ALL IN ONE CAMERA

Q&A

ALL IN ONE CAMERA QUESTIONS

Can all-in-one cameras be programmed to only record at certain time of the day?

Yes, it does come with schedule record feature. You can also have it record on motion detect within that time frame.

Can I view the videos from all-in-one camera over the internet?

No, all-in-one cameras have a recorder built-in but there is no server built-in for internet connection. However, we carry many different types of wi-fi nanny cameras that will do the job.

Do you need to press record, or does all-in-one cameras automatically start when the unit powers on?

As a default, we program our all-in-one cameras at motion detection recording mode. So as soon as the power is applied, it will start to record automatically upon motion. All all-in-one cameras come with a power supply for a permanent power.

How do all-in-one cameras work?

Covert Cameras: refers to a system that has a hidden camera & a recorder built-in as one, similar to a camcorder.
All-in-one cameras can record upon motion. DVR senses pixel movement of the video signal from the camera. Since you can have the DVR record only upon motion, you can extend the recording time period which it is intended to cover. Each 1GB of memory will record up to 2.5 total hours of video.
When the recording is done, simply take out the SD card and playback the video on your PC using a media player. Audio is optional.

How long does recording continue once movement is detected?

We set it up the camera so that the recording continues on for 20 more seconds. If the motion is triggered again within that 20 second period, it will continue on recording until no motion is detected for whole 20 seconds. The buffer recording time is programmable from 0 to 30 seconds.

What is the difference between all in one cameras & wireless cameras?

All in one camera is a camera with a recorder built-in. Also known as 'self contained camera'. It records onto itself so you can retrieve the recording later. Wireless camera refers to a camera that can transmit a video signal to a separate recorder. You can battery power some all-in-one cameras but it's not called wireless.

Which camera is best for intrusion detection?

We suggest to use all-in-one cameras for intrusion detection. Please check the following links:
Economical Spy Cameras
Black Box Cameras
Covert Cameras
Motion Sensing Cameras

Any one of them are easy to use and include all the accessories needed. All-in-one camera refers to a system that has a hidden camera & a recorder built-in as one, similar to a camcorder. Also all-in-one cameras can record upon motion. DVR senses pixel movement of the video signal from the camera. Since you can have the DVR record only upon motion, you can extend the recording time period which it is intended to cover. Each 1GB of memory will record up to 2.5 total hours of video.

Are the sample videos true representation of a camera quality?

Yes, and since we had to convert the original video to a format viewable for everyone (flash), the video quality of the actual camera would be about 10% better.

Why don't you post samples videos for all other cameras?

Video quality of a camera really depends on the recorder that is connected to. Also, since cameras are analog, it need to be converted to digital format to post on the web, loosing resolution in the process. That is why we only have sample videos for "all in one system" that has a built-in digital recorder.

How much movement is required to activate an all-in-one camera?

We set it up the camera at very sensitive motion detection. The sensitivity is programmable.

How much of a difference can I expect if I purchase camera upgrade option for all-in-one camera system?

The standard default camera is 420 TV line compared to the upgraded camera at 550 TV line. However due to the limitation of the built-in recorder, you will not notice full 130 TV lines difference; the resolution will be improved about 20%. Since the sensor for the camera upgrade is higher quality, you can expect more natural color for the upgraded camera.

Can the DVR detect motion when the camera is placed behind a window or glass barrier?

Yes, DVR senses pixel movement of the video signal from the camera. So a DVR (built-in or separate) will detect motion when the camera is placed behind a window or glass barrier Other info: Since you can have the DVR record only upon motion, you can extend the recording time period which it is intended to cover. Each 1GB of memory will record up to 2.5 total hours of video.. However Since the camera and the DVR has to be on all the time, it will not extend the battery life. Typically, 1GB of memory will record up to 2.5 total hours of video (depending on the model). Also, you can configure to eliminate certain areas of the picture from motion detection. Example would be deactivating lower 1/5 of the screen that would not capture creatures that enter only that part of the image. Motion detection sensitivity is adjustable as well.

Does a DVR make any noise?

Full size stand alone DVRs all come with a cooling fan that will make noise as much as a PC. Portable DVRs do not make any noise.

Does your DVR unit automatically record over the old data when the memory becomes full?

Yes, there is a loop mode for recording. When the memory is full, it will start to record from the beginning of the memory. In other words, you will always retain certain amount of most recent data.

I don't always have access to the pc. can I play back the video on tv?

Yes, all all-in-one cameras that records on a SD card (except for the pen cameras) can also have TV out put to play back on a TV: All In One Cameras

How do I format my SD card?

