At one point or another we have all watched the news and seen a report on a recent robbery at a convenience store. They say that luckily the store had a security camera systems and that the crime was caught. Many times when they show the recording, the quality is so poor that nothing substantive can be gained from the recording.  Then you think to yourself: I’ve been inside many places like supermarkets, convenience stores, and other places which have a monitor showing the cameras and the quality has been great. So, why is it that every time they show the footage on TV, there is an issue with the system that was apparently great? The answer lies in the difference between viewing camera live and recording on those images.

What you see many times in the store is a live image which has little to do with what is actually being recorded. The recording depends on the the many factors discussed in my other blog. Unfortunately, many times the customer finds out about this when its too late. You get a system that seems like a good deal, then you see the images which are great. So you are satisfied until the need arises months later to view a certain span of time. Now you realize that it was not such a good deal.  Here is my advise when you are getting a security camera system:

Some advices for getting a security camera system

1. Look for the word H.264 when buying a Digital Video Recorder.But don’t stop there. Make sure it records in H.264 and not just broadcasts. Many DVR manufacturers use the word H.264 to refer to the live broadcasting on the DVR, not the recording. Make sure the DVR can not only record at 30 frames per second, but also has sufficient storage to keep your images for the desired amount of time. If you want the best, then ask for Hardware Compression H.264 DVR as compared to Software Compression DVR.
2. Get the right cameras. Cheap cameras will give you cheap images.
3. The system is as good as the installer, so don’t go cheap on that if you want a real system.
4. Make sure the right wiring and connections are used.

So take this advise and so you are not running to a security camera store asking how they can improve your video after something has happened. By then, its too late.

Contact Sintel Systems at 855-CCTV-SALES with any questions including if a do-it-yourself security camera system is right for you.

See our add on YouTube.

Read This before you buy your surveillance system!

Read the first page of the article titled “San Francisco security cameras’ choppy video” from the San Francisco Gate before proceeding. You can also find the article at the bottom of this blog.

Now on with our story…

High Quality Security Cameras

One would think that a City as large as San Francisco and a sizable police force would have the best camera systems and any criminal caught on them would be doomed. After all, with the resources government agencies have, you would think that they would end up with the best security

camera systems. No so true. In the security camera world, there are three main components that can make or break a system. The cameras, the connection (i.e. wires, wireless) and the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) for storage of images. Any weakness in any part of the system and you end up with a worthless system.

So what the solution to getting the best security camera systems? First, you have to decide if you want a camera system as a decoration, just a deterrent, or an action video capturing devise.

If you just want to have a system as decoration, then you don’t need the last two components mentioned above (connection or DVR). Just grab anything that looks like a camera and put them up.

What’s just a deterrent? Well, just putting up security cameras without a DVR is a deterrent. You are gambling that any would we bad guys would just see the cameras and… .

What’s the problem? First, they might not see the cameras and keep on going. Second, the bad guys are getting pretty smart and can tell what is real and what is not. A deterrent is also what the City of San Francisco along with other cities have put up. All three components (cameras, connection, DVR) are all there, but when something happens then oh well, the system is of no use. So if you want just a deterrent, might as well skip the cheap connection and cheap DVR. Just put up decorations, but many out there just go with the lowest and cheapest system.

This is something we see over and over again. A person or agency walks in with a poor quality video resultant of whether a cheap system or a cheaply installed systems. This happened when we recently got a call from someone in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco.

By the way, the best systems installed cheaply, is still a cheap system!!! Trust us, we know. We’ve had to show up and fix plenty of messes others have created. So back to the story. The guy gets a system. Something happens where he needs to see what actually occurred. When he retrieves the video, can’t make out what really happened. So he comes to us and asks us what we can do to improve the quality of the image.

Unfortunately, the real work is not like TV police shows where with a touch of a button the image is made much better. And even if it was, most of us don’t have the thousands it would cost to improve a video image by image. At this point of desperation, may are willing to pay much more that it would have cost to the have just bought the right system to begin with. Furthermore, they say that when they were watching the vide life everything looked good, but upon retrieval the quality is much lower. For more on this read our blog on “what is the difference between viewing and recording.”

What is the solution?

1.    First decide what you want the system for. Can you afford if something happened and you were not able to see the image?

2.    If you want a system that will actually record good quality images, do not shop for the cheapest system or a guy who claims to be a camera installer. Call someone reputable like Sintel Systems whose name in on the line.

3.    Make sure that every component of the security camera system is of high quality. Look for the following:

A.    The cameras should not be from China. We recommend cameras made in South Korea. Nigh vision cameras should have at least 24 LEDs. Cameras are location/function specific depending on distance, lighting, and environment. How much should you spend? Good cameras start at around $300 each. If you want real good cameras, look into Megapixel cameras.

B.    The recording and storage devise (DVR) is very important. A bad DVR with the best cameras will give you bad images. Look for words like H.264. Make sure that the DVR not only shows images in H.264, but also records in H.264. This is a trick may use to trick you.

