Wednesday 30 October 2013

CCTV stop vandalism

Cleveland Police has upped patrols at Linthorpe CemeteryCleveland Police has upped patrols at Linthorpe Cemetery

INCIDENTS of vandalism at aTeesside cemetery have stopped following the installation of security cameras.

In May, more than 20 gravestones were vandalised at a cost of £9,000 at Linthorpe Cemetery in Middlesbrough.

In September two war graves, one from the First World War, were also damaged and Middlesbrough Borough Council decided to install a covert mobile camera.

The idea is to move the camera around so criminals never know where it is.

A spokesman for the council explained that since the camera was activated two weeks ago there had been no further incidents of vandalism.

Other measures include an increase in police patrols, especially when the gates are closed at night.

The neighbourhood policing team that covers the Linthorpe area also confirmed that there had not been any reports of damage or anti-social behaviour in the area since the camera was installed.

PC Mickey Sander said: “There has been a multi-agency approach to tackle the issues within the cemetery and this has seen a reduction in the number of reports of damage.

Sunday 20 October 2013

What is an IR (infra red ) camera

Cameras with built in infrared are for seeing in total darkness.

If you think of infrared like a torch beam but invisible to the human eye, that will give you an idea of how infrared works. So, if you have a pitch black area with absolutely no lighting an infrared beam will enable the camera to "see", but it will only see what is within the beam (just like if you were in a field at night in pitch black conditions with a torch, you would only see within the torch beam).

So often external lighting and non infrared (but low light capable) cameras will offer better image quality and enable you to see a wider area than a camera with infrared but this also means more hardware and a bit more initial expense in a lot of scenarios.
At ACS ALARMS & CCTV offer both options and a free site survey.

Thursday 17 October 2013

Fighting crime in Middlesbrough

A CAMPAIGN to stamp out shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in Middlesbrough town centre has been launched.
The co-ordinated plan to make the town a safer place for people to work and visit has been unveiled by the newly formed Middlesbrough Retail Crime Partnership (MRCP).ACS ALARMS & CCTV would hope to contribute.
The partnership has already received the backing of Cleveland Police through Operation Boost - a targeted police and partner operation to target repeat offenders.
Debbie Anderson, manager of the Cleveland Centre and chairman of the MRCP Steering Group, said: “Middlesbrough is already a safe place to work, visit and shop but this scheme gives us that little bit extra.
“Information is being exchanged between the police and members and it has really improved the way that we work together to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour in Middlesbrough  town centre.
“Enforcement is still a key part to the new MRCP approach, which includes catching and prosecuting offenders, and when appropriate persistent offenders will be banned from named stores or shopping centres.”

Sunday 6 October 2013

Workings Of The Security Cameras



Security and safety become important especially in no light conditions or at night time. The infrared security cameras not just see in the dark but work regardless of the light conditions, even in zero light, thereby making the visibility very clear. Here we would see how the camera works.
Infrared light is invisible to human eyes, has a longer wavelength and lower frequency than visible light. Since everything on the earth emits some form of infrared light, it picks up what amount of heat a person or object has.
White Light Illuminator
The infrared LED lights, in order to capture information, are placed around the outside of the camera lens. The infrared can measure the heat coming from the objects in an area in every environmental conditions and even in no light. The infrared light can even travel through some materials including fog, smoke and dust.
The infrared security cameras are also known as night vision cameras. But, it should not be confused with day/night cameras. The difference between day/night and night vision cameras is that the former is a good choice for areas with a constant source of light, as they don’t work properly without that source. They use a very sensitive imaging chip which allows the camera to capture an image even in low light. However, it doe not use infrared technology.
Infrared cameras will give you a colored image when the light is available. With increasing darkness, it automatically switches to infrared mode, and records black and white images.
An infrared camera can be measured through the camera’s lux. It refers to the amount of light which is required to get a good quality picture. The amount of light required is directly proportional to the lux, that means a camera will need less light with lower lux. For a true infrared camera, the value of lux should be 0.0 which means that it can see in complete darkness as well.
The infrared cameras can also be compared based on the distance to which they can see in the dark. Some cameras can even range up to 150 feet in complete darkness. You can select the range of camera depending upon much property you want to protect. These cameras can be used for inside, as well as for outside.
ACS ALARMS & CCTV provides you with infrared security products which help you to protect your property in every weather condition.

