Flexible, Expandable IP/Hybrid Camera & Recording Systems for Offices & Businesses

You can buy security cameras anywhere. But to have a truly functional, robust surveillance/recording/monitoring security camera system for your office in Tinley Park, IL, you need system design, installation, programming, and integration with your data network from someone who truly understands both. Don't get sucked into contracting services from a "camera installer" for whom IT networks are just a sideline or vice versa.

For decades, Andromeda has served the IT/Security needs of small-to-medium sized organizations like yours in the greater Chicagoland IL/Indy area. We have cultivated expertise in both the data network "brains" as well as the camera/access control/alarm/communication "arms and legs" of office systems and have years of experience integrating these together for a diverse cross-section of businesses, municipalities, and other associations/organizations.

Your timing for creating or expanding a current security camera surveillance system could not be better. There is no longer a need for an expensive, dedicated system to monitor your premises. We also provide great options for expanding an older security camera system with better/newer analog and digital technology without scrapping what you might already have! By leveraging your existing IT network for your security camera system(s), Andromeda can save you time, money, and lots of headaches with efficient integrated systems that can do more than you probably imagined: real-time alerts, automated responses, and more.

Security Camera/Surveillance/Recording Systems -Tinley-Park, IL 60477,60487

We are a certified Panasonic Network Camera Installer. We utilize the latest in IP Video Camera technology, which allows the cameras, DVR recording and viewing all to be performed on your existing computer data network. This allows you to use your existing investment in your data wiring and data systems and extend that network into the security camera/webcam arena.

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Panasonic Cameras and Recording Software

• Panasonic manufactures over 20 different types of network video cameras. The following are some of the features that are available:
  Wireless
• Outdoor
• Power-Over-Ethernet (PoE)
• Digital and Optical Zoom
• Very High Resolution
• Low Light, Night Viewing
• Motion and Thermal Activation
• Full Pan, Tilt, and Zoom with Scanning Presets
• 2-Way Audio with Microphone and Speaker

The ability to record and later playback is an important and necessary part of any video security system. There are many options available; from on-camera memory sticks to a full-blown, searchable recording system capable of storing months worth of video from all your cameras. The viewing software is very user-friendly and easy to use.

Andromeda Technology Solutions will work to understand all your needs and provide a solution that exactly fits those needs, and allows for future growth if necessary. Our attention to detail will ensure you receive a system that you will be 100% happy with.

Applications

There are many types of applications where it pays to see there, when you cannot be there. Here are just a few types of oranizations that have benefited from our security camera systems:

• Parking Lots
• Daycare / Nursery School
• Construction Sites
• Car Dealerships
• Retail Stores
• Restaurant / Franchise
• Self Storage
• Hotel / Motel
• Multi-unit Residential

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Flexible / Programmable / Expandable Surveillance Systems

You can start with just a few cameras and expand the system as you grow. It is very easy to add security cameras to the system, without throwing away any of your initial investment.

There are options to synchronize recordings with your POS receipts, so you can exactly match the video recording with an individual receipt transaction.

The wide variety of camera types and camera options make the system extremely flexible to fit almost any application.

We can also setup remote access for you to view live video or search through recorded video, from any remote location with Internet access. You can keep tabs on your business without having to be there.

Integration: Get The Most From Your Security Systems

How does Integrated Security work?

How does Integrated Security work?

Integrated Security works by allowing you to program a multitude of responses—both in the Cloud and as control back to external hardware—based on any number of triggers from external hardware regardless of origin/type (cameras, access sensors, alarm fault sensors, motion, smoke, temperature,...)

Why is Integrated Security better?

Why is Integrated Security better?

This allows the entire system and designated human responders to more accurately assess the detailed nature of a security event and respond in the most precise/appropriate manner, virtually eliminating undue responses to false alarms.

Triggers:
• Motion in ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Discontinue ...more

Triggers:
• Door opening ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Selective lock ...more

Triggers:
• Zone fault ...more

I.S. Responses:
• Set/Reset ...more

Triggers:
• Manual Pan/Tilt/Zoom signals to designated cameras
• Overrides of any current Access Control statuses
• Set/reset Alarm status

I.S. Programmable Responses:
• Alert Central Station
• Email/text alert to owner/designated responders
• Pop appropriate camera feed(s) to all responders
• Release of appropriate cameras to manual control

Integrated Security works by allowing you to program a multitude of responses—both in the Cloud and as control back to external hardware—based on any number of triggers from external hardware regardless of origin/type (cameras, access sensors, alarm fault sensors, motion, smoke, temperature,...). This allows the entire system to more accurately assess the detailed nature of a security event and respond in the most precise/appropriate manner, virtually eliminating undue responses to false alarms.

AndroPedia Tech Library

As part of our service, it is important to keep our client-partners well informed on Security Camera system developments, news, and best practices. Here is just a sampling of typical items from our AndroPedia^SM library archive:

Professional Camera Systems– Which Security Camera’s Right For You?

