack today at 410-663-9779 or email me at jlucas@acssec.com for a no-obligation site survey and estimate on what would be the best solution for your business or facility.

Access Control Systems for Businesses in Maryland

Access Control Systems (ACS) doesn’t have to so complicated and when it comes to an access control system, the key word is control. Simply you just want to authorize any number of people to get in certain parts of the facility and keep unauthorized people out.

ACS Security Systems, Inc. can show you how cost effective, user friendly and  achieving this with a  Single Door Solution or Multiple Doors spread out between different buildings because each solution is customized. The access control system could also be used in conjunction with Time and Attendance systems, Video Surveillance System, Intercoms or Alarm System to provide a higher level of security.

We find that some access control systems such as a Stand Alone Keypad or Card Readers are commonly used for  smaller applications and are less expensive. The problem with this type of technology is it does not provide an audit trail or any type of control  which is the basis of implementing an access control system in the first place. Since there is no audit trail or control these systems are less secure, since people can have a propensity to pass the code or card around because there is no accountability with the system.

The most popular access control system, is the use of Proximity Card Readers and Proximity Cards tied in to some type of system controller. Proximity Card Readers are very convenient to use, additionally, when a person lost his / her card, it is also an easy matter to deactivate the lost card and issue new cards. The cards may also be used as an identification card or work with a Time & Attendance System.

When it comes to an access control system, the key word is control. Using this type of system will allow you to lock and unlock doors with a schedule, not only control who can gain access through a door but what times they are allowed to have access. Too many businesses in Maryland rely on the old fashion key and lock to control their place of business  and worse yet their relying on a person that can’t be perfect all the time and can make mistakes.

Don’t leave you business vulnerable and uncontrollable, regardless if it’s one door or many give ACS Security Systems, Inc. a call at 410-663-9779 or email Jack Lucas at jlucas@acssec.com for a site survey.

Baltimore Metro Area Business Burglar Alarm Systems and Monitoring.

Tired of long term monitoring contracts, always waiting for service, existing system not performing, too many false alarms and your existing alarm company keeps getting bought or sold so no one really knows who you are? Looking for a Monitored Burglar Alarm System for your Business, Restaurant, Office, Warehouse, School, Place of Worship, Distribution Center, Manufacture Plant or Shop?  Instead of a Burglar Alarm Company how about Physical Security Solutions Provider that can provide true service and has too many  clients in the Baltimore Metro Area since 1995.

ACS Security Systems has been providing  security services from Havre de Grace to Laurel, Annapolis to Taneytown and everywhere in between. We offer traditional Alarm Monitoring as well as Secured Interactive Internet Monitoring, Card Access Control, Video Surveillance, Intercoms  and Electric Locks.

One thing will not do is lock our clients into a long term contracts, our service responce is same day as it is called, we provide system audits and surveys to make sure the system is functioning properly, Our offices are local as well as our employees so we know our customers and they know us.

Contact me “Jack Lucas” by phone, email or fax with any questions about our Monitored Burglar Alarm System Service or any other system we provide. Maybe there is a question about your existing system that you can’t seem to find someone to help you. No-Obligation, so don’t feel as if I can’t bill you I will not help you with information that I have at my finger tips.

TOWSON OFFICE: 410-663-9779

FOREST HILL OFFICE: 410-557-6006

FAX: 410-692-9887

Jack’s Email: jlucas@acssec.com

Elements of a Security Video Surveillance Systems

Here a fact and that is no two Security Video Surveillance Systems installed are the same regardless if the system components are from the same manufacture. Why would this be,  aren’t all video cameras, video recorders, connectors, power supply and wires the same? It’s obvious that there would be a difference between various types of cameras and recorders that are available today but not much thought is given to  the type of video transmission let alone the type of connectors to be used on a installation of a system.  There are so many variables involved that I would need another web site just to discuss all the different technologies and intricacies of installing a system.

Some people think it is just plug n’ play and there is no difference between systems as long as there is a picture on the monitor, it’s all good to them. Well if the requirement is to have a general view of an area and there is no need to detect events or indentify anything then this type of system is doing what is required and that is to offer a deterrence. The one thing I see at least once a month is I get a call from someone that got a great deal on a Video Surveillance System through a Big Box Store, Online Auction House or a Website. It is always one of three things that happen within the first few months of the system being installed by others. On playing back video the recorded video quality is so poor that you do not know what you are actually seeing. Another request is if I can clean up the video so a specific shot can identify who or what is in the video. Most common is the camera pictures starts to fade, gets static or very blurry at night. The question is what caused the problem product, wire, connector, power or installation who knows unless you get a professional to come out to see what is the problem.

The key thing here is not to knock a particular product or installation skill by others but it is to educate you to really to understand what you are trying to accomplish with a Security Video Surveillance System. Are you trying to Deter, Detect or Identify because all three have a different relation as well as a common purpose when it comes to implementing a system.  

If the goal is just to view an area just to see what is going on i.e. Back Door, Front Lobby or Parking Area then having cameras providing a general view offer a good deterrent against crimes being committed. When greater detail is required to see specific activity or capture certain events then a  Higher Resolution Cameras with a Variable Focal Lens should be used with a Digital Recorder that records at a faster frame rate on to provide detection where needed.

Now for the applications where the need is to indentify i.e. Cash Transactions, License Plates or a People then there are specific cameras required to capture this information such as High Definition Cameras. These cameras are great for providing detailed information while being recorded on a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with a substantial size hard drive so allot of video information can be recorded.

As you can see no two systems are alike and most application are not trying to do just one thing but they are trying to Deter, Detect and Identify  with a specific discipline based on the type of camera used for each application. This where a professional comes in to help determine what the expectation is and how best to accomplish what you want without an over kill system or a System that under performs. ACS Security Systems, Inc. has been designing, installing and servicing Security Video Surveillance Systems  for over 20 years and we invite you to give us a call to help educate, survey and price a system that really meets your needs.

