Friday, June 29, 2007

A Few Things You Should Know About Wireless Surveillance Systems

If you are on the market for a surveillance system, your timing is impeccable because right now we are at the crossroads of this migration to a new, more efficient, and more cost-effective solution for home and business security requirements. In a world with increasing crime and criminals, wireless surveillance equipment has turned into an icon for security.

Like many people, I have been afraid of electronic products in the past. As soon as I started thinking of setting up my own surveillance system for business or home I realized that the Camera, is but one element of a multi part System.

Let’s explore the make-up of today’s complete wireless surveillance systems.

The 5 basic components of wireless video surveillance equipment are:
1. cameras
2. transmitters
3. receivers
4. Recorders (DVR/VCR) DVR=Digital Video Recorder. VCR=Videocassette Recorder.
5. video displays(Monitors or Television)

All 5 of these components are fitted in some combination to create a complete video surveillance system.

How does a wireless Surveillance System Work?
The wireless camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR or VCR.
Wireless cameras usually have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver. The receiver connects to your recording and/or viewing device. There the signal is either recorded or thereby saved or simply viewed.

Different Types of Wireless Cameras
 Dome Cameras are simply board cameras built into dome housing.
Day-night domes equipped with high-power INFRARED Leeds for use indoors, outdoors
and low-light conditions. The day/night feature makes the camera color in the day light and then
automatically switch to black and white in low light conditions.
 Professional cameras can be mounted on walls, ceiling brackets, buildings,
indoors and outdoors. Professional security cameras can be weatherproof,
waterproof, day/night, low-light and even a snake camera that can access almost
any space. Professional security cameras are usually high resolution
resulting in a very sharp image with great detail. They come in color or black & white.
 Hidden Cameras are so small they are virtually invisible to the naked eye.
Hidden cameras are in disguise as common household items such as Baby Wipes,
dolls, clocks, teddy bears, smoke detectors and radios.

Transmitters
Wireless Cameras usually use 2.4GHz transmitter---Video and Audio whose standard range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. There are however more powerful transmitters on the market. You will find that most wireless cameras come equipped with transmitters.

Receivers
The receiver intercepts a signal transmitted by the wireless camera then feeds that signal into the DVR or VCR that it is connected to.

Recorders

VCRs - VCRs record to a video cassette tape which creates the need to change tapes. Recently released VCRs with time-lapse and video motion detection features allow the VCR to begin recording only while motion is detected. Time-lapse is a series of images taken in a set number of time intervals. This means that not every frame is recorded as it is with Real Time. Time-lapse and motion detection help space on your 9 hour videotapes.

Depending on how much activity is detected one 9 hour tape could last you weeks. Because it only records when motion is detected...cuts off after 30 seconds, resets itself and waits for the next movement.

Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
Unlike VCRs, DVRs record video to a computer hard drive or other media such as a CD or DVD. This makes a DVR easy to maintain because there are no bulky tapes to change or the risk of losing video quality when recording over previous footage. Many DVRs can be operated and monitored remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet.

By selecting to implement this fairly simple solution for your business and home surveillance, you fulfill a clear need while gaining security and comfort.

Shopping malls, schools, hospitals, parking garages, office buildings, airports, casinos, government services, warehouses, estates and financial institutions all now commonly use video based surveillance equipment in order to protect their wares and limit costly losses.


In conclusion, for a business or home surveillance system it would be advisable to select a complete system. Being a simple system does not deduct from its importance, or its surveillance function. The expenses incurred from buying wireless video surveillance equipment is worth the effort and cost, because this equipment not only reduces the costs of security, but also helps in curbing crime and vandalism.

How To Buy Thrift-Shop Sold Chandeliers

In our modern times, chandeliers are becoming a common thing in people’s homes. Almost every place in a well-off person’s house has some form of chandeliers or a chandelier-looking piece. Nonetheless, chandeliers are being used by people to add a sense of spark and elegance to a room.

Chandeliers are known for their ability to invoke a sense of grandeur and elegance, especially antique chandeliers which are unrivaled in conveying an aura of antiquity. People who want to try and recreate a turn-of-the century feel to their room would benefit most from purchasing chandeliers that have an old look to them, which can only be achieved if a piece is actually made a few years back. Replicating this type of chandelier is difficult to do since there is no substitute for the actual thing.

