CCTV FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer

When determining there are several factors to take into consideration. First, if you do not have a PC on-location that can be devoted to DVR recording, then you may wish to consider a Standalone DVR instead, as it will save you the cost of purchasing an additional PC. For the PC-Based DVR Systems, it is strongly recommended that you use the PC solely for DVR Recording, as other applications may interfere with the performance of the DVR Recording.

Remote Viewing

When it comes to remotely viewing your system over the internet, there are a few differences between PC based and Standalone DVRs. PC-Based DVRs, depending on the DVR Cards and software used, generally have a little more processing capabilities, and as such can deliver some more advanced features remotely. While Standalone DVRs are a little more basic in their capabilities, they still offer the ability to watch your cameras over the internet from PC, Laptop or even PDA phones. PC-Based Systems have a little faster remote viewing because they have more power and can recompress the video to make it fit better over internet speeds, so you get more instantaneous updates on your PC or PDA phones. Also, the PC Based DVRs like our Alnet Systems DVR Cards provide added features for your phone, like playback of pre-recorded footage on your phone, control of digital inputs and outputs and more.

Summary

In general, advanced users, looking for advanced features should steer towards the PC-Based Alnet Systems DVR Cards and packages, for optimum remote viewing capabilities, while more basic users who are looking for a system that is more easy to use, should consider the Standalone DVRs and systems, as they are easier to configure, stable and easy to use. The chart below shows a basic feature comparison between the different types of PC-Based and Standalone DVRs that we have available.

DVR System Comparison Chart

	PC-Based		Standalone DVR
	Security Eyes	Alnet	DVR-7004	DVR-7008	DVR-7016
Recording
320 x 240 Resolution
720 x 240 Resolution
640 x 480 Resolution
720 x 480 Resolution
Motion Detection Recording
Continuous Recording
Auto-Recycle Hard Drive
Alarm Recording
Audio Recording (optional)
Playback
Event Playback
Playback from timeline
Smart Search Capable
Archive to AVI File
JPG snapshots
Archive in encoded Format
Simultaneous Record and Playback
Remote Viewing
Web-Based Remote Viewing
Remote Archive Playback
PC-Software Remote Viewing
PDA Remote Viewing PocketPC 2002-2003
PDA Remote Viewing Windows Mobile 5 & 6
iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch Remote Viewing
Android Remote Viewing
BlackBerry Remote Viewing
PTZ Camera Control from iPhone, Android, BlackBerry
Playback Video on iPhone, Android and BlackBerry
Java Cell Phone Remote Viewing
Embedded HTML Remote Viewing
Remote Playback of Audio (optional)

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Answer

All of our cameras, with the exception of several covert use cameras are wired style. Wireless cameras are NOT recommended for any permanent security camera installation for home or business. Wireless cameras have several flaws which make them a poor choice for any security camera installation: Wireless cameras are not secure, Wireless cameras still require power, Wireless cameras operate on crowded frequency bands, Wireless transmission can be affected by many different electronic devices.

Wireless cameras are NOT Secure

Wireless cameras transmit unsecured raw video over wireless frequencies. Due to this fact, inexpensive wireless receivers could be used to tap in to the frequency, so someone outside of your home or business could "case out the joint" without ever setting foot in the building. With a wireless camera, someone else could be watching your cameras, and you would never know. This is unacceptable for a surveillance solution for your business or home, which is why we primarily use hard-wired cameras.

Wireless cameras still Require Power

If the point of your selecting a wireless camera is to prevent running wires from your camera to your PC-Based or Standalone DVR, then think again. Wireless cameras still require power in order for them to operate properly. So you will still have to run a power cord out to the camera. Yes, we know, there are some Battery operated wireless cameras on the market...we have tested them already. The battery usually lasts from 1-4 hours under normal use, so you would have to change the battery frequently, just for the camera to continue working...once again, not a good solution for a surveillance system, as it reintroduces the "human factor" into the equation. If you forget to change a battery, then your camera no longer works. This is why we continue to use hard-wired surveillance cameras for all of our systems.

