Remote Screen Capture System for Blue Iris

Nov / 26 / 2016
Remote Screen Capture System for Blue Iris

Adding video security to keep tabs on employees and their productivity throughout the day has been a major factor in decision making to add security cameras to a business. PC Poodle has a new solution that allows remotely recording screens on both mac and windows while keeping the security cameras in the same solution. This allows management to audit the surfing habits of this new generation of knowledge workers in the 21st century.

The software RSC (Short for remote screen capture), installs on windows 7 or higher along with MacOS 10.7 or higher. After installation and activation, the software runs in the background and sends images back to a local server. RSC is not a cloud based solution so your private information stays private by remaining locally on your own self hosted server. The system takes up minor resources on the target terminals to be monitored, anything made after 2009 should not be an issue.

BlueIrisRemoteScreenCapture

The system uses motion detection to detect activity on a terminal (vs. keyboard and mouse activity which can timeout during video playback). The backend software Blue Iris, allows a simple interface and quick review of footage records by scrubbing through video with a click of the mouse. There’s also iOS and android clients that can be setup for remote viewing using a little bit of port forwarding magic. There’s a few limitations to the system, the server must reside on the same subnet as the computers being monitored so be prepared to hire a networking guru if your network is very large and uses multiple routers.

The impact on the speed of the local network should be minimal as frame rates are limited to 4FPS and you can adjust the size and quality of the images that are sent back to home base. We’re looking forward to the future roadmap of these integrations of video and other devices that usually go un monitored. Nothing measured, nothing gained!

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Is America Ready for Home Automation?

Jun / 16 / 2016
Is America Ready for Home Automation?

Although you might not know it, the home automation market in the U.S. was worth about $5 billion in 2014. Much of what American consumers are implementing through home automation right now involves basic thermostat control, lighting control and remote door locking and unlocking. The question is, are consumers ready to go to the next level? Is home automation on the verge of exploding over the next decade or so? A new report from Zion Research seems to indicate that this is the case.

The report predicts the home automation market will grow to about $21 billion by the end of the decade. They expect annual growth each year between now and then to be somewhere around 25%. That is very significant growth for any industry, let alone an industry like home automation that has been slow to catch on with consumers.

Smart home automation concept illustrated by modern smart phone to monitor smart objects.

The key for manufacturers and retailers is to identify what the consumer is most interested in and fill that need first. Do consumers want systems they can control merely through voice commands? Perhaps they want home automation technologies that will learn from their preferences and adjust on the fly. Rest assured that all this, and more, is being developed at R&D facilities around the world.

Overcoming Challenges of the IoT

One of the biggest challenges the home automation industry has been grappling with is the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). If you are not familiar with the IoT, it is simply the collection of all those electronic devices and appliances that have built-in connectivity through the internet. The IoT has been especially troublesome for home automation because manufacturers all have different ways of building their products and utilizing conductivity. But as home automation matures, manufacturers and software developers are beginning to embrace a set of standards that will help push technology forward.

It’s a lot like the standards that eventually allowed mobile phones to go worldwide. Once the standards are in place, the IoT will no longer be a barrier to automation.

Current capabilities dictate it is no longer out of the question to be able to control nearly every piece of equipment in the home using a remote device like a smartphone or tablet. We already have the ability to lock and unlock doors remotely, control window blinds, and alter lighting and temperatures. The days of being able to turn on the stove while at work or get the laundry running are just around the corner.

Combining Home Automation with Security

If America truly is ready to embrace home automation, it is due to the ability to integrate it with home security. For example, Uxari home automation is a company that allows customers to build security systems of their own from a list of available wireless devices. Customers can get the best of both worlds by building systems that meet their unique requirements and budget.

Consider a basic system that offers around-the-clock burglary and fire monitoring along with video surveillance cameras that can be monitored from anywhere. A homeowner can simply bring up an app on a smartphone or tablet to see video feeds in real-time. That same app can be used to lock and unlock doors as well as control any of the other installed home automation features.