So you’re interested in professional camera systems for your business . . .

There are many different variables to consider:

• Locations – Inside, outside?
• Purpose – Are these cameras in place to deter theft? Monitor a parking lot? Watch a production line?
• Lighting – Do you need them to capture footage at night? Are there any lights around that might impact image quality or maybe a complete lack of a light source?
• Accessibility – Do the cameras need to be out of reach? If they are outside, is there space to attach them to the building?

These are just a few things to consider and there are many more.

That being said, one major factor can impact all of these and is one of the first things you should consider.

Analog or IP Professional Camera Systems?

That may sound like another language but for the most part, the difference boils down to how a video signal is delivered.

Basically, Analog cameras turn video footage into a format that is received by your recording device (DVR) and displayed on a monitor or television. IP security cameras send their footage over cable or wireless and the footage is decoded by a network device. Essentially, IP security cameras run on a network and the system is more like an extension of your IT infrastructure while Analog professional camera systems are a separate type of technology.

This may sound confusing but at the end of the day both systems can get the job done.

As always, our goal is to take the complication out of technology and provide our customers with a solution that simply works.

That being said, here are some simple pros and cons for both systems that should help you figure out which is right for you.

Analog Professional Camera Systems

Benefits –

• Budget Friendly – an analog system is often the less expensive option.
• Variety & Custom Design Options – Analog systems tend to be easier to customize. With a large variety of camera styles and functions, these systems answer your unique needs and if you believe that your job requires some specific or unusual surveillance components, analog may be your best option.
• Dependable Technology – analog systems have been around a very long time and as such, have many software and hardware compatibilities. If you want a camera system that can integrate well with other technologies, it is important to look into compatibility before choosing anything.

Disadvantages –

• Security risks – these days we have to consider cyber security and while the probability of this happening remains low, the analog signals cannot be encrypted which means that someone else could get their hands on our signal.
• Certain features missing – While most anything you are looking to do are possible on analog systems, there are limitations. Digital zoom is one example. For images that you will need to zoom a lot and maintain clear images, analog may not be your best option.

Image quality limits – One of the most well-known drawbacks of digital systems is that the image quality is not always as clear as the IP alternative. If a crystal clear image is something you are after, it is best to consider all variables, desired zoom, PTZ requirements, face recognition, lighting etc.

IP Professional Camera Systems

Benefits –

• Less signal interference/higher security – As this is a different type of signal run on a network, there is less likelihood for signal interference. Also, these systems are able to encrypt and further secure data. This means higher security and less risk of intrusion into your security system.
• More remote access possibilities – it should be stated that today’s analog systems have remote access capabilities and software but IP systems have a large array of options for remote viewing. PC, laptop, smartphone or tablet, all are places you can review your footage.
• Wireless options – because these systems can use your existing infrastructure, they don’t always need heavy wiring and can often take advantage of wireless technology. This gives you more flexibility for system design at times.

Disadvantages –

• Higher costs – IP cameras can run a large range of prices. It isn’t abnormal to pay a thousand or even several thousand dollars for a single camera depending on the specifications. On top of this, if your network doesn’t have proper setup, you may need to invest to get things up to speed.
• Bandwidth requirements – as with anything on your network, you are adding demand to your bandwidth. With this in mind it is important to make sure that you don’t need to increase your service. Will adding the security system to your network slow things down in the office? Make sure to discuss this with your vendor and your service provider.

With the different options on the market for security cameras, it is important that you consider your unique needs and compare them before purchasing any professional camera systems. Don’t allow a vendor to push you any one way without exploring the different technologies and how they fit your business.

A vendor who can supply both IP and Analog systems is a great place to start.

Andromeda has professional teams and representatives available to help you discuss your project and provide you with plans for the system that fits your needs; IP, Analog or even a mixture of both.

The post IP Or Analog? The benefits and disadvantages of both professional camera systems appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

If you’ve made the decision to install CCTV Specialty Cameras at your office or facility, chances are, you’ve got some specific reason in mind.

For some, that reason may just be that you want to make sure that your offices are as secure as possible. For other individuals, camera installation comes as a direct response to an incident on site.

We believe the most important question when it comes to security will always be ‘why’. Until you answer that question, it is very difficult to gain a true understanding of the full scope of work. On top of that, we want to make sure that the basic motivation for any installation is exceeded.

Sometimes that ‘why’ is going to mean that a business needs something beyond a basic camera installation. Sometimes the ‘why’ points towards more advanced integrated security options or training.

And other times, the ‘why’ simply means that a customer needs a speciality camera or program setup to get the job done.

With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to three CCTV Specialty Cameras and their uses.

Three CCTV Specialty Cameras

Traditional PTZ Camera

A PTZ Camera simply stands for Pan Tilt Zoom Camera. This means that the CCTV specialty camera can pan, tilt and zoom around in its assigned field of view. These cameras cannot see EVERYTHING but they are very useful in situations where you have a lot of ground to cover but desire the ability to zoom in on specific fields of view from time to time.