Wireless cameras Operate on Crowded Frequency Bands

The frequencies employed by the wireless cameras that are on the market are either 1.2 Ghz or 2.4 Ghz frequency bands. These numbers probably sound familiar to you...because they are in use by MANY wireless devices, such as Cordless Phones, Wirelss Internet Connections, Wireless Routers, etc. If you try to transmit video from a camera over a frequency band that is in use by another device, you will find that not only will the other device be blocked from operation (ie. cordless phone stops working, wireless internet connection goes down, etc) but also your video signal will suffer dramatically...with rolling lines across the screen, black and white picture instead of color, wavy lines across the screen, or even just plain static. Now we don't know about you, but that sounds very frustrating to us, and it is! This is another reason that we do not employ wireless cameras in our systems.

Wireless cameras can be affected by many electronic devices

Wireless video transmission from a camera to a receiver can be affected by many ordinary electronic devices, such as refridgerators, freezers, air conditioning units, flourescent lighting, neon lighting, and any other high-load electrical devices. These devices can create an elecro-magnetic field that can scramble the transmission of video. This makes it very difficult to try to get a wireless camera to have even close to as good of a picture as the wired style CCTV Camera do. Along the same lines, a thief with barely any knowledge about electronics at all, can flood the crowded frequency bands, and shut down your cameras, without ever being seen, by simply using a wireless frequency signal jammer...which operates on almost the same principle.

Summary

For all of these reasons, we do NOT use Wireless cameras, and we recommend that you do not either! Below you will find an example of a wireless camera, which has interference from a wireless internet connection next door. The wireless internet connection was also disrupted and non-functional during the time of the test.

Answer

Yes all of our systems have the option for viewing your cameras over the internet. Many of the variations between types of systems will offer different internet remote viewing options, outlined below.

Viewing cameras over the internet using a Web Browser

With this type of remote viewing, you can view your cameras by simply pulling up your internet browser and typing in the address of your DVR PC or Standalone DVR. With this type of remote viewing, you can connect in using almost any PC from anywhere in the world. Both our Standalone DVRs (with internet viewing option selected) and our PC-Based Alnet DVR Card systems offer this remote viewing capability, and are password protected, so that only you can view your cameras.

Viewing cameras using a remote client software

All of our PC-Based and Standalone DVR systems currently offer the ability to view your cameras remotely over the internet using a PC Remote Client software.  This method of remote viewing is best for viewing your cameras from a PC, because it offers the most features and functionality. With a PC remote client software, you can connect into multiple locations and view video simultaneously from each location. This software will also permit you to playback video that you pre-recorded on your PC, so that you can see what happened earlier. It is recommended that you use this type of viewing on PCs that you plan to use frequently for connecting remotely.

Viewing cameras using a PDA Cell Phone

Both our Alnet PC-Based DVR Systems and Standalone DVR Systems allow for PDA Cell Phone Remote Viewing using iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, BlackBerry or Windows Mobile PDA phones. This allows you to connect securely into your camera system from anywhere in the world to view live cameras right on your PDA Phone. The Standalone DVR systems with our DVR-7004 and DVR-7008 Standalone DVR recorders will allow you to view security cameras live on your PDA phones and even control any PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) Style cameras from your PDA phone.  With our Alnet Systems PC-Based DVR Systems, you can view live video on your iPhone, Android, BlackBerry or Windows mobile phones as well, with the added capabilities of being able to custom-tune the quality settings which provides smoother streaming for slower internet connection speeds, as well as playback of video remotely and control of digital inputs and outputs.

Viewing cameras using a Java Cell Phone

Our Alnet PC-Based CCTV Systems permit for even viewing live cameras from a Windows Smart Phone or Java-Enabled Cell phone.

Summary

Regardless of which system you select, all of our systems have remote viewing options available. For each of these systems, you can connect in and see your cameras, and there is NO ongoing monthly charge for being able to view your cameras...it simply uses your existing internet connection.