Uxari takes things one step further by including additional devices for things such as home theater and landscaping elements. Having so many options now truly integrates home automation and security like never before. The good news for the home automation industry is that Americans are embracing it wholeheartedly. Yes, we are ready for home automation right now.

Sources:

  1. Times of Kabul – http://timesofkabul.com/962/new-report-examines-global-home-automation-market-poised-ascend-usd-5-0-billion-2014-usd-21-0-billion-2020/
  2. Uxari – http://www.uxari.com/home-automation/
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IPAutoDialer Alarm Dialer

Apr / 01 / 2016
IPAutoDialer Alarm Dialer

IPAutoDialer is an Alarm Dialer that integrates with Honeywell, DSC, and many other Alarm Panels on the market. Simply connect it to a 12V source and it will send out text messages to cell phones and even call land lines. There are no monthly subscriptions to pay and IPAutoDialer includes 500 Dials/SMS Message per year at no charge. This is great for home owners that want to retrofit their existing alarm system to send out notifications using their own internet connection. No Land Line or VOIP subscriptions are required so you can kiss that phone bill goodbye! There is a two wire input that when 9-24VDC is applied, the system boots up in less than 5 seconds and calls up to 10 people at the same time without delay. The time needed for the call or SMS to get through to your contact list is less than 30 seconds in most cases. There’s a large list of international countries that are supported as well. We were given a test unit to play around with and were impressed by how stupidly simple it was to setup. We were able to put a link to our security camera system into SMS notification so our staff can instantly log into the CCTV system without having to worry about having a phone app installed. The phone dialer feature uses text to speech to audibly speak your notification message when the unit is activated. This makes communication with legacy land lines possible. With no monthly fees IPAutoDialer should be in every integrators toolkit.

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Nine Common Places Where to Place Home Security Cameras

Aug / 14 / 2017
Nine Common Places Where to Place Home Security Cameras

If you are installing security cameras by yourself, it is the easiest to purchase wireless camera. Since you don’t have to deal with cables and wires, everything can be done in just a snap. In addition to that, with majority of wireless cameras, you can view videos remotely using your smartphone or computer with internet connection.

The effectiveness of security cameras is shattered or made by its placement. The proper placement will protect your property and help you stop the bad guys. Once you put your surveillance devices in an area of your property where nobody’s going to pass by or enter, it doesn’t offer much in terms of security. Before you install security cameras, always make sure to do a risk assessment, so you can determine the right place to put your equipment.

Amcrest-960H-Video-Security-System

If you are wondering where to place home security cameras, here are the common places where some put their security cameras:

  • Front Door

Your home’s front door is a famous entry point for burglars and criminals. If you place a security camera at this entrance, you have to take for consideration of your goal in security. Your surveillance equipment that’s documenting what’s happening at the front door of your home must have its presence advertised. This may be done either through having cameras visible or placing signs on the property. For this reason, majority of the recorded events won’t threaten the property.

Security, which interacts with the public has also the best chance of being deterrent to the crimes. It’s a fact that some behave in a different way once they believe they’re being watched. If there’s a criminal element walking around your neighborhood, the presence of the security camera in the front door will likely make them to keep walking. It is especially crucial if you obtain the packages delivered on a regular basis because of delivery theft. With the help of security cameras, it’s a preventive measure.

  • Back Door

Your back door is also another point of entry for the criminals. If a person in question uses surreptitious entry methods including picking or lock bumping, they’ll like the discretion of a back door. It will enable them time without the threat of being discovered by some people. When somebody has approached your backdoor, they’ve committed to test your security. Security camera signs won’t work as an effective deterrent. The plausible deniability for criminals is out the door because they’ve gotten onto the property without permission so the intent will be clear.

With installed security camera to record back doors, you can gather evidence of security violations and breaches. See to it that your backdoor cameras are hidden or out of reach. The security cameras at these locations are more likely to be destroyed or vandalized because of criminal intent captured.

