Infrared IR Security Cameras - How They Work
It use to be
that if you were depending on a security camera to deliver quality images taken
in the dark you would only be engaging in -wishful thinking" because the
technology simply did not allow this luxury.
However, the introduction of infrared security cameras has made it a
snap to record high resolution, quality images day or night.
Instead of
using the popular method called -regular lighting spectrum", infrared
technology takes advantage of -infrared light" to capture images in the
dark. It doesn't matter if you are in
low light (meaning you have a little daylight) or total darkness, you can now
produce better images, and it will look as they were captured during daylight.
Infrared
cameras are often referred to as -Night Vision" cameras because they can make
out images in the dark. Some people
confused these with -Day/Night" cameras, which they are not. Day/Night cameras are able to operate when
only low light is available, but are completely useless in the dark. In addition, they do not have the built in
infrared technology. In contrast,
infrared security cameras can record images in black and white, or you can
purchase one that record in color as well as black and white.
For people
interested in night " time video surveillance, or perhaps monitoring darkens
interior areas of their home or business, opting for the infrared camera is the
best choice. Infrared security cameras
offer a distinct advantage because of their ability to provide color pictures
when the lighting is barely adequate.
However, when
it gets dark, the camera automatically switches to an infrared mode that
activates the infrared illuminators (LED), which enables it to capture images
in black and white. The
technology works by emitting an infrared radiation that is completely invisible
to the naked eye.
Some
of the common places for the installation of infrared security cameras are:
- Automobile
dealerships
- Boat
Dealers
- Warehouse
facilities
- Night-time
Events
- Parking
Garages/Lots
- Utilities
and Plants
- In your
home - driveways, porches, front gates, garages, and backyards
- Any dark
area "interior or exterior
For
operations that have a large display of products in the open, any area or
perimeter where traditionally security meant flooding the location with bright
lights, and other cost intensive methods of protection, this approach to
security is becoming less and less viable.
Not only is it an issue of economic cost, but it also uses an extremely
high volume of electrical power, which causes strain on our antiquated
electrical grids.
Infrared
cameras can be a more cost effective approach to securing the grounds,
resulting in lower cost for lighting, and in some cases, completely eliminating
the need for lights, security guards or guard dogs.
Infrared
security cameras come in numerous sizes and types. Just like most security cameras, an infrared
security camera can be as covert or as obvious as you want them to be " from
the tiny bullet designs to domes and c-mounts/standard. You also have a choice of going with a
hardwire installation or wireless.
If you need a
camera that is easy to install or you are leasing and want a system that can be
easily removed, then the wireless option would be your best choice. But keep in mind that, as with any wireless
product, the signal can pick up interference from time to time and the lack of
cables makes the mounting of the camera less secure.
Infrared
security cameras are showing up everywhere.
People are catching on to the idea of enhancing the security of their
homes and businesses with this state of the art technology because of its
ability to operate in total darkness or improve any low light condition.
If
you are in need of increase security or you simply like the idea of reducing
expenses that you are currently incurring with other more costly measures,
infrared security cameras just might be the solution you are looking for.