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When youre shopping around for an IP-based video surveillance system, you will need to be particularly cautious about what exactly youre looking at and what the individual terms mean. How IP-based video surveillance works is open to interpretation as far as some video surveillance and security salespeople are concerned -- not because they are trying to confuse the issues, but because there is no genuine consensus on what the term IP-based or related ones such as networked or web-based means.

Originally video surveillance was done based on analog technology -- closed circuit television (CCTV) and recording on video tapes. This was fine for recording what was going on, but it didnt broadcast actual live information, so it wasnt practical for monitoring stores, for instance, from a remote location. It simply provided what happened after the fact. The picture quality wasnt great and it relied on human reliability as well -- someone had to remember to change the tapes regularly, etc.

Digital revolutionizes video surveillance

With the Internet revolution and the ever-increasing presence of Local Area Networks, technology took great strides in video surveillance in the 1990s. Analog camera tubes were replaced with CCD (Charged Coupled Devices) and digital cameras became affordable for most people.

This combination meant that video surveillance could do two things: go live over the Internet or a closed network for surveillance and provide clearer, crisper images that could be tracked and manipulated easily. For law enforcement, digital surveillance meant it was much easier to zoom in on images, track particular scenes and enhance features.

The basics of IP-based surveillance

A digital camera views the scene in front of it, broadcasts the video images as a digitized signal over a LAN line (Local Area Network) where its then transmitted to a computer or server. The server in turn manages all of this information. Depending upon the software used to manage the digital images, it can record, display or retransmit the images to anywhere in the world.

The software package can easily be upgraded to allow for analyzing data, selecting specific flagged items to watch for and a host of other functions, making it a truly customizable security tool.

True IP-based digital surveillance uses CCD cameras that use signal processing that send packetized video streams over the LAN through a cat 5 cable rather than a coax cable network, utilizing greater bandwidth and standard TCP/IP communication.

It also provides more intelligent data mining and information retrieval. If security is an issue, full digital surveillance also offers the added advantage of data encryption opportunities to protect against image tampering -- something not possible with analog recording.

Recently, a few companies such as D-Link and Linksys have also developed fully digital cameras that actually have completely integrated, built-in web servers so that no external computers are needed for operating them. The signal is transmitted directly to the terminal location for storage or play-back.

Halfway there

The middle of the road of video surveillance is upgrading video surveillance by utilizing a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). A DVR system is not really fully IP-based, but is step toward the more advanced IP technology. In actuality, a DVR system uses the same camera and structures for cabling as the older CCTV analog systems, but the old VCRs have been replaced with DVR for storage of the data. The data is converted to digital so that it can be stored on hard disks, but the quality of the images captured remains analog since this is how it originated.

When shopping for a system, be sure to ask if the system is digital based on the recording (DVR) or on the camera, since many manufacturers consider a system digital by virtue of the DVR storage system even if the camera recording the images is still analog.

Going all the way

Some people will move to the hybrid models of a CCTV/DVR system when they first move beyond an analog system because it seems like the next practical evolutionary step in video surveillance. However, shifting to this method largely ignores how IP-based video surveillance works.

With CCTV/DVR surveillance you have actually simply delayed the inevitable by adding on a relatively new technology (hard disk, digital storage) to an old technology (analog video over coaxial transmission lines). Rather than moving forward into something new, you have prolonged the demise of the old.

Advantages of IP-based video surveillance

The leap into completely IP-based technology is the best bang for your buck both monetarily and in terms of security by far. Digital surveillance can be done over a LAN network, of course, but TCP/IP transmittal of surveillance makes sense for remote monitoring of multiple locations and for remote recording of data onto back-up servers and hard disks for long-term storage.

With IP-based video surveillance, you can connect your surveillance camera or cameras to any network or wireless adapter, and you are extremely flexible in your placement of the camera itself. A typical PC-attached video camera, while providing digital picture image quality, still has to be within approximately ten feet of the computer itself.

Set-up of an IP-based video system is easy -- once youve set up an IP address, youre up and running and its extremely stable and reliable. Because this is the technology of the future, it is also upgradeable. You wont be outgrowing an IP-based video surveillance system any time soon because new developments are based on improving this market. Therefore, you will be able to add on and improve this system for years to come while older, CCTV+DVR hybrids will dead-end and become obsolete.

Comparing analog and IP-based video surveillance

A better way to understand the differences between analog and IP-based video surveillance may be to compare the two and how they work:

Analog or CCTV+DVR video surveillance

Easy to use -- operates like a VCR

Changing cassettes and rewinding regularly means human error frequently interferes with effectiveness

Image quality is poor

Storage tapes wear out over time

Broadcasting images live isnt practical

Storage is bulky

Uses analog recording, recording in low-grade picture quality and inability to search and track easily

Adding DVR systems must be done in blocks of 16 channels

IP-based video surveillance

IP-based recording means instant transmittal of images anywhere in the world

Can monitor multiple cameras from one remote location

No decrease in recording quality over time or with repeated replays

Digital picture quality far superior to analog

IP-base recording is highly compressed for easier storage and can be transported over a variety of media

Digital images can be encrypted for security purposes

Updates and add-ons are relatively inexpensive through software packages and Internet computer networking

Adjustable frame rates

Remote or shared viewing may be done over the Internet or a wireless connection

standard IP video compression techniques are used

IP surveillance cameras may be added individually or in groups according to your needs

If you are contemplating increased or upgrading video surveillance for your company or home, understanding how IP-based video surveillance works will make your decision easier. It is the future of video surveillance and, although in the short term may be a bit more expensive, is obviously an investment in superior quality and flexibility.