  • First Floor Windows

The windows on your home’s first floor are the easy targets for burglars. The glass is near as secure as locked doors. This may be an entry point for burglars. The space that broken glass pane offers can be big enough so that your property may be moved outside easier than fitting this through the door. When the windows are used as an entry point, it’s quite likely that this will be one at the back of your house or with same cover from the eyes of the pedestrians.

  • Garage

Your garage is also at risk for theft. Since garage doors are often closed and opened in a way that displays its full contents, your valuables can be seen by other people. Majority of the garages will be extremely vulnerable to particular bypasses and frequently have less security on the side doors than your home.

  • Stairways

Stairways that are outside or inside of your property is a great place for security cameras. Such are points in and around the house that are used to getting around the property. The outside stairs can be used for connecting a duplex, access roofs, and so on. These can be used by the burglars to enter a house in an unusual manner.

  • Backyard

Your backyard is an important place that you should monitor always. Backyard security cameras will surely help you protect pets and record some weather events taking place on your property. The backyard is the home’s section that interacts with nature, yet it’s outside of the public view. If dangerous animals including mountain lions, coyotes, bears, and much more are visiting your backyard, this might affect your security. Any pets on your premise could be in danger. It is also a threat to human beings.

  • Areas with High Foot Traffic

Inside a home, you would want to place security cameras on places with high foot traffic. These can be places where intruders would need to walk through to access some areas of the house including living areas, entryways, and hallways.

  • Bedrooms

Oftentimes, burglars search for master bedrooms first, so it is a good idea to put at least a single camera in there. Moreover, if you like to use cameras to keep an eye on your infant or children, put cameras in the rooms of the children. Imagine having the freedom to work at your desk, cook dinner or watch television in another room while being able to check on your sleeping child from your mobile device easily.

  • Playrooms

If you like to keep an eye on your children while taking care of work around your home, consider placing a security camera in your playroom. You can check on them periodically from your mobile device for peace of mind.

The Bottom Line
Now that you already know the protections each of such placements can offer to your property, you may determine where to put security cameras. See to it that you check your recordings to troubleshoot your framing as well as other problems with glare. Ensure that you’re getting the most out of the protections you’ve invested in. Protect your home through taking necessary steps in managing your security in a much efficient manner.

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About Security Cameras

Aug / 02 / 2017
About Security Cameras

Security is a big concern for everyone these days. You want to make sure your family is safe, your property is protected, and if you have a business, you want to keep that safe as well. One great way to help increase your security is through the use of security cameras. There have been great advances in camera technology over the past 20 years or so that have made security cameras more adaptable and all around better at what they do. People turn to security cameras for all kinds of reasons. Security cameras help people keep an eye on their nannies and babysitters and how they are treating their children, they help keep a watchful eye on property, to stop vandals, thieves, and potential burglars, and they help businesses make sure that their employees are not helping themselves to the cash and that their customers aren’t helping themselves to the merchandise. School security cameras have become more and more common, and more and more important, in the wake of the many school shootings that have happened in recent years. With a security camera, your safety increases greatly. Who couldn’t use a little extra peace of mind in their lives?

The security cameras most people are familiar with are the mounted security cameras, like outdoor security cameras in parking lots or even above garages in people’s homes, or mounted in stores to discourage shoplifters. But wireless cameras technology and digital camera technology have created a lot of different options for security cameras and made them less obtrusive and more flexible in their use. For instance, outdoor wireless security cameras can be moved around easily without installing and re-installing, mini security cameras systems can capture all of the action of people you may not want to know you are watching them, like nannies or employees. Home security cameras, like standalone DVR security cameras, can move around easily, giving you maximum security. PC security camera systems allow you to watch what is happening on your security camera system even when you’re not around.

The one drawback to security cameras can be the price. Even though they have come down in price in recent years, they still can be a major investment. Experts agree however that a visible security camera is a real deterrent to crime. If you want to discourage crime, but you don’t have the money for a camera, try a dummy security camera. You’ll be the only one who knows that the camera is fake, so it will have the same effect as having a real camera.