Mega Pixel Camera

C.   Wiring and other connections are the link that connects the chain. Bad wiring = Bad images! The wiring should be CAT-5 or CAT-6. Outside wiring should always be protected. You should not see the wires after the installation job. If you can see the wires, then so can the bad guys. Also, wires exposed to sunlight will deteriorate.

4.    Look as the cameras as an investment into your home and business. A good camera system will have a great rate of return not only when you are using it, but also if you decide to sell your home or business.

5.    If you are working on a budget, you may want to go with fewer good quality cameras rather than may low quality cameras.

Most reputable security camera places make very little on the hardware they sell. So, it is their expertise and experience you are getting. Make sure you get the right people to do your system or risk getting nothing for what you spend.

So going back to our original, question: Who’s your trusted source for security camera systems in San Francisco?
It is Sintel Systems.
Have Questions? Contact us at (855)CCTV-SALES or (855)228-8725.

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“San Francisco security cameras’ choppy video“

The 68 city-funded cameras perched above San Francisco’s toughest street corners have been under fire in recent months for failing to provide evidence leading to arrests, and one of the reasons may be simple:

Choppy video.

Run on a modest budget, Mayor Gavin Newsom’s surveillance camera program has produced footage that is disjointed and less clear than the nearly seamless and sharp quality of video that the devices are capable of delivering, a Chronicle review found.

The difference can be dramatic, leaving police with less potential evidence. A review of videos taken last year by four cameras at 16th and Mission streets found a striking problem with the cameras’ frame rate, or the number of images produced per second. Read the rest of the article.

By Demian Bulwa, Chronicle Staff Writer

Related Article:
BART gets $5.4 million from state to upgrade surveillance cameras

You would think a Martial Arts Training Facility would be pretty secure as far as security is concerned. After all, who dares to face 2 dozen boxers, Muay Thai & Jiu Jitsu fighters. Although it would take courage to harm during business hours, many would cowardly deface or damage the property after everyone has left.

Surveillance Technology has progressed in the past decade more rapidly then at any other time. This allows for other uses in Surveillance Systems previously not practical. It has become more then just playing cops and robbers. Below you will find 5 great reasons your fitness center or gym would need security cameras.

5 Reasons Why You Need Surveillance for Your Fitness Center?

1. Safety Brings Comfort
When asked, people generally feel safer in a location with security cameras. They are more likely to visit your establishment knowing you take measures in ensuring client safety. This is more visible with women who go to the gym after work and leave when it’s already dark. Covering the outside perimeter including the parking lot is a must and you will see that your customers will appreciate efforts to place security cameras.

2. Protect your Assets
Running a fitness center takes a great deal of time and money. Main expenses include equipment for members to use. Fitness equipment is not cheap and some can be pricier then others. Protecting the equipment can ensure a longer life of your assets.

3. Reduce Maintenance Costs
Cameras are are great preventive tool. Normal wear and tear is expected, but finding damaged equipment can hurt the purse. Visually make sure members are using equipment properly.

4. Reduce Liability & Fraudulent Claims
In an area where hurting your opponent is the key to success, liability can be a roller coaster ride from hell. Camera tell the real story. Avoid fraudulent law suit by keeping your fitness covered. In a business were getting hurt is part of the curriculum, it is important to protect your investment.

5. Keep Customers Happy
Very few people go to the guy empty handed. With the modern technology burst we are all attached to our cellphones and PDAs and taking them to the gym is a must. Almost all of us have also misplaced our lovely devises or left them at one station before leaving to your next set. Using Surveillance you can always look back to find the rightful owner or products lost or misplaced.

Discipline plays a huge roll in Fitness and Martial Arts. When incorporated into a business establishment discipline can make or break the studio. In a place where injury is part of the game, you must protect yourself before something happens.

As a surveillance provider and installer, our goal is to help prevent bad things from happening to our clients. Some customer request our services after the fact. This is after the occurrence of an event which has harmed the establishment to the point where action must be taken.

Prevention is the key!
Surveillance is 90% Prevention. Don’t wait for something to happen before you protect your involvements, assets and most importantly your family.

There are two general types of Recreational Vehicle (RV) parks. One that caters to travelers and the other ones as part of residential communities where RVs are parked or stored while at home.  Stonegate HOA is residential community north of Los Angeles, California in close proximity of Santa Clarita, Valencia, and Newhall.  The RV Park was having issues with the safety of the RVs parked in a fenced area located 0.5 miles from the homes.

The HOA would meet and many ideas were throw around about what to do including putting up really bright lights, installing an alarm system, or install perimeter sensing devices-none really resolving the issue at hand. Due to the HOA Office Building distance from the RV Parking Lot presented a challenge that had to be accounted for as well.

