Hidden video cameras have the ugly reputation of being tools for voyeurism and inveterate government meddling. What we fail to realize, however, is that hidden video cameras can be very entertaining, too. They make us snort in amusement or guffaw with wild abandon. How is this possible?
Hidden video cameras are a big thing in the entertainment industry. Reality TV and gag shows utilize hidden video cameras. In fact, these are aimed on just about anyone and anything to record private moments or show outrageous antics.
A Video a Day Keeps Audiences Laughing
Who doesn't know the shows Big Brother and Just for Laughs? These two are highly rated shows. They have a solid fan base and an ever increasing following. This is impressive because both shows do not rely on celebrity actors to provide the media mileage or the mass appeal. In fact, the two shows feature ordinary people going about mundane tasks.
Big Brother is a classic experiment in social interaction. Carefully screened volunteers are made to live together in one house. This task may seem easy at first; but as the days progress, viewers like yourself will quickly realize just how daunting it is to stay sane inside a fishbowl. Yes, living in Big Brother's house is akin to living in a fishbowl. There are cameras everywhere, and their presence puts additional strain on housemates. After all, on top of performing tasks from Big Brother, these housemates also have to endure each other's company for a specified period of time. The show gets interesting as hidden video cameras chronicle what the housemates ate for breakfast and who is slandering whom. Clashes of personalities emerge. People fall in love quickly, and then just as quickly, they fall out. Housemates argue. Some deal with personal issues. Others hold crying sessions or go on journeys of self-discovery. Naturally, all this drama takes place under the watchful lens of hidden video cameras. Viewers can monitor the show's progress through life video feed from hidden video cameras placed all over the Big Brother house.
Now what about Just for Laughs? Like Big Brother, it is a social experiment and a running commentary on contemporary times. Just for Laughs is a gag show that features ordinary people going about their own business. After being targeted by the show's actors, they are then engaged in a situation that is sure to raise their eyebrows, if not their voices or their fists. Not surprisingly, Just for Laughs quickly became a very popular show. Footages are usually recorded by hidden video cameras.
Life as a TV Show
The possibility of living under the glare of the lens was explored in depth in the movie, the Truman Show. Jim Carrey plays Truman Burbank. The movie is sad and amusing at the same time. It leaves audiences with the painful reminder that people, even those we call our friends, will not always be moved by our tragedies, whether these are big or small.
Clearly, it pays to have hidden video cameras ready. With one in your home, you can kick your feet up and pretend you're king of a vacation home in the Spanish Reviera.
Wireless Hidden Video Camera
You are thinking about purchasing a wireless hidden camera but, like many people, are afraid of electronic products. You keep reading about words like "lux" and "camera resolution" and "line of sight" -- do I really have to know what these mean? And, isn't the wireless hidden camera hard to install?
The answer is NO and I'm going to tell you how easy it is to install and use your wireless hidden camera. I will also explain some of the "difficult" terms in plain, understandable English so you won't be intimidated any more.
The best thing about a wireless hidden camera is just that -- it's WIRELESS! You won't have to run any wires through your walls or under your rug.
These wireless cameras are called "hidden" because they are built into an existing everyday object that you see in your home or office. Most of these objects are functioning electrical appliances, e.g. clock radios, cordless phones, and even computer speakers.
Each object contains a wireless camera. The camera will function as long as the object is plugged into the wall outlet. For example, even when you turn your radio off, the camera is still working! These objects look natural when plugged into the wall, so your camera remains hidden and unsuspected.
Don't forget -- the object in which your camera is hidden is usually portable, e.g. clock radio. So even if you disconnect the plug from the wall -- perhaps to move the object -- you can still use your wireless camera with batteries. The batteries work for about 4-8 hours, so it's best that you have another set handy or use a battery charger for a fresh supply.
You want to purchase a wireless surveillance camera system that is "Plug and Play." This means just what it says -- plug it in and begin using it! Your wireless hidden camera comes with 2 main components: 1) a camera and a transmitter connected inside an everyday object; and 2) a receiver which is attached to your VCR or TV. That's all there is to it -- you're now ready to record!
Record what? There are unlimited uses for your wireless hidden camera.
How about as a hidden nanny camera -- you can watch your children while they are being cared for by their nanny or baby sitter. What about your mother or father who is getting up in years and needs special care. Wouldn't it be great to know who's on your property all the time or even at the door? And how about your children -- you can keep an eye on your tots with your hidden nanny camera to make sure they don't leave the house or property. And, now with your small security camera, you will know the real time your teens return home at night!
By using wireless hidden cameras in the workplace, you will always be aware of what's going on in your store, office and warehouse. Just set up a hidden camera to view your cash register, entrance and exit doors, loading dock, or just about anywhere.
All this and much more can be viewed from your VCR tape or live on your TV. And, with special software, you can watch what's going on in your home or business on your computer screen, even when you're away.
Should you choose a Black and White (B/W) or Color Camera? That is a personal choice that you should make. A Black and White camera does better as a low light wireless camera than a color camera because it has a lower lux. Color Cameras, however, would be more helpful to the police in identifying the burglar, shoplifter, assailant, etc. by giving a better description -- for example, "the man with red hair in the green and yellow shirt."
Finally, I promised to explain some technical camera terms. Here are some of the general questions you might ask about your wireless hidden camera:
What is a Wireless Camera? A wireless camera consists of a camera with a transmitter attached to it and a receiver which connects to a VCR or a TV.
What is "Plug and Play"? Plug and Play is the easy way to install your wireless surveillance camera system. Just connect the power supply (either AC for wall power or the battery pack) to your camera. Place the object containing the camera to show what you want to review. Connect the receiver to your TV or VCR using the red and yellow RCA cable from the receiver. You are now set up.
What is a Transmitter? A transmitter is a device that converts video signals into radio frequency signals and transmits them as radio waves.
What is a Receiver? A receiver is an electronic device that receives radio signals from a transmitter and decodes the signal for use as pictures on your VCR or TV.
What is "Lux"? Lux is a method of measuring a camera's sensitivity to light, i.e. it is the amount of light the camera needs to provide an image. The lower the number, the less light the camera needs to reproduce a clear image. A Black and White camera usually has a lower lux than a color camera. It will hold an image longer than a color camera. For example, a B/W camera with a .05 lux will be better in low light than a color camera with a .5 lux.
What is the meaning of "camera resolution" for security cameras? Camera resolution is a measure of the clearness of a security camera. It's determined by the number of horizontal video lines that the camera must have to reproduce the correct image. The higher the resolution number, the sharper the image.
What is a Monitor? A monitor is what you use to view your camera image. The monitor could be a TV, CCTV (closed circuit TV) or even your computer screen.
What is "Line of Sight"? Line of Sight means that the video signal travels from the transmitter in your camera to a dedicated receiver (e.g. VCR or TV) placed a certain distance away withi no obstructions or interference between the two. The signal can go through walls and floors. Low Power Cameras usually have a line of sight of 700 feet. However, you can upgrade to a High Power Camera which has a line of sight of 3,500 feet.
So there you have it -- you don't have to be a camera buff to install or operate your wireless hidden camera. Just plug and play!
Don't Become the Next Crime Statistic! A wireless hidden camera will show you what's REALLY happening in your home or business
Both Nahshon Roberts & Larry Zolna are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Larry Zolna has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Concerns, Arts and Shopping. Larry Zolna is a writer for Feel Safe and Secure, a seller of Home Security and Self Protection products as well as Wireless Hidden Cameras. Don't Be the Next Victim! For more information on these products, please visit:. Larry Zolna's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
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