If you are one of those people who are unlucky enough to not inherit an old chandelier that is handed down to you through generations, then the place for you to find your antique-looking, if not truly antique, chandelier would be in thrift-shops that sell such pieces of furniture. If not, then you will have to settle for buying a ready-made piece, and you will have to try and give it an old look to it to achieve your desired effect of an antique chandelier.

Buying thrift-shop sold chandeliers can be a very rewarding experience. You may even be able to find certain chandelier pieces that are much better compared to those factory-manufactured chandeliers that lack the old look that most antique chandeliers possess.

When buying in thrift-shops, try to avoid those chandeliers that are slim and polished since these types of chandeliers have a modern look to them, and will not pass of as antique-looking. Keep in mind that antique chandeliers are never shiny. You should try to look for antique chandeliers that have elaborate and intricate aesthetic designs or carvings on them, this helps make them ornate lighting pieces. Antique chandeliers are mostly made up of crystal, bronze and brass with an aged look.

Some antique chandeliers that you may find in thrift-shops are candle chandeliers, which are much more appropriate in creating that archaic, old look. Antique chandeliers, especially those that are very old, are gas, kerosene, or electric, so be sure to check for those.

Just be aware that some antique chandelier dealers in thrift-shops may be selling you with cheap and fraudulent chandeliers, so it is best that you get as much information about antique chandeliers as you can so you can protect yourself from getting duped into making a poor purchase. Make sure that the antique chandelier dealers that you buy from have the necessary knowledge and information about chandeliers to help you make the best purchase.

Thrift-shops can offer some of the best finds in chandeliers, especially if you are looking for those that have an antique look to them. Just keep in mind that quality antique chandeliers need not be expensive, all you need to do is look for them in the right places.

Blacklisted Items to Keep Out of Your Compost

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people out there who want to compost but don't know what exactly they're allowed to put into their batches. Some even think that since it's their pile of compost, they're at liberty to put in just about anything they want. While it is a free country, you won't be guaranteed a successful batch every time. This is why there are rules and guidelines to composting that you should follow.

I'm sure you've all heard before that adding food scraps to your compost is a good thing. Albeit this is true, you really want to avoid the meaty stuff like meat, bones, and grease because they don't decompose properly, not to mention they smell bad. In addition, adding meat to your compost is like having an open invitation for rodents and other wildlife to feast in your backyard's compost bin. Dairy products, oils and grease are also on the banned products list for the same reasons.

Adding manure to your compost pile can be a good thing, but adding human, cat or dog manure is a bad thing! First of all, that's disgusting; think of the diseases, parasites and who knows what else lies in the dark depths of that kind of waste! If it's not good for it to stick around in your or your pet's body, then chances are it's not good for your garden and compost. When thinking about adding manure to your compost batch, you want to stick with the kind that comes from grass eaters like cows, llamas, chickens and sheep. Try not to think about it with your nose in the air; manure is very high in nitrogen and can heat up your compost since it's considered an activator, kind of like coffee grounds or powdered meals.

Wood ashes, barbeque charcoals and limes are another set of items you should avoid. Reason being is they contain way too much alkaline and that's bad for your batch's pH level. Plus some plants wouldn't take too well to the high amounts of alkaline, so instead of helping your plants and garden have a sustainable life you would just be harming them.

Other items that should be blacklisted from the compost pile also include seedy weeds, anything contaminated or pesticide infested, large batches of wet and soggy matter, large branches and wood, and glass, metal and plastic (these should go in the recycle bins). Keep in mind that as long as you avoid these blacklisted materials, you'll be sure to obtain the black gold soil you desire through the composting process.

Home Value Trends in Utah

In the past few months you've probably heard your share of the gloom and doom predictions for America's real estate market: the bubble's bursting, home value averages are plummeting, the market's taking a huge hit, etc. This just isn't the case. When looking at the nation's housing market as a whole it's very easy to generalize the state of the market. But let's face it, knowing the average home value in the U.S. or how much mortgage rates have dipped isn't going to help you. (If you're curious though, the average home value in America in 2006 was $221,900). If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, then you're looking into a specific geographical area, and that should be the market you're examining. Real estate is an investment, so it's always good to think where your home value may be 5 years after you move – if you want to be able to somewhat predict that, you'll have to look at the region you're in. Studying an area's market, employment rate, economy and attractions are a good way to determine what home value prices and the real estate market will be do over a period of time in a given area.