This article on "How IP-based Video Surveillance Works" reprinted with permission.

Copyright 2004-2005 Evaluseek Publishing.

About the Author
Lucy P. Roberts is a successful freelance writer providing practical information and advice about everything related to digital video surveillance and related topics. Her numerous articles include tips for saving both time and money when shopping for video security products; equipment reviews and reports; and other valuable insights. Find important information about how to use a night vision security camera or infrared camera when you visit Video-Surveillance-Guide.com today!

posted by 83212  # 8:43 PM 0 comments

Fall normally means the beginning of football season. To the Lake Erie bass angler it means jumbo-size, `football' shaped smallmouth bass. August to late October/November is when Lake Erie's fat-n-sassy bronzebacks begin to put on the feed bag and begin to stock up for winter. Now is the time to catch one of the lake's best game fish and certainly regarded by many as Erie's best battlers.

With the unexpected introduction of the Zebra Muscle in the late 80's, the Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass really took off into something just short of spectacular. With the cleaner and clearer water resulting from the zebra muscles, bass will encounter with a vengeance any preferred bait when presentedcorrectly. Tip: Smallmouth bass are generally sight feeders. Which means once the bass visualize it's prey, it will attack and devour. Unlike Lake Erie walleyes, smallmouth generally are not boat shy and are not bothered bysunlight. This makes them an accommodating and easy target when located in both shallow and deep water most any time of the day.

Catching Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass takes nothing more then a bait box of soft-shell crayfish, a bucket of minnows, leeches, or a tackle box of properly selected artificial's (tube baits, crankbaits, spinners, etc.). While you can anticipate summer walleyes to roam the open, deep water flats, smallmouth preferhard structure. Bass in most cases are easy to locate. If you can find rocks,you'll find smallmouth.

Tip: A little pre-planning with a lake chart, a couple minutes of questions at the bait shop, or simply book a charter and pick your captain's brain for information, will remendously add to your success. Remember to always have a game plan whensmallmouth or "Jumper" fishing.

Some great areas to begin searching for fall Smallmouth Bass would be around the famous Bass Islands, Kelley's Island, Ruggles Beach off Huron, and of course the angler's choice at Pelee Island in ontario waters. Tip: Remember whenlocating bass they are territorial fish. Smallmouth rarely roam open waters and will not migrate twenty miles like walleyes do each fall. When the bass move, they tend go deeper or even shallower around their home! If you find structure that is good for bass, expect to find them in the neighborhood again and again within close proximity on your next trip or even next season. If you locate a prime bass spot mark it with your Loran/GPS, landmarks or a means that will allow you to return another day. Good smallmouth spots aren't here today, gonetomorrow like walleyes! Keep in mind you'll not want to tell other serious bass anglers!

Once you have located a suspected prime bass hide-out, where do you begin? You have to decide if your going to anchor or drift. Drifting is preferred and you can drift with any bait that can be presented to a hungry smallmouth bass. If it's to windy in the area your fishing or your boat drifts so fast to properly present your bait, anchor safely at your spot and fish your areathoroughly. To cover more water while anchored, occasionally release or bring in anchor line. It's best either to fish shallow then move out to deeper water or deeper to shallow water, never in-between. This important step allows you towork over areas to eliminate unproductive waters. Tip: There is never any water to shallow or to deep for smallmouth. Any day of the fall season smallmouth could be found in any depth ranging from a shallow 8ft. to a deep 30ft. or at adepth in-between. Locate a good school of bass and to duplicate the drift each time, drop a marker at the beginning and at the end of your drift. This will keep you in preferred water and allow you to be more productive.

Markers or floats that are visible to boats are like a blue-light special. They tend to attract alot of people looking for a bargain or your easy fish! Tip: When in a crowd or around unwanted uncourteous anglers is to use your Loran/GPS to mark your spot when you reset your drift.

When fishing live bait such as soft-shelled crayfish, minnows, or leeches, you'll need proper hooks and have sinkers of various weights. Use of a sharp #1 to #4 hooks are the most common. Due to the rocky structure and occasional snags, wire hooks work best. The type of weight you use is optional. Slipsinkers, wrap around sinkers, and rubber core sinkers all work well. Placement of the weight should be 12" to 18" minimum above the bait for best results. Tip: Use only enough weight to keep the bait near the bottom. To big of weight for the conditions will result in lost strikes from the fish feeling theweight and dropping the bait before the hook set.