View Live Demos of our Different DVR Systems here:

Answer

PDA Remote Viewing is the ability to connect in to your cameras from a PDA Cell Phone like Android Phones, iPhones, BlackBerry Phones and more. Both our Alnet PC Based Systems and our Standalone DVR Systems provide remote viewing capabilities from your PDA phones.

Alnet Professional DVR Card PDA Remote Viewing

With the Alnet Systems DVR Cards, you can access Live Video from your DVR System from your iPhone, BlackBerry, Android or Windows Mobile PDA phone, as well as view alarm inputs, control alarm outputs, view pre-recorded footage, and even control PTZ Cameras, right from your PDA Phone! Screenshots of the software below.

Security Eyes Entry-Level DVR Card PDA Remote Viewing

Our Entry-Level Security Eyes Pro DVR Packages also offer PDA remote Viewing, but the remote viewing is a little more limited than the Alnet systems above. You can connect in to view Live video only on your PocketPC 2002, 2003 or WM5/WM6 PDA Phones. Screenshots of the software below.

Summary

For most advanced remote viewing from your PDA, the Alnet Systems PC Based DVRs offer the highest level of features from your PDA phone. However, the DVR-700x h.264 Standalone DVRs are a great choice for remote viewing from PDA phones as well, as they will also provide streaming live video and PTZ control on your PDA phone. For basic remote viewing from Windows Mobile PDA phones alone, the Security Eyes Budget DVR Cards are also a great option.

Get More Information on PDA Remote Viewing in our Systems:

Answer

Whether or not you need a Static IP Address internet connection, will depend on the type of DVR System that you will be using. First, a definition of a Static and Dynamic IP Address:
Static IP Address - This is an address that never changes, so if your ISP (Internet Service Provider) gives you an address of 55.55.55.55, then this address will ALWAYS point directly to your Internet Connection. Static IP addresses generally cost a little bit extra every month from your ISP.
Dynamic IP Address - This is when your ISP issues an address, but then later changes your address randomly...so if you had 55.55.55.55 initially, they may change your external address to 66.66.66.66 in 1 hour, 1 day, 1 month, 1 year, basically whenever their system decides to change it.

Systems that will Work with Dynamic IP Addresses

Our Alnet PC-Based DVR systems will work with a Dynamic IP address. Basically, when you install the server software, you simply select the name you want to register to your computer, such as yourname.vdr-s.com and this name will always point to your PCs IP Address, even if that IP address changes. This can save you extra money as Static IP addresses generally cost extra from your ISP every month. Our DVR-700x H.264 Standalone DVRs will also support dynamic IP address internet connections using a free outside service from DYN.com.

Systems that require a Static IP Address

Our Security Eyes Pro DVR Cards require either a Static IP address, to allow you to connect into your system over the internet.

Summary

Regardless of which type of internet connection you have, we have a system that will suit your needs. We highly recommend the Alnet Systems DVR cards and our H.264 DVR-7004 model Standalone DVRs, since they will work with both types of internet connection.

View More information on :

Standalone DVR-700x Based DVR Systems

Security Eyes Entry-Level DVR Cards

Answer

Selecting the right camera for your installation is very important. There are several things to consider when selecting a camera. First, will the camera be mounted indoors in a climate controlled environment, or outdoors (or in a non-climate controlled warehouse)?

Indoor Camera Selection

When selecting a camera for an indoor environment, you should first consider how the camera will be used. If the camera will be used in an environment primarily during the daytime, or is in an area that is well lit at night, then you can choose a camera that does not have Infrared (IR) night-vision capabilities. The following cameras will suit you if the area being viewed is well lit during the hours you will be recording: E-806 Budget Indoor Dome Camera, CD-0245 Hi-Res Indoor Mini Dome Camera or our CD-1453 Sony CCD Hi-Res Indoor Dome Camera. However, if the camera needs to be viewable in No-Light conditions, then you would be better off selecting a camera with IR (Infrared) capabilities, such as our ID-6200 Sony CCD Indoor Dome Night Vision camera.

