The Importance of Video Surveillance Systems

There’s no arguing, most people have an issue with video surveillance. Which is rightfully so. I mean how many of us like the feeling that someone, somewhere may be watching us. When in reality what video surveillance really is, is protection. The video surveillance system isn’t in place to play a police officer, judge or jury, it’s in place to help them understand what has happened in the past. Phoenix video surveillance can also assist in court cases and not make either party of the trial rely on shaky, biased or inaccurate testimonies. Video Surveillance also allows law-enforcement officers to look at past event to locate important information that may have gone unseen or overlooked before.

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Video Surveillance can help in the identifying and catching of criminals. It’s widespread knowledge that a video was used from the Boston Marathon bombings to help identify the bombers. That’s only one of many many examples of how Phoenix video surveillance systems help. Now in some circumstances, whether it’s an accident or a violent crime police start looking for nearby Phoenix video surveillance cameras to help them in figuring out what happened in the situation. Watch Here.

Did you know that having a surveillance camera system in Phoenix can help act as a deterrent for crime? Most criminals are only going to break the law when they think that they’ll be able to get away with it and not have to face the consequences. So when they see that a video surveillance system is present a lot of criminals will decide to not commit the crime.

For more information on Phoenix Video Surveillance Systems in Phoenix, Tucson and Arizona in general, read more on our website HERE.

Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

6 Facts about IP Cameras and Video Surveillance

Internet protocol (IP) cameras represent the latest in digital video camera technology and are invaluable video surveillance tools for homes and businesses. Unlike outdated analog camera technology that relies on the use of closed-circuit television, IP cameras deliver and receive data via the internet and computer networks, which provides enhanced video surveillance capabilities. The following facts can help you make a more informed decision when purchasing IP cameras for your Phoenix-area residence or business.

1. IP Cameras Resolution Offers More Detail

Analog cameras are limited to a resolution of 720×480, regardless of the cost or power of the camera, IP cameras have no limitation on resolution, which many models exceeding the 1080P HD-quality resolution we experience on our HDTVs at home. This results in more usable images, with the ability to electronically enhance the image after the event has occurred and receive greater detail than traditional video.

Resolution for IP cameras is normally referred to as 720p or 1080p, which are standard resolutions. An important difference between analog and IP cameras is the manner in which resolution is measured. IP cameras use new technology that measures resolution in pixels rather than in horizontal lines like old analog cameras did.  Resolution refers to the number of pixels, which are the tiny areas of illumination on a display screen that form the image. High-resolution cameras feature a greater number of pixels than low-resolution cameras, which means they have enhanced capabilities to capture and display more information, and with greater detail and clarity.

While 720p and 1080p are both regarded as standard IP camera resolution, there are some important distinctions between the two. For instance, a 1080p image actually provides twice the amount of detail as a 720p image. However, the 1080p also consumes twice as much bandwidth, which can result in slower streaming and cause storage capacity to fill up twice as fast. Additionally, 1080p IP cameras are typically more expensive than 720p models.

Video Surveillance Phoenix

 

2. 1080p Is Also Known as Full HD Resolution

It can produce images that are 1920 x 1080 pixels, and the height of the image is normally how the resolution is determined. For example, 720p images are measured at 1280 x 720 pixels. This means full IP camera resolution provides more than twice the number of pixels than standard resolution. Consequently, 1080p cameras are often marketed as being the equivalent of two 720p cameras.

There are also a number of important differences between standard and full HD resolution cameras, as well as several significant similarities. For instance, the signal transmission distance of the 1080p camera is up to 1,640 feet, compared to 984 feet for 720p camera systems. Both systems make use of a single coax cable to transmit video, audio and control signals. They also provide roughly the same night vision capabilities, as well a similar number of nonstop recording hours.

Video Surveillance Phoenix

3. IP Are The Best Security Cameras for Facial Recognition

It is crucial that a security camera provides images with the high degree of clarity that enables easy identification of an intruder and other important crime details. Otherwise, it offers little value from a security perspective. One of the major disadvantages of using analog cameras for video surveillance is that they often fail to provide enough detail to aid law enforcement or security personnel during the identification process.