You will need to open 'Windows Explorer' screen by holding on to the "Windows" button located in between the CTL, ALT button & pressing the "E" key. Right click on the removable drive that contains the SD card and choose the format option. Un-check the "quick format" option and start the format process.

How does motion detection recording work?

DVR senses pixel movement of the video signal from the camera. Since you can have the DVR record only upon motion, you can extend the recording time period which it is intended to cover. Each 1GB of memory will record up to 2.5 total hours of video.. However Since the camera and the DVR has to be on all the time, it will not extend the battery life. Typically, 1GB of memory will record up to 2.5 total hours of video. Also, you can configure to eliminate certain areas of the picture from motion detection. Example would be deactivating lower 1/5 of the screen that would not capture creatures that enter only that part of the image. Motion detection sensitivity is adjustable as well.

Can you recommend a good media player to playback videos taken by your all-in-one camera?

Many times, Windows Media Player will not play the video because it might not have a proper codec installed. We recommend the following player.
Please download VLC Player

Is there a way to duplicate the video on the pc without the audio?

Use VirtualDub (http://www.spycameras.com/resources/VirtualDub-1.9.7.zip) and do the following 1. Open VirtualDub and load your file Audio Removal: 2. Audio=> No Audio 3. Audio=> Direct Stream Copy Video: 4. Video=>Direct Stream Copy 5. File=>Save=> select avi and enter the filename

Does all-in-one cameras have a cooling fan and does it make any noise when recording?

No cooling fan, absolutely silent while recording.

Does motion detection recording mode extend its battery life?

A DVR can record upon motion. DVR senses pixel movement of the video signal from the camera.. However Since the camera and the DVR has to be on all the time, it will not extend the battery life at standby mode. However Unlike other camera with DVR, Camball takes one still shot every three seconds and compares it with the previous shot. If there is any difference between the two shots, Camball recognize it as a motion and start to record for 2 minutes. If there is no motion during the 2 minutes, Camball goes to sleep. While it sleeps, the still shots are taken every three seconds, thus saving battery life up to 40 hrs. Also cameras that can record upon sound activation such as Sound Activated Hidden Camera can last up to 250 hours on standby.

What is a best system for watching a family member.

In most cases where you need to watch a person who is well aware of the surroundings at your home, items like Nanny Cams will not work. You will need a hide-it-yourself camera at: Hidden Spy Cameras. We recommend: Black Box 4 .

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON CAMERAS ALL-IN-ONE-CAMERA

Can a camera see in total dark?

Cameras can not see in total darkness. You will need IR illuminators either built around the camera lens or as a separate lighting source (only for a B/W camera or a D/N camera). We do carry cameras that works in very low light conditions. Lower the lux rating, better it is under low light.

How does a camera work with a bright spot lighting source.

All cameras come with auto-electronic iris control. In a case in low light the iris will open up and brighten the picture automatically (however limited to its lux rating)As long as the camera is not facing directly toward a light source in low light, it'll be OK. However if a light source would be on the screen, the iris will close thus darkening the picture of the surrounding.

How does a camera adjust to different lighting level?

Every camera has auto electronic iris built-in. Unlike a human iris or other camera, there is no mechanical diaphragm that controls light intake, rather shutter speed changes automatically. Level of adjustment is very wide from low light to very bright light. You can actually place the camera an inch away from a lit 100W light bulb and still be able to read clearly the label on the bulb.

How far or how much can you see with a camera?

Cameras can see Infinite, therefore It all depends on the size of the object. Wider the angle of the lens, smaller it will appear but area coverage will be greater. You can not have both zoomed in view and cover wide area. Most of our cameras come standard with wide angle lens (75 deg horiz) that will cover the whole room if placed at the corner looking towards the center of the room.
Try our CCD Lens Calculator for more information.

How much of a room can a camera view?

Most of our cameras come with around 4mm lens providing 75 deg in horizontal angle (for 1.3" CCD). That means if the camera is placed at the corner looking towards the center of the room, it'll cover most of the room regardless of its size. Also all camera lenses are fixed focus and will focus to an object from about 2 ft away to infinity.

Do your cameras work with different voltage for other countries?

Most of our cameras come with a power adapter that can handle form 110V ~240V AC. In case you get a camera with direct AC plug-in such as clock radio camera we will include the 220V to 110V (60Hz) step-down converter. However, if your country uses 50Hz, the time on the clock, because it is digital, will not be correct (it will be off about 20 min a day)