For more Covert Indoor Installations, our CD-7226 Indoor Sony CCD Hi-Res Pinhole Motion Detector Style Camera or our CD-7360 Indoor Sony CCD Image Sensor Hi-Res Motion Detector Style Camera with Infrared Night Vision is an excellent choice. These camera provide excellent quality color video, but the camera is hidden inside the body of a normal looking alarm system motion detector. These cameras are extremely popular for indoor covert installations in homes and businesses. For businesses, our CD-7335 Sony Image Sensor Hi-Res Sprinkler Style Camera is also very popular, as it looks like a normal building sprinkler head.

Indoor Camera Comparison Chart
Picture	Model	Resolution	Image Sensor	Lens	IR Range
	E-806	380 TVL	1/3" CMOS	3.6mm	No IR
	CD-0245	420 TVL	1/4" CCD	3.6mm	No IR
	CD-1453	480 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	3.6mm	No IR
	ID-6200	420 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	3.6mm	~30'
	CD-7226	420 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	3.7mm	No IR
	CD-7360	540 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	3.7mm	~20'
	CD-7335	420 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	4.3mm	No IR

Outdoor Camera Selection

Most of our outdoor cameras have Night-Vision Capabilities with Infrared IR Bulbs. The difference between each of the models of outdoor cameras that we have available, is based on the resolution (picture quality) and the IR Range. The chart below will show the various outdoor cameras we have available, as well as their resolution and range in no-light conditions.

Outdoor Camera Comparison Chart
Picture	Model	Resolution	Image Sensor	Lens	IR Range
	E-808	480 TVL	1/4" CMOS	3.6mm	15'-20'
	CD-5260	420 TVL	1/4" Sony CCD	3.6mm	~65'
	CD-8161	420 TVL	1/4" Sony CCD	3.6mm	~65'
	CD-9260	420 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	4mm	~100'
	CD-9361	700 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	8mm	~100'
	CD-8361	700 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	12mm	~100'
	AD-2000	480 TVL	1/3" Sony Super HAD CCD	3.6mm	NO IR

View our Full Line of CCTV Surveillance and Security Cameras here:

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Answer

NO!! We get this question a lot! This means that some disreputable company out there is trying to charge customers for remote viewing their cameras on a mothly basis. We think that this is disgusting and dishonest. We do not try to charge any fees for remote viewing whatsoever. Our systems simply use the internet connection that you already have, and allow you to view your cameras from virtually anywhere in the world using your standard internet connection! The remote client software that is included with each of our camera systems CAN BE INSTALLED ON AS MANY COMPUTERS AS YOU LIKE...FREE OF CHARGE!

Answer

It is not difficult to install a DVR Card into your PC. Simply remove the screws holding the side-case on your PC, and then slide the DVR Card into one of the PCI Expansion slots on your motherboard. Once you reboot your PC and install the software, your DVR Card will be recognized and will install the appropriate drivers.

1-2-3 Installation Manuals

Each of our PC-Based DVR Cards comes with an easy to follow 1-2-3 installation manual that will walk you through the installation of the DVR Card into your PC and through the software installation as well.

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Answer

YES. Both our Alnet Systems DVR Card/Software and our Security Eyes Pro DVR Card/Software combinations are now fully compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-Bit Editions)! The remote viewing for our Standalone DVRs is also Vista Compatible...so no matter which of our systems you choose, you will now be able to view your cameras in Windows Vista.

More Details about Vista DVR Cards

Click here to learn more about Windows Seven 7 and DVR Cards

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Answer

The PC Requirements for each of our PC Based DVR Card Systems can be found in the charts below.