If you want to use cameras for facial recognition, to monitor crimes or to view license plates, then IP is the way to go. To maximize the ID potential of your video surveillance system, consider bearing the additional cost of a full resolution HD 1080p camera. It just might make the difference when attempting to identify and apprehend a home intruder or determining the perpetrator of internal theft within your company. In the world of video surveillance, you can’t go wrong with IP if you want amazing detail in your videos.

Video Surveillance Phoenix

 

4. Phoenix Video Surveillance Is Changing

The video surveillance world has changed. For more than 30 years, analog cameras were the main video surveillance systems. While analog cameras served a valuable purpose, they simply no longer provide the most effective security solution for residential and commercial property owners in the Phoenix area. Because analog video uses a fixed video signal through a coaxial signal, it can  be tapped into or altered. IP cameras have encryption and security levels built in, providing increased security over your video images. While IP camera resolution is far superior to that of analog cameras, IP cameras also offer a number of other important advantages over analog technology.

For example, long-distance surveillance applications are much more difficult to execute with analog camera systems. While wireless analog technology is available, you may experience interference that can result in a significant reduction in signal quality when compared to IP wireless camera systems. Additionally, analog security camera systems typically do not provide the variety of advanced features that modern IP systems have to offer. Thus, the Phoenix video surveillance world has been continuously moving away from analog cameras and going toward IP cameras.

Video Surveillance Phoenix

 

5. IP Cameras Are Versatile

If you are looking for security cameras that connect to networks, IP cameras offer a distinct advantage over analog models. With analog cameras in video surveillance, you were extremely limited because of reliance on power outlets and cable lengths. This made long-distance and remote connectivity problematic at best, and in many instances, virtually impossible. What’s more, this makes analog cameras incompatible with many of today’s wireless network operating environments.

With IP cameras, you can easily connect to your network to share data with your system. You can even install and deploy an IP-based surveillance camera system using your existing network architecture. Think of how much that can save you in terms of time, labor costs and maintenance. Using wireless IP camera systems that connect to networks without having to install miles of cabling also provides maximum camera placement flexibility. As a result, you may experience greater coverage of the areas that require monitoring on your property.

Also, analog signals are converted several times. The camera itself typically uses a digital image sensor, which converts the signal to analog to transmit it. Once the signal is received into a recorder, it is converted back to digital again in order to process, record, and distribute it. Each time the video is converted it loses quality. With IP cameras, the data is kept in digital format throughout, maintaining quality with minimal loss.

Video Surveillance Phoenix

 

6. IP Cameras Offer Cost-Effectiveness 

As the cost of IP cameras has reduced over the past few years, the total cost of ownership tends to be lower with IP than analog systems. They are faster and simpler to install, due to technologies like Power over Ethernet (PoE). They consume less power, resulting in a “greener” camera environment. The end result is a higher quality system that delivers better images, better security, and is far less expensive to implement in most applications.

Some believe IP cameras may not be as cost-effective as analog cameras. This is mainly because IP camera systems generally require a higher upfront expenditure that analog systems, primarily due to greater cost of the cutting-edge technology. This often causes prospective buyers to forgo the best security system for their needs in an effort to reduce expenses.

It is true that IP cameras require a larger upfront investment, but they have advanced features that aren’t available with old technology. Examples include radar and thermal imaging and state-of-the-art motion-tracking technology that offer enhanced intrusion detection capabilities. They also include event verification that can more quickly confirm the presence of an intruder and reduce the amount of time it takes for emergency personnel to respond. The cloud recording capabilities eliminate worries about running out of tape, which would in effect leave your property unprotected.

Another way to think of it is that, while IP cameras are more expensive than analog cameras, their enhanced ability to prevent a loss actually makes them the more cost-effective security cameras in the long run. You will also have greater peace of mind, something that does not come with a price tag. CLICK HERE for more information about Phoenix video surveillance systems.

Video Surveillance Phoenix

Other Features of IP Cameras That Make Them Better Than Analog

Camera Intelligence:

Advanced technology in software and hardware allow cameras to do much more than simply transmit a still video image. The software built into many cameras, as well as available through 3rd party applications, allows the camera to process the video and inform the end user of events like motion detection, people counting, traffic mapping, digital fence lines, and much more. The camera can also self-diagnose if it is not operating properly, or is being tampered with and notify the end user or a central monitoring center.