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Security Alarm Installation To Prevent Being Burglarized Whilst on Vacation

Jun / 02 / 2017

Nobody needs to stress over their home while on holiday. Here are a few tips to help guard your home from thieves while you are making the most of your vacation.

Try not to Advertise
It’s just normal to need to share your get-away plans with others. In any case, sharing them via web-based networking media is a terrible thought. When it’s out there, you have no power over where the data winds up. Your arrangements could wind up in the hands of cheats. Also, they’ll realize that they have heaps of time to make a careful showing with regards to clearing your home of every one of your resources. In like manner, sharing photographs and updates via web-based networking media isn’t a smart thought either. I’ll concede, I was liable of this. It’s difficult to not share photographs and energizing stories about the fun things you’re encountering. Be that as it may, hold up until you return home to share your get-away on the web.

Bolt it Up
Bolt up resources and reports in a stable safe, bank store box or abandon them with a companion or relative. For Example:

  • Tablets and Laptops
  • Critical records (Social Security Cards, birth authentications, save Visas, secret word records, and so forth.)
  • Keys to your home, office, auto, and so on.
  • Costly gems and electronic gadgets
  • Guns and ammo

A versatile, flame resistant safe is fine to protect resources from flame. Be that as it may, it won’t prevent a hoodlum from strolling off with it. In the event that you utilize compact safes, abandon them with a companion/relative while you’re away.

Make Your Home Look Occupied
Put your mail and daily paper on hold or approach somebody to lift them up for you. In case you’re away for over seven days, have somebody cut your grass in the late spring. (In the event that it’s winter, request that somebody scoop your carport after a snowfall and leave impressions going to and from your entryway.) Don’t leave your refuse canisters by the street. Request that somebody put them out and acquire them or skip it inside and out.

Put a couple of indoor lights (in different rooms) on clocks. Try not to utilize only one light; it’s obvious that you’re not home. What’s more, don’t have the lights all go on and off in the meantime. Attempt to set them up so they turn on and off at similar circumstances that you would switch them on/off when you are home.

Put open air lights on clocks, as well. Or, on the other hand attach them with light sensors so they’ll go ahead at sunset and off at sunrise.

Put your radio or TV on a clock so that there is clamor in your home once in a while. In the event that you have a home telephone, kill the ringer so that cheats won’t hear your telephone ring, and ring, and ring…

A noiseless aeration and cooling system on a hot day is a decent pointer that nobody is home. Abandon it on, yet set it at a high temperature with the goal that you won’t spend excessively additional on power.

Regardless of whether to close the blinds/wraps has dependably been a point of level headed discussion. On one hand, in the event that they are altogether shut, it gives the presence of being forsaken. Then again, abandoning them open enables criminals to investigate your home to check whether there’s anything worth taking. One thought is to abandon them shut part way. Or, on the other hand you could close the parlor/family room blinds and leave the rest completely or halfway open. Consider what you ordinarily do with your blinds/window hangings and plan likewise. Keep in mind, however, in the event that you abandon them open, make certain to move any important things outside of anyone’s ability to see. On the off chance that you have somebody approaching water your plants, and so forth., they could likewise open/close your blinds.

Approach Neighbors for Help
Some criminals jump at the chance to utilize a trick where they appear at a house in a work van acting like should be there. What they’re really doing is taking your stuff. Tell trusted neighbors that you will be away and request that they watch out for your home and report any suspicious movement. What’s more, disclose to them that you won’t have any work done on the house while you’re away.

Tell Your Security Company
On the off chance that you have a security alarm provider, tell the organization that you will be away. Ensure you set the alert legitimately before clearing out. If that is something which you are looking for advice on then go to TomTec Security Systems Ltd for Advice on Burglar Alarms

Tell the Police
Some neighborhood police divisions will give additional watches by your home on the off chance that you tell them that you will be away. Check with yours.