Alnet Professional Grade DVR Card/Software PC Requirements

Alnet DVR PC Requirements	Requirements for Alnet NET Server Software
	Processor (CPU)	Intel Dual Core CPU (AMD CPUs not supported)
	Memory (RAM)	1024+ MB RAM or above
	Monitor Resolution	1024 x 768 Resolution or above
	Video Card	ATI or NVIDIA PCIe or AGP Video Card w/128 MB RAM minimum
	Motherboard	Intel Chipset Motherboardrecommended
	PCI Requirements	1 PCI Slot and 1 IRQ per card
	Hard Disk	100+ GB Hard Drive Larger Drive = Longer Recording
	Operating System	Windows 7 & VISTA (32-bit)
	Requirements for Network Features
	Network Card	10/100 LAN Card or Above
	Broadband Internet	DSL, Cable or T1 Dynamic IPs Supported!
	SMTP (Email Alerts)	SMTP Server with Email Account
	PDA Connection	Internet Enabled Pocket PC PDA or PDA Phone with Internet Access. PocketPC or Windows Mobile 5 or 6 Google Android Blackberry Bold, Storm, Pearl
	Cell-Phone Connection	Internet Enabled JAVA or Symbian Cell-Phone

Security Eyes Entry-Level DVR Card/Software PC Requirements

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Answer

It is HIGHLY Recommended to set up your DVR Card in a PC that will be used for NO other purposes. DVR Recording is a very processor intensive and hard drive intensive application. Attempting to run other programs at the same time as your DVR software can reduce the overall quality or framerate of recording, or slow the PC down in general. Some of our customers have chosen to run the DVR Card on a PC that they still use for other software, without any problems, but we cannot provide support for any software conflicts that you may run into on a multi-purpose PC.

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Answer

Placement of the cameras for your DVR System is Very important, as it helps to determine what type of video recording you will be able to capture. A well-positioned camera will not only deter theft, as it will be visible to the public and help keep honest people honest, but it will also capture important video that can be used in prosecuting if something does occur. Placement of your cameras may vary, but here are a few concepts to keep in mind.

Entry and Exit Coverage

No matter what type of building you are protecting with a surveillance system, every entry and exit should be covered by a CCTV Camera. This allows you to get an optimal shot of a person entering your facility, which can be used for properly identifying a person, as well as keeping record of who has entered. The second purpose for these cameras, is to capture the perpetrator leaving the facility with anything that they have taken with them. These are key shots for being able to prosecute. The entry/exit cameras should be zoomed in specifically on the width of the door or walkway, to ensure optimal images. This means that wideangle lenses should not be used, as they will make people appear smaller.

This is an example of using a camera to view too wide of an area. This does not provide adequate coverage of the entry door.

A better use of an entry-door camera. This camera provides more characteristics as a person is entering the facility.

This register camera is too far away or too wide of a lens to distinguish the money as it enters and exits the register. It would be advised in this situation to have one camera trained in on the register, and another covering the customer area with a wide-angle lens.

This is a better example of good placement and lens for a register camera.

Aisle Cameras

When covering large Aisles of product, this is an area where you can use a wideangle camera. The wideangle camera will allow you to cover virtually the entire aisle of product and see what customers are stopping to pickup. While this camera might not give as much distinguishing characteristics of the individual, you will be able to see the clothing that is worn and match it up to the shot from the entry/exit camera to be able to tell who it was in the view.

Additional Helpful Tips

Never angle a camera straight down - A camera that is pointed straight down, will only catch the top of a perpetrator's head. The camera will most likely miss many of the distinguishing characteristics that could be used to identify a person later if necessary. The exception to this rule is when you have a camera focused in directly on just a cash register.

Always make sure to have a camera facing all entrances - It is a fact, that the best time to catch the facial features of an individual is during their entrance into the building, whether it is your home or your business. Other cameras can catch the act of someone stealing, or vandalising, however without the critical entry-shot or exit shot, you may not be able to identify the individual.

Mount IR Cameras within the IR Range for NightVision - The maximum IR Range for each camera, designates the point under normal conditions where the infrared illumination becomes too dim for the camera to pick up properly. You never want the camera to operate at the maximum range of IR illumination at night, as under humid, cold or other inclement weather conditions, the camera will not be able to achieve the maximum range of IR illumination. Other options are to use multiple IR cameras together, pointing in the same general direction at different distances, to provide a more full IR illumination. There are also IR extender panels, that can supply extra IR illumination to extend you camera's range. General rule of thumb, is to place the camera so that the primary area being viewed is within 50-60% of the maximum IR range for the camera. So if your camera has an IR range of 200 feet (like our CD-9361 Cameras), then optimally, it should be focused on an area 50-60 feet away (direct line of site) to allow for best IR illumination during night time regardless of weather conditions.