Fully Integrated:

IP cameras easily integrate into an IP network environment, utilizing network hardware and servers that many clients are already utilizing. This utilizes the initial investment of infrastructure for the system. Many IP cameras also have full featured software and storage built-in, allowing the camera to run independent of any other software. Analog cameras always require a DVR or server with additional hardware and increased bandwidth to perform these tasks.

Easily Scalable:

Analog cameras require physical transmission hardware to communicate between the camera and the recorder/server. IP cameras are able to utilize “virtual” hardware, allowing a camera to be utilized in multiple locations, even on opposite sides of the world, and have them operate as though the are on a single, local platform. IP cameras also have the ability to be upgraded through firmware upgrades as technology advances. This makes sure that the camera is able to scale and grow as new technology emerges or as needs of the end user evolve.

Progressive Scan vs. Interlace Scan:

IP cameras use progressive scan technology, meaning that fast moving objects appear and are recorded with sharper detail and less motion blur. This is demonstrated in the image below, which shows an interlaced image on the left, with a progressive scan image on the right. Both images are from an IP camera, but with different processing codecs for progressive vs. interlaced image:

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Open Standards and Plug-in Architecture:

Common technologies in IP cameras, such as H.264 compression and ONVIF compatibility ensure that cameras made from a variety of manufacturers will be compatible with one another and can work within many different software environments.

Built in Redundancy:

Many IP cameras have built-in storage, allowing the camera to either record without needing a dedicated recorder/server, or allowing the SD card to server as redundant backup. This ensures that the video image you are expecting to have is available when you need it.

Titan Alarm Inc.: Your Best Source for IP Camera Systems in the Phoenix Area

If you are ready to make the transition from analog to IP cameras or are looking for the most effective way to protect your Phoenix property, Titan Alarm can help. We offer an extensive selection of innovative IP camera systems equipped with the most technologically advanced features. As a full-service, locally owned and operated alarm company serving the greater Phoenix area, you can count on us for complete installation and service of your system. We don’t rely on 1099 contractors. All work is performed by well-trained, highly skilled Titan Alarm employees who are committed to keeping your property as safe and secure as possible.

Contact Us to Learn More About Our Cost-Effective Security Cameras

Contact us if you want to learn more about Phoenix video surveillance systems. You can reach us online or give us a call toll-free at 1-800-973-9001 for friendly, personalized assistance.

Learn More About Commercial Video Surveillance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

That Annoying Beeping…

One of those unexpected and perplexing moments that you can have as a homeowner with an alarm system is when it beeps without provocation. Picture this for example, you wake up and slip out of bed in the early AM hours to savor those few moments of peace you have before the hustle and bustle of your day. Doing this possibly while sipping your favorite AM beverage or in my case a bowl of chocolate puffed cereal and an energy drink. While all of your senses are taking in the perfection of this moment, it occurs. Beep, beep, beep “What in the heck, is that… is my alarm going off?! I need to get over there and shut it off before it wakes the kids.” You hustle over to figure out the source of the commotion see the alarm keypad upon a light that is usually not on and begin to wonder what to do.

If you are unfortunate enough to be staring at a yellow service light at this point and some other red LEDs that you will have to unroll a manual written on papyrus and begin using the abacus to decipher the binary to figure out what is wrong. Or if you have a beep and at least a button that is marked status and are savvy enough to understand fault 02 batt . Then you will definitely want to give the office a call either to interview for our tech support team if what I said makes sense otherwise to maybe upgrade to the next level of security. Using a panel where such beeps are accompanied by the receipt of a text message as well as possibly even the error on screen when you login to your account online via a computer.

So what do you do about the beeping? First step every time when trouble shooting the alarm system is to go to the panel press status. Almost all panels will in some way shape or form tell you what sensor or component has the issue. Using  the “status button” or icon will help you diagnose most issues. Here are a few common ones we hear in the tech support department that have simple solutions.