Leave a Reply

Businesses call for more sophisticated cctv systems

A group of Business owners have launched an online crime-fighting initiative after an increase in shoplifting.
The Facewatch website allows them to share CCTV images of thieves as soon as a crime is committed and also enables them to send the image to the police.
Facial recognition software is used to help identify repeat offenders, who generally make up a large percentage of crimes.
Commenting on the Facewatch initiative, Matt McCloskey, Head of Applications & Services at Virgin Media Business said: “The Facewatch initiative is yet more proof that companies are crying out for smarter surveillance systems.
“In the past, businesses have relied on their staff, customers or ACS CCTV cameras to catch thieves.
“During the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in demand for more sophisticated security systems, such as ACS alarms & CCTV.
“Unlike traditional surveillance systems, which record video footage on tape, IP CCTV is completely digital and runs across an organisation’s network.
“This means that businesses can take more control over their surveillance system, which can help to reduce security costs and make maintenance much easier.
“As the images can be viewed and stored digitally this has made it possible for software developers to develop new ways of analysing and presenting data.
“Applications, such as facial recognition, can be used to detect known suspects to system operators automatically, ensuring that they are looking at the correct screen at the right time.
“So, for example, if a known bag thief enters a shop security staff on the ground will be alerted immediately.”

Monday 26 August 2013

ACS alarms and CCTV,more than just security


In retail, we have come to associate technology like CCTV, remote monitoring and video analytics with catching bad guys, securing merchandise, and securing a retail store. With today’s new and evolving technologies and the complementary nature of how these technologies work together, we see an increasing return on investment. Retailers today utilize these new ideas and solutions and expand the ROI to store merchandising, operations, marketing, and IT. Quite simply, video and associated technologies drive a higher and deeper level of visibility across retail operations. Investments in these technologies grows as retailers learn to harness the information they provide about shopper 
Click here to view detail

Saturday 24 August 2013

ACS Alarms and CCTV Systems.

Alarm Systems

Our burglar alarms are professionally designed and installed to suit your lifestyle. Multiple codes for family and friends let you control who can enter your home and control your home security system. If you have pets and want to give them freedom to certain areas, this can be built into the design of the intruder alarm, home burglar alarm, or house alarm system.

Installing quality security measures is an investment in the safety and security of your home. It is a long term investment that will reduce the risk of being the victim of crime and will bring considerable peace of mind.



BNC, Microphones, Video Baluns, Brackets, Power Supplies, Housings


CCTV Camera Accessories are a must when doing a bespoke installation. Most  installations can be completed with a minimum of fuss. After all ACS Alarms and CCTV have 16 years experience. However, some custom CCTV installations will require additional accessories. Extra BNC ConnectorsPowered Microphones,Video BalunsMounting Brackets, etc. Proffessional installers need to carry a wide variety of  surveillance accessories for your individual Security Surveillance installation. We have to carry an increasing variation of kit to installations to ensure the client receives the bespoke installation that ACS provide.




Friday 16 August 2013

Can I use a balun with HD-SDi systems

The HD-SDI Balun allows one HD-SDI signal to be transmitted up to 150 ft (45m) via Cat5e cable at HD resolution in a point-to-point configuration. The HD-SDI Balun supports transmission of up to 2.97/3.0 Gbps uncompressed, un-encrypted digital video (optionally including embedded Audio and/or Time Code) within television facilities and between professional video equipment.

Sunday 11 August 2013

Does anyone read a user manual anymore ?

It seems to me that more and more customers are calling in with the simplest of questions and many of these questions are covered well in the user manuals. This has been occurring more and more over the years and has led me to believe that manuals are more than likely just passed over, but why? Is it simply because it's easier to call support? Is it laziness to research? We all take care of our customers no matter how simple the question is. This questions the very need for the manual for the installer. With digital media formats on your smartphone, YouTube video tutorials and the web at your finger tips you would think that most common questions could easily be researched and found. Do you prefer speaking to tech support, reading the manual or researching for your troubleshooting needs?


Saturday 10 August 2013

Time to upgrade to HD-SDi ?


Acs

Upgrading your old analog system to new HD video is easy with HD-SDI

Your old analog system has served its purpose and it's time to upgrade. Like your television, surveillance systems have gone digital HD and if you're like most people you will want to take advantage of the high quality video made available to you. With HD-SDI from ACS ALARMS you have the ability to simply swap out your existing analog cameras and digital recorder and install a newer HD quality system quickly. Taking advantage of your existing coax cable and power makes this transition simple and effective. You can enjoy 128 times higher resolution than your standard analog cameras and take advantage of the digital zoom capabilities provided by the megapixel video. It has never been easier to upgrade your existing system. 