Always plug cameras into a surge supressor or battery backup unit - Cameras are extremely sensitive to voltage changes and can fail prematurely. Voltage changes will also void the camera's warranty. Battery backup units with AVR (Auto Voltage Regulation) are a great investment, as they will keep your cameras running even if the power goes out, and will also actively regulate the input voltage to your camera's power adapters.

Select a lens that will provide no wider of a field of view than is needed - The wider the field of view of a camera, the smaller everything appears on teh screen. So determine what the width of the area to be covered and the distance from the camera, then visit our Lens Selection Page to find a lens that will suit your particular installation needs.

Avoid placing a camera where it will be looking directly into the Sun - Just like your mother probably told you, don't stare directly into the sun or you will go blind...well it is the same with cameras. Direct sunlight can burn the image sensors of cameras, rendering them useless and out of warranty very quickly. Point your cameras so that they will not be looking directly into the sunlight.

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Answer

A DVR system gives several benefits over a standard VCR-based system. First and foremost, the DVR takes the majority of human error out of the equation. With a traditional system, a staff member or person in charge of the security system would have to remember and be present at the same time each day, to change the tape in the VCR. Commonly, due to unforeseen circumstances, or neglect or even simply the fact that a tape is currently being reviewed, the tapes in a traditional system do not get changed or are not always recording (due to the limitation of a VCR). Without a tape in the system, it cannot record, and therefore, anything that would happen at your home or business would not be recorded! A surveillance system is in place to constantly monitor, and keep record of all occurrences. If there are gaping holes in the actual recorded time, then this leaves great chances that important information, such as cars entering or leaving the gas station, or customers walking out of your store with items they did not pay for, or an employee reaching in their pocket would not be on the tape. In the case of a DVR System, it is always running, and always recording (if configured properly). Even while you are reviewing the previously recorded video, it still continues to record the data! This provides a great advantage, as your employees, family members or customers may be able to see, while you are reviewing a pre-recorded cassette in a traditional system, and may take advantage of the momentary lapse in security.

PC-Based DVRs

PC Based DVRs are generally the best choice for higher resolution systems that have better remote viewing capabilities. PC-Based DVRs are built by installing a DVR Card into your PC. The cameras then record directly onto your PC's hard drive.

View PC Based DVR Cards here

Standalone DVRs

Standalone DVR systems are a quick, drop-in replacement for an old VCR. The Standalone DVR has a built-in hard drive to allow for recording, and in many cases, it can even be connected to the internet for basic remote-viewing capabilities. Standalone DVRs are an excellent choice for those who are not as computer literate.

View our full line of Standalone DVRs here.

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Access Control - Know who is coming and going and when.
Prevent Lawsuits - With so many fraudulent lawsuits out there, we have been able to help our customers avoid a few from fraud rings - EVEN in small rural towns!
Avoid Fraudulent Unemployment Suits - We have even avoided unemployment on individuals who were not entitled in our own company. If someone will try to steal from a Surveillance Manufacturer, why wouldn't they try to steal from your company too? Keeping video record of everything is very important for fighting your case with Dept. of Employment Security
Reduce Theft - Both Internal and External Theft tightens the profit margins of many businesses. Without a way to decrease the shrinkage, many businesses fail. Many companies even recoup the cost of their system within the first month of installing it, even when they didn't think they had much theft.
Reduce Insurance Costs - Many insurance companies will reduce premiums when a complete surveillance system is installed.
Protect Employees - Surveillance systems can help protect your employees as well, from vandalism, threat of bodily harm by would-be theives, theft of their lunches out of the fridge, and many many more reasons.

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Answer

The Lux Rating is a camera's ability to see in various light conditions. The Lower the Lux rating of the camera, the less light it requires to render an image. The following chart demonstrates various light levels and their appropriate lux rating.

Find Low-Lux Night Vision Cameras here

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