If nothing comes up on the screen but you still hear the beeping. Then it isn’t the alarm system, but don’t worry you’re not crazy. Your home fire code smoke detectors are designed to beep when they have a low battery and are quite often mistaken as a beep from the alarm panel or problem with the alarm pane. Simply replacing that battery in your smoke that the beeping is coming from and pressing the “test/reset” button will fix this. Although if you do get something on the screen such as an “FC” or “modem communication error” then both of these mean that there is an issue with your home phone line or panel’s cellular communicator. If your panel is using the home phone line to communicate, you may want to start with checking to see if any of the other phone jacks in your home have dial tone. Just like the jacks in your house the panel gets the dial tone from the wall. Keep that in mind if you upgrade to a digital or nontraditional phone service. If you are not sure contacting your local phone company to see if they can shed some light on your type of service is a good starting step. If it still cannot be fixed or if  your panel is cellular  then you will want to call Titan Alarm at your earliest convenience and schedule a time for a technician to service this.  Another issue we hear sometimes in tech support is “tamper”, now with this again you will want to start with using the alarm panel’s status feature. It will tell you what sensor, area or keypad that is experiencing this condition. Now a tamper is a more technical way of saying that something isn’t closed all the way. To fix this all you have to do is open the device then reclose it making it is completely secure. If it has a screw to lock then sometimes just putting the screw back in can fix this.

Most of the time you won’t have a problem with your system but if you do it will remember to use status to diagnosis and most importantly remember you can call and or write us we  are here to serve you. Our toll free number is 800.973.9001 or you can email us at support@titanalarm.net

Learn More About Home Security

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

5 Reasons to get a Home Automation System.

Receive a text video text message when someone rings your door bell.
Who would not want this! Yes. You will actually receive a 60 second video clip of who is at your front door when they press the door bell. This comes in handy with deliveries or for those of you that travel a lot, or even for families with an empty home during the day. Be in the know!

Kids can’t sneak out anymore!
Yep, each child receives his/her own code. Unless your child cuts a hole in the wall, they will need to leave through a door or a window and if the alarm is on, they would need to disarm the system with their personal code which logs a record and sends you a text message with time stamp and can even take a picture for you!

Remote Garage door automation
You can now open or close your garage doors remotely. How cool is this. NO more wondering if the garage was closed. Receive notifications when garage is left open for periods of time.

Your Home Alarm Saves You Money.
You now set the thermostats from your phone and the internet. You set smart schedules and use the air/heat when your there and have it shut off or raise a bit when you are away. Its smart. Saves me time and money. Lets be honest. We really don’t use the program schedule on the wall thermostats by sitting and programing though the 1980 software they have on there.

Your Alarm Tells You If You Don’t Set It When You Leave.
The Titan Alarm system will now tell you when your phone and any other phones have left the Geo fence you set up and notify you if the alarm was not armed. You can then press a button and it will arm your system turn lights off, change thermostats, lock doors, and send out messages.

Learn More About Home Automation

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Vacation Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

We all love going on vacation, whether its to get away to a tropical paradise or a weekend getaway to the cabin up north. One of the most important things about taking a vacation is making sure your home is secure while you’re away. The easiest way to get the most coverage is with a home security system from Titan Alarm, we offer 24/7 monitoring, access to your cameras from your smart phone or web browser, notifications any time a door or window are opened, and a notification anytime someone rings your doorbell. Along with our system here are a few tips we recommend to keep your home safe while you’re away.

1. Make sure you install door and window shades and blinds, that will make it difficult for a potential burglar to see if someone is home.

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2. Motion controlled outdoor lighting is one of the biggest deterrents for outside movement. It also helps keep your lights from staying on all day over a long period of time.

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3. If you’re doing a home renovation make sure you don’t leave ladders in sight, they’re an open invitation for burglars. Along with keeping ladders hidden keep any tools inside and locked up so that they can’t be used to break in as well.

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4. Before you leave trim or replace large bushes that cover and windows or doors, this will prevent burglars from being able to hide behind them while they try to pry open any doors or windows.

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5.Put your TV, lights and radio on the Titan Alarm controlled appliance outlets so you can turn on your appliances while you’re away from your phone with the Alarm.com application, giving the appearance that someone is home.