Maryland Access Control Systems Report

Have you ever wondered who has access to your building? Tired of keeping track of keys? Don’t want to spend a fortune on a complex Access Control System with cumbersome software, time wasted on managing a system and purchasing another computer just to control your facility? How many times has your doors been rekeyed? Looking for simple and better solution  to controlling your facility to see who, when and where people go? How about the IT Room, HR File and other sensitive areas that are critical to your business?

Well I posed allot of questions but I also have a solution to provide a better and easier way to control your facility. Not all solutions are the same just like not customer are the same. ACS Security otherwise known as Access Control Systems Security provide a wide variety of solutions to handle most people’s needs.  We will assess what your trying to accomplish and provide a straight forward solution that can be as simple as one door entrance to a hundred doors sometimes it as easy as installing a electric lock and release button just for traffic control.

For more information contact us for our Free Access Control System Report because this may be the most important piece of information that you read about providing real solution to controlling your facility. We also provide at no charge, no-obligation site survey to provide you with our expertise or 2nd opinion for your facility.

 

 

Contact us now for a free copy of our Access Control Systems Report.

Working Security Systems

I bet you thought that getting an alarm system for your business or facility would solve all your worries about ever becoming a victim of crime. Then all of a sudden you are faced with false alarms, fines, user error problems, keypad that only provides a stupid zone light, and the service tech takes days not hours to come out to your site.

Now the issue gets worse trying to deal with a alarm operator that has no clue where the State of Maryland is located and let alone where you are within the state.  Plus the monitoring fees have escalated over $300.00 per year with the long term contract and the alarm system is only activated about half the time or not at all. Well at least you have the alarm stickers on the building that might offer some deterrence. Hmm, what started out as a solution became problem and I am sure your job is not suppose to be the full time security guy? Also, FBI reports show that most crimes committed come from internal sources such as employee, vendor, contractor, friend of a friend or visitor and rarely from a perfect stranger off the street.

Well let us look at a few things here. First of all it is an alarm system which is only suppose to report alarms that most people hope they never experience. Second, most local jurisdictions are cracking down on false alarms by fining people or not responding as quickly to repeat offenders. Third, what most people expect and need is some type of Security System not just an passive alarm system.  

To help explain the differences between the two we offer a Free Security Systems Report that will provide you help and more detail with the issues listed above. This may be the most important piece of information that you read about providing real solution to securing your facility regardless if it’s a Multi-Level Building, Independent Business, Retail Store, Place of Worship, Factory or Warehouse.

 Contact us right now for your Free Report “Alarm or Security Systems”.

Video Surveillance Cameras: Seeing is believing

Installing video surveillance cameras is becoming a better way to secure your business or organization so you know what is really happening at the present time or what events actually occurred. This all can be done on site or from anywhere in the world with an high speed internet connection.

According to most police agencies a video surveillance system is a major deterrent against crime. When a potential offender sees that you have security cameras they fear of being seen or recorded for prosecution purposes, they usually abandon any idea of conducting a crime or move on to someplace else with less security. The information captured on a Digital Video Recorder is most beneficial to the police so that they can pinpoint where and when a specific event actually took place.

This technology not only helps the police but even in matters where there is no crime committed it allows owners and managers to get true information about what is taking place when they might not be at the site in question. Ever wonder how employees conduct themselves, are customers being treated properly and who is actually visiting the facility.

Before implementing a video surveillance system there are a few things you will need to consider.

• What are the expectations? Will the system be used for general surveillance, Identification, to deter and detect thefts,   observation of certain areas or processes?

• Which area needs attention? Define the place or process such as entrances, employees, customers, cash register, machine operators or parking.

• Where is the object of security concern located: indoor or outdoor, far or near?

• What are the prevailing lighting conditions at such locations?

• How long do you need to capture, view, record and store images for observation and reference?

ACS Security offers a complete free site survey to help determine what is the best solution for your areas of concern. We even offer a no-obligation “try it before you buy it demo” that means we will come to your site and install a camera, monitor, digital video recorder and software and allow you to play around with the system at your leisure for a few days.

“Don’t wait until something happens call us right now before that something actually does happen.”

Contact Jack Lucas at 410-663-9779 or 410-557-6006.

Who’s at your Door?

I get asked a lot from various companies and organizations in the Baltimore Metro Area, “Is there a simple security solution to keep people from just walking through the door”? The simple answer is just lock your doors but that becomes unproductive and not a very secure method. Who knows who could be walking through the door, it could be a legitimate visitor, customer, delivery person or a fellow employee and you don’t want to give out the impression that you are in a unsafe part of town. Plus someone could be waiting a long time outside and become pretty upset. This also means somebody has to go to the door every time to see who is there and that would get old quick.

You never know this could be a pesky salesperson trying to sell some of those really nice wall hangings they have in the trunk of their car. Worst it could be someone or a group of people that you don’t even want close to your door but they are either walking in or giving who ever answers the door trouble from the very start. The real simple solution is to have a Security Video/Intercom System with electric lock release.

When a visitor, customer, delivery person or employee comes to the door they can simply push a button and the person on the inside can communicate verbally as well as see who it is at the door. The Door Station has a Video Surveillance Camera built so most people don’t realize you can see them. A Security Video/Intercom System is great way to allow staff to communicate with anyone that they feel does not need to come into the facility without being fearful or rude.

Now just don’t think about the Main Entrance Door how about if there is a door far away like in a warehouse, back office or on a different level. Then just add another Door Security Station and allow one person or multiple people to control access into the building. The Security Video/Intercom System works well to control access and is modular so the possibilities are endless when it comes to providing security for your facility.

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