ALL IN ONE CAMERA → COVERT CAMERAS (BATTERY POWERED)

COVERT CAMERAS (BATTERY POWERED) QUESTIONS

Can all-in-one cameras be battery powered?

Technically yes with external 4AA battery holder (except for the clock radio & boom box models). But the battery will last for about 6 ~ 7 hours using 4 AA lithium batteries (motion detection recording does not save power since the camera & recorder is on all the time). We strongly recommend using the included power supply.

Can I use IR Led Lamps with all-in-one cameras?

Yes, but IR LED Lamps are only compatible with B/W cameras or Day & Night (dual mode) cameras.

Does all-in-one cameras record sound?

Sound option for all-in-one camera is optional for extra $50. You will need to fax us a disclosure for purchasing a covert listening device. Audio Recording

How do you adjust the time or setting for an all-in-one nanny camera?

The camera is fully programmable. If you need to change any settings, locate the RCA jack (refer to your manual) on the camera and connect to a TV. Access the menu for the DVR by pressing the buttons on the DVR inside. Please refer to the DVR manual

How do you view videos in a SD card?

You'll need a SD card reader or use one built-in to your PC if there is one. (any SD cards over 2GB are high capacity and you must use a high capacity reader)
Simply take out the SD card from the camera, insert the SD card into this card reader, and plug it into a USB slot on your computer. Wait until the window opens for this card or locate the card using Windows Explorer (Windows key + E).
The computer will recognize the SD card as a removable storage device. All you have to do is right click on the video folder and open it with a media player (we recommend VLC Player)

How does digital motion detection recording work?

Digital motion detection is a feature for many self recording all-in-one cameras, DVRs and recording software. It senses video pixel movement to trigger the recording, thus saving memory and time when you review the video. Therefore, you only need opening for the lens of the camera to detect motion. When motion is no longer detected for a certain time (programmable) it will stop to record and wait for the next trigger. However, it will not save the power, if battery powered, since both the camera & DVR has to be 'ON' in order to detect motion.

How long can a all in one cameras record for?

8GB will record for about 20 hours upon motion detection at full resolution & frame rate. So the duration really depends on the frequency of the motion detection and settings. For example, if you lower the resolution to half and frame rate, you can get 20 x 4 hours of total recording time.

How long can all-in-one cameras record?

Our all-in-one cameras can record upon motion, scheduled and continuously. (it's programmable)
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.

How long would the the battery last for all-in-one camera?

Technically you can use external 4AA battery holder, P-6AA, to power the camera. However you have to use lithium batteries and the camera will last about 6~7 hours.
Note: motion detection recording does not save power since the camera & recorder is on all the time. We strongly recommend using the included power supply.

What is the best way to access the video files on my PC?

Hold down to the windows key (located between Ctrl & Alt) and hit E key once. It'll bring up my computer screen, within, you will see the drive for the camera.

What is the best way to troubleshoot an all-in-one camera?

All our all-in-one cameras can be hooked to a TV to see better if the camera is working properly. Please connect the video cable to RCA video input of your TV and switch the TV to video input mode. If the camera is working properly you will see the following:
1) Picture of the camera
2) DVR status indicator at the bottom
- Running man icon for motion detection mode.
- When motion is detected, the circle icon will spin, then stop when motion is no longer detected for 20 sec.
- Press the payback button on the DVR and the video will play on your TV screen.

Defective symptoms (connected to a TV):
- SD card error: try another card or format the existing card.
- DVR status indicator shows fine but picture is bad or blank: defective camera module.
- Picture shows fine but no DVR indicator: DVR defective.
- Nothing shows on TV (please make sure the connection is correct) and the power supply or the camera does not get worm at all: defective power unit.
- All show fine but the recording circle icon does not spin or running man icon does not show: recording setting is some how changed. Please press menu button and set the DVR correctly. Please refer to the DVR manual included.

All works fine on a TV but still can not play the video on my PC.
Overview: When you insert the SD card to a SD card reader and plug-in to your USB port on your PC, it'll be recognized as a Removable Disk:(x). Simply find a video file located in DCIM folder and right click on the file. Choose a media player and playback.

PC Troubles:
- Drive is not found or can not read the SD card: your SD card reader may be defective or not compatible with a high capacity SD cards (2GB or more)
- Video file is found but video does not play: Do not use Windows Media Player, please install and use VLC player included within the SD card we have sent to you.
- Video plays but no audio: Once again, Windows Media Player does not have proper audio codec built-in, please install and use VLC player.

Which all-in-one camera upgrade is most sensitive to low light and to an IR(infrared) lamp?

The standard camera that comes with the system as a default, switches to B/W mode and work better under low light then other cameras upgrades except for the full B/W camera upgrade. Low light capability: Default Camera: Better B/W CCD, 600 TV line, 0.003 lux. camera used: VC-600S: Best Full color CCD, 480 TV line high res. cam used: VC-400P: Good (not IR sensitive) Full color CCD, 540 TV line high res. cam used: Good (not IR sensitive) However for a night vision, you will need a separate IR lamp. Since an IR lamp glow red a little, for total covert operation, you will need to place the IR lamp unseen, point it upward for indirect lighting. note: all cameras works good under bright light. Super low light B/W cameras: Most sensitive. B/W cameras: sensitive. Day & night color cameras (color at normal light, B/W at low light): sensitive. Full color cameras: not sensitive.

ALL IN ONE CAMERA QUESTIONS

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

No cooling fan, absolutely silent while recording.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 .

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.

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.

GENERAL QUESTIONS ON CAMERAS

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.

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)

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 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 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.