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Learn More About Home Automation

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

May The Fourth Be With You

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May The Fourth Be With You

As die hard Star Wars fans here at Titan Alarm, we’re all celebrating today this special day. Less than a year until the new movie comes out directed by J.J. Abrams. In celebration of today we’ve got a few jokes for you! While you’re at it, let’s beef up your security, we have to make it harder for a burglar to get in than it was for Luke to destroy the Death Star. You won’t be able to sense a disturbance in The Force but you’ll get a notification whenever someone rings the doorbell or goes in or out of any doors.

Q. Why do Doctors make the best Jedi?

A. Because a Jedi must have patience.

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Q. What do you call a potato that has turned to the Dark Side?

A. Vader Tots

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Q. How do Ewoks communicate over long distances?

A. With Ewokie Talkies

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Q. What do you call Chewbacca when he has chocolate stuck in his hair?

A. Chocolate Chip Wookie

 

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Q. Why is a droid mechanic never lonely?

A. He’s always making new friends!

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Q. What goes, “Ha, Ha, Ha, Haaaaaaa…… AGGGGH! Thump.”?

A. An Imperial Officer laughing at Darth Vader.

 

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https://www.starwars.com

Posted in Fun

Fire Systems and Fire Prevention Tips

With the dry Arizona summer approaching it’s time to address house fires and how to prevent them. The National Fire Protection Association reported that 42% of all house fires are caused by cooking utensils and that 17% of them are caused by issues related to heating and cooling. With 487,500 structure fires, causing 2,855 civilian deaths, 14,075 civilian injuries, and $9.5 billion in property damage in 2013 alone, it’s time we should do a safety check. These are the Ways to Enhance Your Fire-Preparedness.

Fire Safety Checklist

One of the easiest ways to keep yourself in check is to use a Fire Safety Checklist, don’t worry though, we’ve made one for you that you can print off and use. Let’s see how your house and you compare to our checklist and let’s keep you safe and ready for a fire. Fire Safety Checklist

Fire 1

 

 

 

 

 

Smoke Alarms

New homes are now all required by law and codes that they’re built with a connected alarm system, but that doesn’t mean it’s a smart alarm. With a Smart Alarm from Titan Alarm, the smoke detector is linked to your Titan Alarm home security system and thermostat and can actually turn off the air flow in your house if it sense a fire. With that in place it can stop the spread of smoke and fire and can actually help keep the fire contained.

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Grill Smart

As the weather is heating up it’s becoming BBQ season, and who doesn’t love a good burger or dog straight off the grill. Before you fire up your grill be sure to inspect a few things. Make sure you inspect the hose, regulator and valves for any sort of signs of rusting, cracks, kinking or damage. You don’t want to put yourself at risk while you’re just trying to relax and cook on a nice summer day.

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Fire Pit Safety

As the nights get nicer out the longer you’ll want to stay out, which means it’s time to start having bonfires! One of the biggest tips for fire pits we have is to make sure it’s at least ten feet away from any sort of structure. If your fire pit is a wood burning pit, make sure you use a fire screen. A fire screen can prevent any risks posed by flying embers and sparks.

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Control Your Cables

Although the majority of fires in houses start in the kitchen, 6% of all fires are actually due to a result of electrical problems. Always use a surge protector when using multiple items at once. Make sure that your cables are always well kept and clean, keep them away from water sources and keep them fresh, any sort of wearing away at the protective housing should be fixed immediately, either with electrical tape or by replacing the cable altogether.

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Fire Extinguisher

You always know where the fire extinguisher is for some reason, but no one ever thinks to purchase one because they’re always kind of just… there. Make sure you purchase one for your home, if you ever need to use it in the event of a fire, make sure you remember the acronym PASS: Pull the pin to release the handle; Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire; Squeeze the trigger; and Sweep the discharge stream at the base of the fire.

 

 

 

 

 

Safety Tips for Fire Extinguishers | Fire Safety | Fire Extinguishers | Titan Alarm





Mike Proudfit with Titan Alarm shares tips on fire safety. Did you know fire extinguishers should be replaced every few years and inspected annually or according to code based on your fire department?…

Learn More About Fire Extinguishers

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.