We present key features, components, functions and setup involved in an IP surveillance camera system.

Aug. 17, 2010 — by EH Staff

Surveillance cameras are an important component of home security. They can visually monitor key areas of your home and property, record activity and alert you immediately if they notice anything unusual. IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are able to transmit images and signals via the Internet, making them a popular choice for on-the-go families. But how do you decide what type of cameras to rely on in your system?

And what types of capability are you after? The answer to one could help provide some answers to the other.

Here are some important aspects of IP surveillance cameras, system functions, features and setups, courtesy of Richie Scholl, Worthington Distribution.

CAMERAS Choose indoor or weatherproof models based on your application. Fixed, pan/tilt, and pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) models are available. Fixed cameras will always be looking at one specified area. PTZ cameras, by contrast, can be manipulated manually or automatically. For this type of camera, consider having a “home” position that the camera returns to after a few minutes of inactivity.

Cameras differ in their ability to see in the dark. Use a camera with a night mode or a low lux rating if vision in the dark is important. Standalone IR illuminators can provide night-viewing capabilities for standard cameras. They have built-in sensors that activate the illuminator automatically when necessary. One-way and two-way audio features are available on many cameras. One-way audio allows a user to hear the sound that a built-in microphone in the camera picks up. Two-way audio adds the ability for the user to speak into a computer microphone and have that sound played through the camera.

Form factors vary by manufacturer. Many cameras are shaped as a square unit with a bubbled lens. More traditional bullet and dome styles are now available. Keep in mind that an IP (Internet Protocol) camera will always be larger than standard analog camera.

Most IP cameras require a hardwired Ethernet connection, although wireless WiFi IP cameras are available. POWER OVER ETHERNET (POE) PoE capability greatly simplifies the installation of an IP camera because only one wire is necessary to carry both power and Ethernet signals. Use a PoE switch at the head end, or PoE injectors somewhere between the switch and the camera. PoE is a standard, which ensures compatibility between equipment from different manufacturers.

RECORDING The most cost-effective option for recording is PC software that records video to a local hard drive. Make sure you have plenty of space available or pick up an external hard drive.

Video storage eats space quickly. Another option is a hybrid DVR. This is a device that can record images from both analog and IP cameras. Some IP cameras have built-in storage or memory card slots. They can store still frames or short video snippets, based on motion. SENSORS/AUTOMATION

Many IP cameras have motion sensing built in, which can trigger the recording of video for a select amount of time.

When tied to a control system or specialized recording device, remote sensors can perform a number of tasks. For example, they can be used to pan, tilt or zoom a camera to a certain position, or they can trigger the system to send an email or text message when motion is detected.

IN-HOME VIEWING Look for a TV monitoring adapter that’s compatible with your cameras so that you can view multiple images on a standard television. Many IP cameras also have an analog video output that can be connected to more traditional video distribution systems. When tied to a control system, televisions can automatically display images from cameras if, for example, motion is detected. Or the system can be programmed to display a picture-in-picture image from the front door whenever the doorbell is pressed.

REMOTE VIEWING Some cameras have web servers built in, so all you need is an Internet connection. They are more expensive than their simpler IP counterparts, but for single-camera installations this is an attractive option. Motion sensing allows some cameras to send still frames to a specified email address when movement is detected. A port will have to be opened on the website’s router to permit access to the camera. Stay away from port 80, as it is typically blocked by ISPs.

Use a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service to preclude the need for an expensive static IP address. These services are available free of charge. Many manufacturers have IP cameras that can automatically configure the router and provide the DDNS. Many security monitoring stations support video monitoring. They can view your cameras remotely upon sensor activity or some other alarm event.

Android ip Camera app

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know, there is a new Android Phone app out now that provides you with an excellent way to view your cameras other than from a computer!

Here are the details:

Features: Singlecam

• Single dvr, ip camera, nvr, or video encoder stream support
• Support for 100+ manufacturers and 500+ models.
• 1 4, & 6 port video encoder support for analog cameras (selected models) support. Limited to 1 port.
• Support for authentication
• Support for Pan, Tilt, & Zoom (not available on all models)
• Use of swipes to move camera
• Ability to change ip address and port as desired for internal and remote use.
• Direct stream support. No video going through 3rd party servers
• No monthly or annual subscription fee
• Support for landscape and portrait mode
• Function to save jpg snapshot to local media
• Support for MJPG and JPG codecs as supported. Mjpg is preferred method of video streaming when supported. Jpg used for jpg refresh (when jpg not supported) and snapshot

