Frequently Asked Questions

Surveillance Questions

How do hidden cameras work? A small board camera is built into an everyday item. The camera can be wired which means it is connected to the DVR or VCR using a cable. The camera can also be wireless, in this case the camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.

What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera? - Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR or monitor. Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording or viewing device.

How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit? - Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2000 feet. (Except baby monitor nanny cam and button hidden camera in the wireless version is up to 300 feet.)

Can I get audio in my hidden camera? - No you cannot. According to United States federal laws, audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner. One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera. This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio. Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies. Title 18, Section 2512.

How many wireless cameras can you have in one location? - You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location. You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera. You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver. If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location it's best to order them at the same time so that we can put them on different channels.

Will a cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras? - Cordless phone that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras. Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and receiver.

What is a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency? - A frequency is used to transmit a signal or data like video. 2.4GHz is the specific wireless frequency that our tranmitters use to send video signal to a receiver. All of our wireless cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. These units are FCC approved.

Are the transmitters FCC approved? - The transmitters used in all of our wireless systems are FCC and Industry Canada Certified.

What is CCD? - CCD is used in professional cameras because of it's high resolution quality and it's ability to record in low-light situations. CCD is basically a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which makes up an image. It's usually measured in inches with 1/3" CCD being the standard. They are higher priced but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.

What is a Quad? - A Quad splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once.

Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time? - Yes you can record all four cameras at the same time. You also can record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at that moment.

Do the receivers work through walls up to two feet thick? - Yes as long as there isn't excessive amount of metal in the wall.

Do the plug and play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the VCR or TV? - Yes, you need to buy the length of cable you need we offer the CA-25, CA-50, CA-100 and the CA-150.

What is the difference between a DVR and a VCR? - A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system records high resolution digital images to a hard disk drive (HDD) and eliminates the requirement of maintaining VHS tapes. Since the video images are stored digitally, the image quality will not degrade overtime, as would a VHS tape when recorded over multiple times. The time-saving search capabilities of a DVR will enable the user to locate the desired video clips via user defined parameters (camera, time, date, etc.) versus the fast forward and rewind functions of a VCR. A DVR can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet.

How many hours will a DVR record? - The amount of time a DVR will record for is based on the size of the DVRs hard drive, the number of cameras recording and the number of frames per second it is recording at. One camera recording in Real Time uses 1 GB per day. So a 16 camera system will use 16 GB in one day.

Do I need a VCR from you or can I use my own VCR? - You can use your own VCR for recording. However, the VCR will have to be recording all the time. Most VCRs can only record for about 10 hours but we have special VCRs that can record up to 1280 hours.

What is a DVR card? - DVR Cards enable the user to convert their computer into a Digital Video Recorder. The DVR Card(s) is typically installed in an available PCI slot of a computer. DVR cards are bundled with video surveillance software which allows the user to record and display multiple cameras simultaneously from the camera site or a remote location.

What is a Plug and Play connection camera? - It is an RCA Video plug and a power plug on the camera for easy connection to VCR or TV. This is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the VCR or TV. The TV or VCR must be set on the correct channel to view the VIDEO IN picture.

How many cameras can I hook up to one TV? - You can hook up as many cameras as your TV has inputs. Most TVs have 2 inputs but when using a quad you can hook up four cameras.

Do you need a VCR to record or will the cameras record? - You must have a VCR or DVR if you want to record.

How long will the camera last with a 9-volt battery? - The Cyber Eye and BD-127 will last 5 hours.

Between what temperatures is it safe for cameras to operate in?
Safe for B/W cameras to operate between -23°C to + 50°C or -10ºF to +122ºF
Safe for color cameras to operate between -23º C to +40ºC or -10ºF to +104ºF
It is safe to store cameras between -30ºC to +70ºC or -22ºF to +158ºF

What is the operating voltage of a camera? - Our cameras range from 9 volts (CMOS) to 12volts, and also 24 volt professional models.

What is a varifocal lens? - A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied. This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens. Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature.

What is a fixed lens? - A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom. The focus is fixed. A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens. This can be important in low light situations.

Surveillance Definitions