These cameras can also be programmed to constantly move across a designed view path to deter criminals or wrong doers.

Example: Often we install these cameras to look over parking lots or busy staging areas for businesses. By installing a traditional PTZ camera in a parking lot, you can zoom in on suspicious activity or trespassers at any time. It is important to mention though that the PTZ camera can only capture the field it is currently monitoring. This means that if the camera is panned over to the left of its field of view, the right side of the field of view may not be recorded. To avoid blind spots, Andromeda recommends to place fixed CCTV specialty cameras that will cover the whole desired view at all times. That way, no matter where the PTZ camera is pointed, you never miss a thing.

PTZ Cameras With Tracking

A PTZ Camera with tracking has the same functionality as your traditional PTZ camera. It is able to pan tilt and zoom to capture the frames you desire. The neat thing about these cameras though is that they are able to utilize new technology to automate image tracking. This means that with proper programing, your camera is able to spot abnormal activity in its frame, zoom in and even alert assigned contacts (either you or even the authorities).

The first thing we should mention when it comes to ‘tracking’ cameras is that these come in a variety of optional setups. Some tracking cameras have pre-configured software that gives them the ability to ‘track’ for movement or pattern disruption, other cameras will simply need additional programming to enable this function.

Example: Continuing the example from before, if you install a PTZ camera with tracking in a parking lot, the camera can be programmed to monitor movement outside of business hours. Or, you could have the camera monitoring for movement during the day. You could even have the camera track and zoom in on every person approaching the building during the day to alert security or reception of visitors etc.

Options are really open to your needs and desired outcome (within reason of course!)

License Plate Cameras

License plate cameras are probably the most common request Andromeda sales engineers receive. And that makes sense. If you are looking to monitor who comes in and who leaves your facility, what better way to do that than with an image of their license plate right?

Absolutely.

But, these CCTV specialty cameras do come with a pretty hefty price tag. This is because the high quality images required to capture a license plate AND make sure that the characters on the plate are legible cannot be attained by just any camera.

These CCTV specialty cameras may also require special programming for license plate recognition if required.

Example: A busy warehouse or fulfillment center has trucks coming and going all hours of the day and night. For security purposes the facility manager wants to alert the staging area and the office to who is on their way for pickup of goods. So – a license plate camera is installed at the gated entrance of the facility. The camera captures an image of the license plate for security to review and validate. Once the truck is cleared by security, the driver may enter and have goods loaded. This allows for a more secure facility and even increases productivity because the staging area is able to be organized in anticipation of trucks already on site.

These three examples are only a few when it comes to specialty cameras. There are also options with enhanced night vision, 360 degree field of view, ultra HD image capture, extreme weather proofing and more.

Every camera installation is different and has its own set of needs. Once you really nail down the needs, it is easier for your technology and security partner to provide a solution that will not only meet them but will exceed them as we’ve outlined above.

If you believe that you have a specific need or a unique request, feel free to reach out to us and let’s see what our engineers can come up with.

We love a challenge!

The post How To Secure Your Professional Building With Three CCTV Specialty Cameras appeared first on Andromeda Technology Solutions.

One of the most common means by which malware winds up on the computers of its victims is via an email attachment.� All it takes is one careless moment.� One click to open a file that turns out to be poisoned and you're in for a world of trouble.

That's the exact reason why email providers tend to be incredibly selective about what kinds of attachments their services allow.

Microsoft recently announced that they're further restricting their number of allowable extension types, placing a total of 36 additional file extensions.� That's thirty-eight new file types you won't be able to download via Outlook Web, and it brings the total number of blocked file types up to 140.

The company had this to say about the matter:

"We're always evaluating ways to improve security for our customers and so we took the time to audit the existing blocked file list and update it to better reflect the file types we see as risks today."

The good news is that you're unlikely to notice the impact of the new additions, even though it sounds like a big increase.� That's because most of the extensions the company plans to adopt are fairly exotic and seldom used.� When they are used, at least a significant percentage of the time, they're used by hackers for nefarious purposes.

Here's a list of the extensions Microsoft plans to add to the list:

• .py
• .pyc
• .pyo
• .pyw
• .pyz
• .pyzw
• .ps1
• .ps1xml
• .ps2
• .ps2xml
• .psc1
• .psc2
• .psd1
• .psdm1
• .cer
• .crt
• .der
• .jar
• .jnlp
• .appcontent-ms
• .settingcontent-ms
• .cnt
• .hpj
• .website
• .webpnp
• .mcf
• .printerexport
• .pl
• .theme
• .vbp
• .xbap
• .xll
• .xnk
• .msc
• .diagcab
• .grp

Again, most people have probably never even heard of, and don't use these extensions anyway, so it shouldn't have a huge or visible impact, but be aware that the change is coming.

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