Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

• How do hidden cameras work?

A small board camera is built into an everyday item.  the camera can be wired, which means it is connected to the DVR or VCR using a cable.  Or the camera can be wireless, in this case the camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.

 

• Can I get audio in my hidden camera?

No you cannot.  According to United States Federal Laws, audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner.  One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera.  This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras (i.e.: Alarm Clock Radio Hidden Camera).  Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies.  Title 18, Section 2512.

 

• What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera?

Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing device such as a DVR, VCR or monitor.  Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver.  The receiver connects to  your recording or viewing device.

 

• How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit?

Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1,000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2,500 feet.  These distances are based on unobstructed line of sight transmissions.  Obsticles or structures that interfere with this direct line of sight transmission can shorten the overall useful rangle of wireless devices.  A good rule of thumb is to place your wireless devices no farther from it's receiver than a normal wireless telephone can operate from it's base unit, as ranges vary with obstructions from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions.

 

• How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?

You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location.  You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch between cameras.  You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver.  If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location, it's best to order them at the same time so that we can put them on different channels.

 

• Will a cordless phone interfere with wireless cameras?

Cordless phones that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras.  Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and its receiver.

 

• What is a Quad?

A Quad splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once.

 

• What is a 2.4 GHz wireless frequency?

A frequency is used to transmit a signal or data, like video.  2.4 GHz is the specific wireless frequency that our transmitters use to send video signal to a receiver.  All of our wireless cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency.

 

• Are the transmitters FCC approved?

All transmitters sold by HiddenCamerasHQ.com for use in its wireless systems are FCC and Industry Canada Certified.

 

• What is CCD?

CCD is used in professional cameras because of it's high resolution quality and it's ability to record in low-light situations.  CCD is basically a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which makes up an image.  It's usually measured in inches with 1/3" CCD being the standard.  They are higher priced but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.

 

• Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time?

Yes, you can record all four cameras at the same time.  You also can record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at the moment.

 

• Do the receivers work through walls up to two feet thick? 

Yes, as long as there isn't excessive amount of metal in the wall.

 

• Do the plug-n-play connections require extra wire to run the signal back to the VCR or TV?

Yes, you need to buy the lengths of cable you need.  We offer the CA-25, CA-50 and the CA-100.

 

• What is the difference between a DVR and a VCR?

A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system records high resolution digital images to a hard disk drive (HDD) and eliminates the requirement of maintaining VHS tapes.  Since the video images are stored digitally, the image quality will not degrade over time, as would a VHS tape when recorded over multiple times.  The time-saving search capabilities of a DVR will enable the user to locate the desired video clips via user defiend parameters (camera, time, date, etc.) versus the fast forward and rewind functions of a VCR.  A DVR can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the word using the internet.

 

• How many hours will a DVR record?

The amount of time a DVR will record for is based on the size of the DVR's hard drive, the number of cameras recording and the number of frames per second it is recording at.  One camera recording in Real Time uses 1 Gb per day of hard drive space.  So a 16 camera system will use 16 Gb in one day.

 

• What is a DVR card?

DVR Cards enable the user to convert their computer into a Digital Video Recorder.  The DVR Card(s) is/are typically installed in an available PCI slot of the computer.  DVR cards are bundled with video surveillance software which allows the user to record and display multiple cameras simultaneously from the camera site or a remote location.

 

• What is a Plug-n-Play connection camera?

It is an RCA Video plug and a power plug on the camera for easy connection to a VCR or TV.  This is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the VCR or TV.  The TV or VCR must be set on the correct channel to view the VIDEO IN picture.

 

• How many cameras can I hook up to one TV?

You can hook up as many cameras as your TV has inputs.  Most TV's have 2 inputs but when using a quad you can hook up four cameras.

 

• Do you need a VCR to record or will the camera record?

You MUST have a VCR or DVR if you want to record.

 

• How long will the camera last with a 9 volt battery?

The Cyber Eye and BD-127 will last 5  hours.

 

• Between what temperatures is it safe for the cameras to operate in?

It is safe for B/W cameras to operate between -23°C to +50° or -10°F to +122°F

It is safe of color cameras to operate between -23°C to +40°C or -10°F to +104°F

It is safe to store cameras between -30°C to +70°C or -22°F to +158°F

 

• What is the operating voltage of a camera?

Our cameras range from 9 volts (CMOS) to 12 volts, and also 24 volt professional models.

 

• What is a varifocal lens?

A Varifocal Lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied.  This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens.  Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature.

 

• What is a fixed lens?

A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom.  The focus is fixed.  A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens.  This can be important in low light situations.