To avoid loosing bait to snags and bottom, drop your baited offering over the side of the boat until you feel bottom, shut the reel and simply fish. Remember, smallmouth are not boat shy! You'll often catch them right under your driftingboat! Occasionally lift and lower the bait to allow for extra movement similar to perch fishing. Wait for the pickup, feel the weight of the fish for a second, and set the hook! Tip: When using live bait, don't set the hook to hard. Inother words, don't use what I refer to as the "Bassmaster Whack". Use just your lower arms, keep the line tight, and have a correctly set drag. To much hook set with a heavy action rod can pull the bait and hook right out of the fish's mouth. To tight of drag will cause many broken lines or pulled hooks.Keep your drag on the loose side. Don't be greedy when the hard-fighting fish need line. In most cases your only lip hooking the fish. A good rod of choice would be nothing heavier them med/med-heavy or a rod action with a moderate to fast tip spooled with 6 to 10 lb. test line. If you do miss a strike,immediately drop your offering back. Many times there's competition for food within the bass community and there may be following fish which may strike any offering remaining on the hook. Tip: Bass anglers should constantly check yourline for nicks or cuts resulting from zebra muscles. These small scratches will weaken your line and you'll breakoff many fish! You are fishing a bottom covered by the muscles. Line can be weaken by the sharp edges of the mollusks shell. After each fish is landed, run your finger over the line a couple inches above the weight to the hook to check for bad areas. I've seen many big fish lost to damaged line.

In the Fall months, smallmouth generally prefer a more natural live bait presentation. As the water begins to cool, bass begin the stock up for the long winter. This is when these little `footballs' put on the weight and really show their muscle. If the angler is hardy enough, and doesn't mind missing alittlehunting, the angler can catch a real trophy. The 1994 fall Smallmouth Bass season was spectacular with the average fish falling between 14" to 16", with many over 17 to 21 inches and four pounds plus! Why miss out on the "best" of the "best" when it comes to fishing Lake Erie.Lake Erie's fall football season is just around the corner.

posted by 83212  # 11:28 AM 0 comments

There are many types of golf training aids on the market, ranging from the very simple to the complex golf swing plane trainers, those large circular things that you see at many practice ranges. For the average golfer, the simpler training aids are sufficient to give you a good workout and stay fit for golf.

Fitness for golf is not like the fitness you get in a gym. Pumping iron and treading treadmills do not improve your golf game. The exercises have to build up your rotational strength, and work on the muscles used in your golf swing. They should also include stretching workouts to improve the flexibility of your joints and muscles.

There is no need to buy expensive training aids for this, or even to join a gym. There is a lot of inexpensive equipment that can be used, the dearest of which will probably be a weighted golf club. In order to strengthen all the muscles that you use during your swing, you are best to swing against a resistance. A weighted golf club is the easiest way to provide that resistance, and is a popular means of strengthening your swing, and so improving your distance.

You can also do it with a single dumbbell or a medicine ball. Hold it in both hands and swing with it. this is just as effective. Another inexpensive training aid is a length of exercise or resistance tubing. Fix this to a door or wall and swing holding it in your hands. You can get various strength ratings of tubing, and it is very good for a wide range of strength-related exercises.

Simple flexibility exercises can be carried out by holding a weighted medicine ball. Sitting straight up on a chair, hold the ball straight out in front of you then twist to the left as far as you can. Hold it for few seconds then twist to the right. A few repetitions a day and you will notice that you are swinging your gold club a lot easier and without any aching joints or muscles. As you get fitter you can increase the weight of the ball.

You can even improvise if you dont want to spend any money on golf training aids. Al you need is something with a bit of weight in it. A heavy rock can be used in place of the medicine ball, and you can tie some weighs to your golf club to increase its weight. All you need is some resistance to your normal swing, and there are a whole load of flexibility exercises you can carry out without any equipment whatsoever. A few twists with a golf club across your shoulder will loosen up your shoulder, back and abdominal muscles, and you can also do the same thing sitting down.

There are plenty of proprietary training aids available on the market such as laser systems that ensure that your stance is correct, with your feet in the right place. Many of these are below $100 though the more expensive systems can also provide a trace of your swing arc, and the direction the ball would take. There are specially designed balls that you hold between your arms to keep them correctly positioned in the swing. These enable you to improve your swing mechanics for extra power and length.

If you want to pay a bit more, you can purchase a hinged driver that helps you to swing with the correct tempo and in the correct plane. Once you get it right, your muscle memory develops and you eventually find yourself swinging correctly shot after shot without having to think of it. You can concentrate on other aspects of your game without worrying about your swing. Wouldnt it be great if your swing was spot on every time?

Although simple training aids like the hinged clubs are not necessarily inexpensive, most are, and a four foot resistance tube fitted with handles can be purchased online for less than $10. Hows that for inexpensive! Weighted medicine balls range from around $10 for a 1 Kg ball to over $30 for 5 Kg balls. Thats still pretty inexpensive. So, as you can see, some excellent golf training aids are available at very affordable prices.

OK, you can get the crme de la crme equipment, but is it really needed? All you need is some swing resistance to build up your strength in the swing, and to help stretch those muscles, so that you can store energy in your backswing, much like a stretched elastic band, ready to release explosively in your swing, and hammer that ball 300 yards straight down the fairway. A $10 aid will do that just as well as its $100 equivalent.

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posted by 83212  # 3:05 AM 0 comments