Do You Rent?
Tell your flat administrator or proprietor that you will be away and request that they watch out for your loft/home. A few proprietors need you to fill them in as to whether you’ll be away for more than a few days. Some even place it in the rent. On the off chance that you plan to have somebody house sit or monitor your condo, you might need to tell your landowner that, too.

Carport and Cars
This is another subject that causes face off regarding. Some say leaving an auto outside gives the feeling that somebody is home. On the off chance that you do leave an auto in the carport, take out any assets and the carport entryway opener. Ensure the auto is bolted up.

Others say that it’s more secure to put your autos in the carport with the windows shut and the entryways bolted. This ensures your autos and furthermore consumes up room so criminals can’t stop a van in your carport where they can stay concealed by neighbors while they get out your home.

Leave your auto keys with a companion or conceal them precisely in this way, if your home gets attacked, the criminals won’t have simple access to your autos.

Unplug the ability to your programmed carport entryway opener to keep criminals from opening it with an all inclusive remote. Many carport entryway openers accompanied a manual discharge which comprises of a rope with an idea about the end. A few robbers are skilled at getting the handle with a coat holder and separating it so they can open the entryway physically. On the off chance that you have one of those, safe the handle up and out of site so the criminals won’t have the capacity to see it. Bolt your carport entryways (most entryways accompanied a manual locking gadget). Safely bolt all outside carport entryways and windows.

Bolt the House
Bolt all outside entryways and windows. Check yard entryways, gallery entryways and sky facing windows also. Bolt or secure every pet entryway.

Try not to Hide Keys Outside
Try not to go out. Each criminal knows the trap of holding an extra key under the appreciated tangle, in a fake shake, and so on. In the event that you demand stowing away keys outside of the house, acquire them and shroud them in a sheltered place or abandon them with a companion while you are in the midst of a holiday.

Getting a Ride?
On the off chance that you take a taxi or transport to the airplane terminal, don’t talk about your trip arranges before the driver. To be additional wary, have the driver get you at a companion’s home or have a companion drive you.

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How To Choose The Best Home Security System Company

Feb / 01 / 2017
How To Choose The Best Home Security System Company

When it comes to choosing the best home security system company, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right one. This is essential to know that you are going to use the best company. There are a couple of things that you can do, when you are considering using best home security company. These are a couple of tips on how you can choose the best company for your home:

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Doing Research
The first thing that you should do, is to do as much research as possible before you decide to use any home security system companies. This is because you need to make sure that the company that you are considering using is really legit.

You need to know that you are going to let a company take care of your home and your family, so if they aren’t trustworthy, your family isn’t safe.

Know For Sure That You Are Choosing A Recommended Company
In order to know for sure that you are choosing a recommended company, you need to ask around and make sure that you know what other people are thinking about the company that you’re considering using.

It is also recommended that you are gathering information about more than one company. Then, you will know that when you are deciding on using a company, that you are really using the best possible company that is recommended. Another way of knowing if a company can be trusted, is to read as many reviews online about the companies as possible.

Asking For References
You should also ask the home security system company for references of clients and customers that they already have.

You can then go to these people and talk to them about the security company. They will give you information about the company that you will not find anywhere else. They will be able to tell you the truth about the reliability of the company and if they can be really trusted.

Ask As Many Questions As Possible
Asking questions are essential. This is the only way that you can know that they are going to provide the service that you are looking for. And, if you don’t like the answers that they are giving you, you can start looking for another company.

By asking questions, they will also see that you are taking this seriously and they will make sure that you are getting all the right answers. This is if you are talking and interviewing a company that is legit and real.

Getting As Many Quotes As Possible
Before making a final decision, you should make sure that you are getting as many quotes at different home security system companies as possible. This will give you an indication if you are going to spend more money than needed on the system company that you are about to hire.

And, you will have an idea what other home security system companies are asking for a security system for your home.

It is important to make sure that you know this guide in how to choose a home security system company. This is the only way that you can know that you are going to have a company that you can trust, installing a security system in your home for your family’s safety.

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