Wednesday 31 July 2013

Alarms and cctv help and advice: Are 4ch Security Camera Systems right for me?

Alarms and cctv help and advice: Are 4ch Security Camera Systems right for me?

Are 4ch Security Camera Systems right for me?

When should you purchase a  4 channel camera system. ? One of the many issues with todays smaller systems like the 4ch Security DVR systems is fact that they are based mostly on price. The consumer decides that they want cameras and the first option on that list normally is a 4ch Security Camera System. It then becomes a price game to pick the least expensive system they can find. The problem I see, is that when you first decide that you need security cameras your focus should be on what exactly you want those cameras to do. Do you want them to capture a general wide view of your home or business? Do you need to catch very detailed video for a specific act that has been occurring? The system itself and the capabilities should first be considered and determined. Most 4ch Security Camera Systems come in a smaller form factor and tend to record less time because they do not hold as many hard disks. The majority of 4ch systems also are not expandable so if you are considering a system that you may want to expand on you may want to jump up to an 8ch Security Cameras System to give you more space for the future.

Since 4ch security camera systems tend to be price driven you will notice that most cameras that come in kits tend to be a fixed lens. This means that what you see is what you get. There is no adjusting the lens for a closer view. If you need to record a narrow driveway or hallway these cameras will not be very good. You will see a wide angle view that show that offers more to see but less detail. If you want the choice of adjusting the cameras make sure you buy cameras with a Varifocal lens

  • My suggestions would always be to first decide what you need to see:


  • Do you need a close up shot for detail or the option to zoom in and get more detail?


  • Do you need cameras with infrared? If your home or business is dark you will need security cameras with infrared to see in complete darkness. Make sure you look at the distance limitation of the camera. If its 35 feet and you are installing the camera 12ft high thats 23ft of effective infrared you will now have as opposed to the 35ft the camera actually has.


  • Will you need to add more cameras? If so consider an 8ch or 16ch Security camera system.


  • If you need longer recording than 30 days also consider getting a 4ch DVR with more Hard Disk capacity.


I hope this sheds a little light on your decision making. Stick to the basics and you should be fine.





Tuesday 30 July 2013

What is HD-SDi CCTV ?


What is HD, cctv in Middlesbrough ? 
HDcctv is an alternative to IP and offers 1280x720 resolution over standard coax!  HDcctv transmits an HD digital signal, called High Definition Serial Digital Interface (HD-SDI), uncompressed, over coax at a constant 30 FPS.  The HD-SDI digital signal is then received by the DVR and compressed into H.264 or MPEG-4. A.C.S. Alarms have embraced  this new technology which is significant to the ,Middlesbrough CCTV , Industry and will be a major format for dealers and installers who do not want to use IP for various reasons.  HD-SDI was invented by SMPTE for use by the Broadcast Industry and is used by all HD newscasts, sporting events, etc.
 

HD-SDi demo here

Sunday 28 July 2013

The term "Industry Standard"


Is one that is thrown around quite a bit, and it can be misleading and even confusing to consumers and professionals alike. In a technology driven industry, which hardly any industry isn't driven by technology these days. It can be difficult to exactly pinpoint a "standard" that truly exists across the industry. Whether intentional or not I think the most misleading statements often start with "This is the industry's standard" often implying that the industry uses X because its good or better than other solutions.

When working with prospective clients our job as industry professionals should be to provide a "standard" that fits the clients needs. I've personally witnessed installations from other companies that not only failed to meet any of the customer's needs, but in fact led to a negative impression of surveillance in general as being low quality. They were led to believe that the equipment was "industry standard", and that it would meet their needs.

If the surveillance industry is to keep growing, we must provide solutions that fit our customer's needs.. not a "standard".


Friday 26 July 2013

HDSDi versus ip CCTV systems

 

Before buying a system, consider the differences between IP CCTV mega pixel cameras and HD-SDI CCTV mega pixel cameras, find out why HD-SDI CCTV DVRs are much better than IP NVRs. I believe HD-SDI CCTV is the future of the CCTV industry over IP.  IP is complicated, suffers from latency and worst of all H264 blocking on the moving parts of the image. Also it is almost impossible to get consistent true real time recording from IP cameras, were our HD-SDI CCTV systems do it very easily.


