What is the New H.264 Technology?

  H.264, also known as MPEG-4 AVC (Advanced Video Coding), is a video compression standard that offers significantly greater compression than its predecessors. The standard is expected to offer up to twice the compression of the current MPEG-4 ASP (Advanced Simple Profile), in addition to improvements in perceptual quality. The H.264 standard can provide DVD-quality video at under 1 Mbps, and is considered promising for full-motion video over wireless, satellite, and ADSL Internet connections.

• 2 times more efficient than MPEG-4 Part 2 (natural video) encoding:
• 3 times smaller file size than comparable MPEG-2 encoders:
• Faster download time
• Substantially higher video quality (SNR)
• No fast motion blurring seen in MPEG-4 (advanced motion compensation)

What is considered a high resolution camera?

A high resolution camera is a camera which displays 480 TV Lines or greater.  A standard resolution camera will typically display between 420 and 480 TV Lines.  Any camera which displays below 420 TV lines is considered low resolution.  Cameras with a higher TV line will display a higher quality image. Our camera displayed here is 580 TV Lines with a 2.6mm~12mm varifocal lens.

What is the difference between a Day/Night camera and an Infrared (IR) camera?

A Day/Night camera can display an image in a low-light environment, typically 1 candle light of light for a camera with a low lux.  An Infrared (IR) camera does not require any light to display an image at night or in a pitch black environment. An IR camera is great for indoor or outdoor use.  Indoor applications can include an office or closet which contains a safe, a liquor storage room, a warehouse, staircase etc.  Outdoor applications include all points of entry, parking lots, alleys, backyards of homeowners, swimming pools, window wells, garage and driveways. The more IR's or (LEDs) a camera has, the greater the night vision.  IR cameras are highly recommended for outdoor applications.  Most IR cameras are weather-proof. IR cameras are great for walk-in coolers!

I saw a complete surveillance camera system in a box at the grocery store in my area for $899.00, what is the difference?

There are several "do it yourself" surveillance camera kits sold at local retailers and online.  These systems are generally low quality, low resolution cameras with little or not technical support.  A quality surveillance camera system should always be purchased, installed and supported by a professional surveillance camera company. 

I have a quote from a guy that lives in my area for half the price.  What is the differrence between the Eyes On U Surveillance Systems product and his?

When looking over a quote from ANY surveillance camera company you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. ALWAYS make sure the specifications for every item is detailed on the quote.  For example:  If the quote states "color camera" and no other information, that is a red flag!  Surveillance Camera Quotes should always tell you the following:

• How many TV lines (make sure it is at least 520 TV lines or higher.)
• The type of lens ( width? Auto Iris for light adjustment? Varifocal?)
• For Outdoor cameras, How many IRs? (the more, the better)
• What is the distance that the camera will see during the day and at night?
• Make sure the DVR is REAL TIME and user friendly. Ask for a live DEMO.
• Hard drives DO crash!  Make sure you are getting a quality, name brand, hard drive.  Western Digital is the Eyes On U preferred brand.
• Cable is important as well!  Make sure the cable is 95% copper.  It will carry a much better video signal than aluminum or a lower grade copper. 
• If a cable run is over 500ft, you will need to switch to CAT5 E cable for the video.
• NO hidden fees!  There should never be a monthly fee or a fee for the DNS address for your web monitoring.  If you have a static IP address, this fee will be billed by your internet provider, not the surveillance camera company.
• Make sure you are getting a high resolution monitor to view your high resolution cameras on. LED monitors are great for surveillance cameras.
• Power boxes are preferred over single adapters, with the exception of a PTZ. UL Listed power boxes are best.
• A minimum of a 2 year warranty is industry standard.  For larger systems, ask for a 3 year warranty.
• Make sure the quote includes a back up battery with surge protection.
• Support, training and the ability to burn footage are key! 

I received door and window surveillance decals, should I  display them or let a criminal be surprised by my cameras?

You should always post your surveillance decals and signs!  The object is to DETER a crime before it happens.  As a business owner or homeowner, you want the perpetrator to know that your property is under surveillance!