Solution for RV Park | Security Cameras

Security Cameras to deter activity and capture criminal activity.  Cameras were to be installed around the perimeter of the lot capturing the fence line all around, and withing. In order to be able to record 16 cameras simultaneously and transmit digital video of 16 cameras simultaneously, Sintel Systems provided a 16 Channel Hardware Compression DVR capable of real time recording.  That is up to 480 images per second (each camera is capable of producing 30 images per second).

Now that the plan was set for installation of security cameras, how would we watching the RV Park remotely which was 0.5 miles away from the office? It would have been great if broadband internet was available but the cable company was not able to provide service nor was the DSL Company.

Solution for Viewing RV Park Cameras | Internal Wireless Network

Since internet was not possible, an internal wireless network was the only way besides manually moving hard drive from one location to the next. Problems besides distance included 20ft to 30ft trees blocking the line of site needed to create a network. Using 24ft Poles, extensions were added to lift two antennas 35ft in the air to open a line of site between the two locations.  Once installed and configures, up to 100Mbs transmission was enough to broadcast all 16 images online.

In addition, the RV park lies about 40 miles north of Los Angeles where during the summers temperatures can range from freezing at night to over 100 F during summer days.  Digital Video Records produce heat and the direct sunlight does not help-hindering DVR performance.

Solution for DVR Temperature | Outdoor DVR Enclosure

The RV Park was relatively remote without any secure utility room.  A Climate Controlled Surveillance Enclosure was designed and built as a control center. The Climate Controlled Enclosure provided secure storage for the DVR and included off site system monitoring. Sensors continuously send signals back to Sintel Systems central processing center to alert of any changes in DVR performance, temperature, humidity, and many other factors. At the same time, all images were transmitted securely 0.5 miles away for in office viewing. Sintel Systems professionally delivered and successfully implemented a compressive Security Camera and Surveillance System with a H.264 Sintel DVR and 16 high quality security cameras.

Do you have an RV park? Do you park your RV in an RV park? Do you travel and stop by at RV Parks? RVs are the prefect way to get away without laving many of the comforts behind. So, head to the mountains, shoreline, forest, or anywhere where your freedom takes you.  Go RVing and let Sintel System provide the tools to protect your RVs. Call us 888-SINTEL-6

DVR Repair In Glendale, CA, but available nationally. Call us at (888)SINTEL-6 to speak to a CCTV DVR technician. Tell us what you think might be going on with your DVR and we will do the best to direct you in the correct path. Upon initial evaluation, we should be able to tell you the following information unless further evaluation is necessary:

Let us Repair your DVR

1. Is your DVR fixable?
2. Is your DVR worth Fixing?
3. Weather or not you would need to send it in for repair.

DVR Repair is available on all types of DVR. Standalone, Hardware Compression, Software Compression or any other PC-Based unit.  Depending on the age & technology of the DVR and taking into account your budget, we can tell you if fixing is possible and economically sane.

Given the new technologies arriving in the CCTV Market, sometimes it is more efficient to purchase a new unit rather then repair an older one.  Take a look at some of our standalone unit on sintelsystems.com to find the best for your needs.  If you have out grown your current unit, you may also upgrade to greater capacity DVR.  We have Standalone DVR units with up to 16 Channels.

PC-Based DVR Server units are more flexible in regards to repairs and upgrades.  Components may be replaced or upgraded more easily then standalone units.  One major factor is due to the components of DVR Servers and their ease to replace.  Given the right system requirements, you may increase your DVR Channel Capacity by replacing or adding to the capture card.

Where to send your DVR? (do not send without case number, call (888)SINTEL-6 for case number)
Once you have your case number, you can drop off your DVR for repair to our Glendale office in Los Angeles, CA or ship it to the following address:

• SINTELSYSTEMS
  6623 San Fernando Road Unit B
  Glendale, CA 91201
  (888)SINTEL-6

LOCAL SERVICES
DVR repair in Glendale is just the beginning.  We are a Full Service Surveillance Service Provider.  We specialize in repair and upgrades of current system.  We are located in Glendale, but provide service to Los Angeles County down to San Diego County.  We can install your security cameras and DVR in your establishment.  We can also come to your home or business for consultation getting or upgrading a security system.  Call us today at (888)SINTEL-6.

We are now offering DVR Repair services covering Los Angeles County & Orange County.  Our DVR Repair shop is located in Glendale, CA and open from 10am to 7pm Monday through Friday, Saturdays until 5pm.
Bring your DVR in today for same day diagnosis.  We repair Standalone & PC-Based DVRs.

We understand that for some customer, it would be difficult to bring the system to the repair shop. Some are still in use and others can’t afford to disconnect do to their dependence. So if you are unable to bring your DVR to our showroom, we will come to you. We can service any capacity system from 4 Channels to 24, 32, and 64 Channels. A technician will come to your home or business and diagnose your DVR problem. Service charges apply. If you are looking for a NEW DVR click here to see our product line. We offer the best in H.264 Compression technology and specialize in high capacity 32 Channel DVR Systems.