Thursday 25 July 2013

Google trends sees IP Cameras and HD-SDI on rise while HD-CCTV flatlines.

I like to look around and play with Google trends frequently. Today, I happened to perform a search within Google Trends for IP Camera, HD-SDI and HD-CCTV, to see where they stand as far as trending is concerned.IP Camera shows a very steady increase since 2005 while HD-SDI has maintained a modest trend and has slightly gone up. HD-CCTV is basically flatlining with no real trending or related terms showing much action. I find it strange that HD-CCTV has not seen a rise or a shift. HD-SDI at minium is showing a pattern of being searched and trended. I did perform other searches within the IP realm such as IP Cameras, Systems and Video and they all performed well within trends. Interesting..

HD-SDI Trend


Tuesday 23 July 2013

What camera housing should I use and at what IP Rating?


Camera housings come in various shapes and sizes. With regard to the correct IP rating protection, this will range from dust and water ingress. This system is governed by a number of European and British standards.

IP55

  • Protected against dust - limited ingress.
  • Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted.

IP65

  • Protection against dust - no ingress.
  • Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted
  • Protection against high pressure water from all directions - limited ingress permitted.

Saturday 20 July 2013

When to use Surveillance Indoor Domes & Security Indoor Domes


There are a lot of specific cameras that are designed to be used indoors. You have the capability of using indoor dome cameras, indoor bullet cameras and full size cameras. Normally indoor cameras do not have infrared and come in plastic type housings since they are less prone to being out in the elements. The technology also can be different than that used by outdoor cameras. As an example, outdoor cameras normally need to make up for various lighting variations and therfore need a different lenses with filters and auto iris capability. Most indoor cameras do not need these functions since conditions rarely change. You can use outdoor cameras indoors. They just tend to be more bulky as they are made to withstand the elements.


Home, CCTV in Middlesbrough

Outdoor home CCTV cameras

If you’re using CCTV cameras outside, make sure they’re weatherproof – an IP (International Protection) rating of 66 is recommended. Wireless cameras are available, but you’ll still have to run a cable to a power source , so no camera is truly wireless, ACS Alarms dont recommend them.Position cameras in Middlesbrough where they can’t be tampered with but can be accessed for maintenance and cleaning.


Sunday 14 July 2013

HD-SDi systems

HD-SDI interest on the rise. Installers requesting technology. Interest in HD-SDI is starting to translate into sales. Installers are quoting and promoting HD-SDI on a daily basis. The change has directly related to sales. The days of simply requesting information and showing lukewarm interest are over. Estimates and quotes based on projects are starting to become a daily occurrence. This means that installers have become comfortable with technology and can now proceed to sell it as opposed to studying it. Like any new technology, (if you want to call it that) there is always a hesitation before deployment and I honestly think we are passed this point. The questions are no longer based on information but on product pricing, availability and models. This is a nice change and it helps installers as well as distributors now focus on finding solutions and new technology to help promote sales further. 


Saturday 13 July 2013

Honest advice from a reputable company

At ACS Alarms & CCTV ,we believe that customers should retain their options and choice on who they choose to install their alarm system specially when you may have a set budget and are looking to save money . Regulated Alarm installers can often charge up to 40% more for a system especially with the larger national companies. Many of the additional costs relating to the fact that they install in large industrial settings and banks where insurance requirements are substantially different. In the home security setting you will then be subsidising the industrial side of their  business with the higher price you pay for a home alarm. The regulators and insurance companies seem to have business interest with each other, some insurance companies misleading home consumers that their  alarm has to be installed by a registered alarm company giving the impression it is compulsory when it is not. It is the alarm equipment and the systems design criteria which make the system insurence grade and not membership of a privately owned regulator.


There are also still thousands of older alarm systems still installed in many homes that that do not comply to the latest  insurance grade. Homes owners at present are still able to purchase home insurance even if they still have one of these older alarm systems and yet when upgrading or purchasing a new intruder alarm system, insurance companies and security advisory web sites try to give the impressions you can't get insured unless you use these registered companies regulated by privately owened regulators. This is not true. In taking this advice pay up to 40% extra on the price of the alarm system from a regulated company in order to gain an average £20 premium discount. You can get insured even if you have no alarm installed at all. This is in fact a monopoly between unsurers, privately owned regulators and the installers.

Contact ACS for an honest quote !