Features: Multicam

• Single and multiple dvr, ip camera, nvr, and video encoder stream support
• Support for 100+ manufacturers and 500+ models.
• Video encoder support (selected models) for analog camera stream support
• Support for authentication
• Support for Pan, Tilt, & Zoom (not available on all models)
• Use of swipes to move camera
• Ability to change ip address and port as desired for internal and remote use.
• Direct stream support. No video going through 3rd party servers
• No monthly or annual subscription fee
• Support for landscape and portrait mode
• Function to easily change cameras while viewing. ‘Previous Camera’ and ‘Next Camera’ function in menu while viewing to automatically change camera.
• Function to automatically rotate through cameras based on time period. For instance set the application to rotate to the next camera every 30 seconds automatically
• Function to save jpg snapshot to local media
• Support for MJPG and JPG codecs as supported. Mjpg is preferred method of video streaming when supported. Jpg used for jpg refresh (when jpg not supported) and snapshot

blackberry ip camera app

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know, there is a new Blackberry Phone app out now that provides you with an excellent way to view your cameras other than from a computer!

Here are the details:

Features: Singlecam

• Single dvr, ip camera, or video encoder stream support
• Support for 95 manufacturers and 500+ models.
• 1 & 4 port video encoder support for analog cameras (selected models). Limited to 1 port.
• Support for authentication
• Support for Pan, Tilt, & Zoom (not available on all models)
• Use of trackball (when available) to move camera
• Ability to change ip address and port as desired for internal and remote use.
• Direct stream support. No video going through 3rd party servers
• No monthly or annual subscription fee
• Support for landscape and portrait mode (currently only Storm)
• Function to save jpg snapshot to local media
• Support for MJPG and JPG codecs as supported. Mjpg is preferred method of video streaming when supported. Jpg used for jpg refresh (when jpg not supported) and snapshot.  MPG4 is in beta for supported cameras.

Features: Multicam

• Single and multiple dvr, ip camera, and video encoder stream support
• Support for 95 manufacturers and 500+ models.
• Video encoder support (selected models) for analog cameras
• Support for authentication
• Support for Pan, Tilt, & Zoom (not available on all models)
• Use of trackball (when available) to move camera
• Ability to change ip address and port as desired for internal and remote use.
• Direct stream support. No video going through 3rd party servers
• No monthly or annual subscription fee
• Support for landscape and portrait mode (currently only Storm)
• Function to easily change cameras while viewing. ‘Previous Camera’ and ‘Next Camera’ function in menu while viewing to automatically change camera.
• Function to automatically rotate through cameras based on time period. For instance set the application to rotate to the next camera every 30 seconds automatically
• Function to save jpg snapshot to local media
• Support for MJPG and JPG codecs as supported. Mjpg is preferred method of video streaming when supported. Jpg used for jpg refresh (when jpg not supported) and snapshot.  MPG4 is in beta for supported cameras.

GET IT NOW:   TotalControlApps.com

I just wanted to let you know, there is a new iPhone, iTouch, iPad app out now that provides you with an excellent way to view your cameras other than from a computer!

Here are the details:

Features: Singlecam

• Iphone and Ipod Touch compatible
• Ipad compatible (see Ipad Notes section)
• Single dvr, ip camera, or video encoder stream support
• 1 & 4 port video encoder support (selected models) for analog camera & dvr support.  Limited to 1 port.
• Unlimited video on cellular and wifi unlike other apps
• Support for authentication
• Support for Pan, Tilt, & Zoom (on supported models)
• Use of swipes for Pan & Tilt as well as pinches for Zoom
• Ability to change ip address and port as desired for internal and remote use
• Support for over 95 manufacturers and 500+ models
• Direct stream connection.  No video going through 3rd party servers
• No monthly or annual subscriptions
• Support for landscape and portrait mode
• Jpg snapshot capability (while viewing live stream) to save to your local photo gallery.  View or email from there
• Support for MJPG and JPG codecs as supported.  Mjpg is preferred method of video streaming when supported.  Jpg used for jpg refresh (when mjpg not supported) and snapshots 

