The pros and cons of CCTV

By Giles May

Close-circuit television or CCTV transmits video footages from mounted cameras to remote monitors, commonly for security and safety purposes. The transmission can take place either wirelessly or through cables connecting the video camera to the monitors.

Developed originally in Germany in 1942 to observe the V2-rocket launch by German engineer Walter Bruch, the CCTV system was installed in main business streets to prevent crimes. Banks and stores followed suit, to monitor the activities within the establishment and as a record of evidence of criminal activity. Today, CCTV systems are available for a private individual to install for the security of their homes and properties.

The CCTV system works by installing video cameras in strategic places that can give a wide view of the location. These cameras transmit and record these video footages to a remote monitor or monitors usually watched by security personnel.

CCTV video cameras can be found in many public places. In banks, airports, subways, stores and malls, police and military facilities and even in the streets. These highly-crowded locations are hotspots for crimes like theft, terrorism and other acts of violence. Studies reveal that a criminal is less likely to commit personal crimes such as assault within the range of view of a camera. The fact that the suspect's details can be recorded in the cameras and can be used to catch him later on can greatly deter someone from committing an offense.

While it is still being questioned whether CCTV can actually reduce crimes, it has provided help in detecting crimes. The video recordings of the CCTV installed in shops can provide identification to shop-lifters and burglars or clues to crimes done within the vicinity. Other than monitoring criminal acts, the surveillance systems are also being used to combat anti-social behaviours which include minor offenses such as littering, urinating in public, drunkenness, traffic violations and other public order offenses.

Although most linked with surveillance and security, there are other uses of CCTV. Electron microscopy, medical imaging and robotics are few other applications of this technology. Live on-site video footages for conferences, concerts and sporting events such as boxing and wrestling are also an application of the CCTV system, as these transmissions are broadcasted to small and specific areas.

The CCTV systems have various types. Some cameras capture only images, while some can record sounds as well. The type of CCTV camera for a particular business depends on its main usage. If the main purpose is for surveillance or traffic control, it is not required to have coloured cameras; black and white images have better resolution. However, if the main purpose of the CCTV system is criminal identification and deterrence, a coloured system is essential.

Having a CCTV system can provide a sense of peace and safety to the everyday citizen. The knowledge that criminals and terrorists are less likely to commit violent acts when there are cameras around brings comfort to people.

Lessening crime rates and bringing peace of mind to citizens only shows how valuable CCTV systems are to this present day.

About the Author:

Amiga supply and install cctv systems in the United Kingdom.

Entry Doors: 6 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy

By Steven M. Fisher

1: STYLE IS KING

Your front door makes a strong statement about your house, so look for doors that express your personal style but also your home's style. Remember that doors should have agreement with the architecture of your home.

2: SECURING YOUR FORTRESS

Steel doors offer the best security, but may not fit your style. Once you find a style that you like, your next step is to check it out for security. Whichever door you pick, make sure it has a deadbolt lock.

3: DURABILITY

Once you install your new front door, you never want to worry about it again. Find out what maintenance it requires. Ask about rotting, cracking and warping. How often does it need repainting?

4: SEE THE LIGHT

Decorative glass panels allow for a view and let in natural light. Options include tempered impact glass, glass that limits UV rays and glass that reduces heat loss. Additionally, check out sidelights and transoms.

5: PRICING

Double check the price versus the other doors you have looked at. You can find quality doors in all price levels. Usually, the heavier the door, the more expensive.

6: MEASUREMENTS

Know what size door you need by knowing the size of your rough opening. If you are adding a new decorative element or architectural interest, decide whether or not you have to expand the door size.

About the Author:

Steven M. Fisher is a well known expert in the Remodeling, Building and Home Accessories Fields. Before you make any big purchases for your home, go to the Home Remodeling Portal where you can find information on thousands of products and manufacturers at the click of a mouse, as well as, several informative "6 Things To Know Before You Buy..." articles.

Do Even Half of Those Muscle Building Programs Work?

By Caleb Lee

Many muscle building programs are found by weight lifters performing experiments, which the program may have worked for that person.

Some of you may have tried several programs and found then to not work.

These are 4 major reasons why some muscle building programs aren't working:

#1: Work as Much as You Can at One Time

Have you ever trained on weight lifting machine? They only work one muscle. These machines are a major reason why the programs do not work. They don't give the ability to develop many muscles together, which would be the best way to train. Free weights let you do compound exercises, letting you build many muscles at once. You will be able to perform squats and dead lifts which will be very beneficial to many muscles. Using free weights allows you to develop stability and also strengthen your joints. They are all around better for you.

#2: The Program is Not Efficient for the Every Day Person's Time Constraints

You may have received your program from someone who was using the program daily, for hours on end, that may have lived in the gym daily. If you are looking for the short program, an hour or less for a few times a week, this program will take you that much longer in order to develop the goods. You need to find something that will be beneficial no matter how much time you have. This could be solved by using more weight with less reps and sets. This is much faster and more beneficial than those long, muscle straining programs out there that work your muscles to death and leave you in pain the for the next two days.

#3: You are Not Incorporating Enough Intensity

Like mentioned before, you need to be using heavy enough weights to work out with. This is the reason why many of the work outs out there don't work, because they are using 50% of your "1 Rep Max" (1RM). You should be using about 80-85% of your 1RM. Anything below and you are never going to see improvements as your body will eventually become use to the work out and somewhat immune to it. This also calls for adding weight every work out in order to keep improving when you are performing your muscle building programs.

#4: More Recuperation During and After Workouts

During and after work outs, resting is important for your muscles to build. Instead of rushing to your next workout to get done faster, plan in more time and rest longer between exercises. This will give your muscles time to refresh and prepare for your next work out and put less strain on them.

When you are done at the gym, you should try to plan a nap in to let your body rest. At night, try to sleep as long as you can, obtaining 8 hours or more of sleep. Having this large amount of sleep will better your body for the next day. Make sure to relax during the day to prevent stress from disrupting your muscle growth.

If you want to hear more tips to having a good muscle building program, check out: DoubleYourGains' 3-5 Beginners Strength Program.

About the Author:

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