Features: Multicam

• Iphone and Ipod Touch compatible
• Ipad compatible (see Ipad Notes section)
• Support for up to 4, 8, 16, 32, & 64 dvr, ip cameras and video encoder streams (depending on version)
• Unlimited video on cellular and wifi unlike other apps
• Single & MultiChannel video encoder support (selected models) for analog cameras support.
• Support for authentication
• Support for Pan, Tilt, & Zoom (on supported models)
• Use of swipes Pan & Tilt as well as pinches for Zoom
• Ability to change ip address and port as desired for internal and remote use
• Support for over 95 manufacturers and 500+ models
• Direct stream connection.  No video going through 3rd party servers
• No monthly or annual subscriptions
• Function to easily change cameras while viewing. ‘Previous Camera’ and ‘Next Camera’ function in menu while viewing to automatically change camera.
• Function to automatically rotate through cameras based on time period. For instance set the application to rotate to the next camera every 30 seconds automatically
• Support for landscape and portrait mode
• Jpg snapshot capability (while viewing live stream) to save to your local photo gallery.  View or email from there
• Support for MJPG and JPG codecs as supported.  Mjpg is preferred method of video streaming when supported.  Jpg used for jpg refresh (when mjpg not supported) and snapshots

GET IT NOW:   TotalControlApps.com

How to Make Your Wireless EZ Cam E-Mail Snapshots when Motion is Detected

You can only make it as far as this:  (see illustration)

If your browser, such as VISTA IE8, will not allow you to download an “unsigned active X control”  you can choose the lower Login button to have the video images “pushed” to you, or you can follow the following method, below, to correct the security settings to your IE8 browser:

STEP 1)  Open your internet browser and select “Tools” dropdown at the top of your page. (see illustration below)

Select Tools

STEP 2)  Choose the “Security” Tab within the “Internet options” box. Next, click on “Custom level”. (see illustration below)

Security Tab / Custom level

STEP 3)  Scroll down on the security options until you reach “Download unsigned ActiveX controls” and select the radio buttons as indicated within the illustration below. Click the “OK” button when finished in order to accept the changes.

ENABLE ActiveX Controls

STEP 4)  Close your IE Browser and reopen the IE Browser and log into your ip camera. You should now be able to accept and download the Active X controls. enter your user name and password, choose the top Login button this time!

Now you should be able to login and control your EZ Cam!

When you  log in to the DynDNS.com website you will want to follow these simple steps.

1. Choose a name for your site
2. Choose Service Type:@host with ip address
3. Enter the ip address shown on the page
4. Create a User Name and Password
5. Check your E-mail and confirm Registration
6. Your Done!
7. Keep this information handy for setting up your router and EZ Network Cams.

You can view your ip camera from anywhere in the world – as long as you have an internet connection!

You will also be able to have your camera e-mail you snapshots when motion is detected. It’s a great affordable security solution!

The easiet and affordable way to protect your home is with an EZ Cam from EZnetworkCam.com

 Try It FREE Before You Buy It!

Only $49.95

   BUY NOW!

This ip camera monitoring/recording software is comparable to higher-end security monitoring software that sells for $300 – $600 as you might have researched on the internet! Try it FREE – just to see for yourself!

Video Capture.  Use up to 64 cameras (webcams, camcorders, network IP cams, analog cards, or your PC desktop).   Capture JPEG snapshots or capture movies in standard AVI, advanced DVR, or leading-edge Windows Media file formats.

Video Security.  Keep an eye on your home, place of business, cars, and valuables;  watch your pets or your kids;  monitor your nanny, babysitter, or employees.  Watch your door for mail, packages or visitors.  Use motion detection, audio detection, or capture continuously.  Receive alerts via loudspeaker, e-mail, instant messaging, or phone.

Webcam.  Overlay text and graphics.  Use the built-in web server, or post to a website.  Webcast using MPEG ActiveX, JAVA, or Windows Media.

Technology Features

• Simultaneously use up to 64 video cameras (with full version).
• Use USB webcams, DV camcorders, network IP cams (see list below), as well as video servers.
• Use generic BT848/878 cards, or we specifically recommend the 4-channel PV149 and 8/16-channel Hikvision DS-40xx cards
• Overlay text, timestamps, and alpha-blended graphics.
• The highly-efficient Blue Iris DVR file format allows time-slip viewing.
• DirectX integration provides smooth digital scaling.
• DirectShow integration provides optimal capture performance.
• Windows Media technologies integration (full version) allows capture into WMV format and Windows Media webcasting.
• Multithreaded, optimized and rigorously tested code for optimal performance.

Video Security Features

• Use motion or audio sensing to trigger recording, or record continuously or periodically.
• Overlay the current date/time as well as a logo or other information
• Optionally record audio
• Use a timer to determine when the system is armed
• Images may be captured as either JPEG images, MPEG movies or Windows Media movies (full version).
• Receive alerts via loudspeaker, email, instant message, voice phone call (with automatic redial), or external program/script
• Run Blue Iris as a Windows service so that only you have control over its operation on a shared PC
• All passwords are stored encrypted

LEARN MORE – Blue Iris Software Review

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