Right now, Utah, with its capital of Salt Lake City, is probably one of the fastest growing states in the U.S. Many Hurricane Katrina survivors have settled permanently in Utah, bringing it to a healthy population of 2,550,063 in 2006. More and more people are seeing the allure of Utah, which is what has kept their home value averages high and real estate market booming compared to the rest of the country.

With plenty of room for it's agricultural products (cattle, dairy, hay and turkeys) and industry areas (aerospace, machinery, mining, food processing, electric equipment and tourism) Utah has a strong economy with low unemployment rates. As a matter of fact, Utah's unemployment rate reached an all time low of 2.3% in 2/07 and has only risen a bit to 2.5% in April. Utah's median home value is also relatively low at about $152,118 in April, which is about $30,000 MORE than it was in March. With an estimated median household income in 2005 of $53,226, Utah's income growth and home value growth seem to be rising steadily together, rather than one being way ahead of the other like most of America.

Perhaps it is the attractions of Utah that keep people coming back, wanting to become residents, which in turn helps keep home value prices high. After all, Utah is home to the Mormons and Temple Square a 3 block radius in Salt Lake City chronicling Mormon pioneer history, is its most popular tourist attraction. As with any big city, Salt Lake City's got great nightlife to offer as well. If you're a bit more adventurous and outdoorsy, then Utah is definitely for you. Go hiking, biking, golfing, boating, or camping in it's lush scenery. You can check out the Navajo Tribal Park for historical and cultural learning, as well as the many National Parks to be found in Utah.

And definitely don't forget the snowing conditions:Utah's got great snow and lots of it, so you can ski, snowboard, snow tube, etc. You can also visit the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere: Great Salt Lake. Take your time exploring the beautiful areas, because the more people a place attracts, the more new residents it attracts, the less land it has but the higher the home value medians go.

Commercial Construction Costs - The Importance Of Planning

When designing, planning as well as constructing a commercial property the costs involved are of paramount importance. Unfortunately this is even more true today than it was 10 years ago for the simple fact prices of materials etc., are continually increasing. However a great way of ensuring that the costs are kept to a minimum during any project is through using a commercial construction costs management service.

This is an establishment which is able to realistically look at the capital costs for any commercial construction project. They not only look closely at the planning costs but also cost control services. Plus this service will also ensure that the bids provided on the construction project are documented as well as being completed within the pre-arranged framework of costs and time. They will also look at finding the most economical ways of ensuring that the project does not run over budget.

Each construction project should employ an independent and professional cost manager or quantity surveyor who can police as well as have a clear overview of everything that is going on in order to protect the financial interests of the person who is having the construction project done. Generally these people will use their engineering judgment and experience which they then apply to scientific principles and techniques to allow them to analyze and develop the best action that should be taken in order to provide a good estimation of the costs involved as well as being able to control the commercial construction costs once the project starts on site.

By using a good set of cost management principles the cost manager or quantity surveyor will ensure that the construction project stays within the budget limits and still meets performance and quality targets.

In fact when a commercial construction project is being prepared the cost manager or quantity surveyor is an integral part of the team and can bring added value to any construction and design team.

However if there are any problems relating to commercial construction costs especially if they exceed the budget then this may well cause problems for the person who was asked to control the costs initially.

Raspberries: a garden must!

Many years ago I bought a house in Wisconsin with a huge backyard. Large areas were devoted to fruit trees, vegetables, flowers and my special favorites like strawberries and raspberries. Growing raspberries has now become a must for any garden of mine. They taste great fresh or in desserts and are relatively easy to grow. My first experience really sold me. Got lucky I guess and after a few years had to invite friends over to pick them, just to keep up. Fresh raspberries in the grocery stores today cost an arm and a leg; so why not give them a try. Raspberries are a type of bramble, like blackberries and are also known as "Cane berries" Raspberries are different from blackberries in that the fruit has a hollow core that remains on the plant when you pick the raspberry. The most common way of growing raspberries is in rows spaced 6 to 12 feet apart. Raspberries are wonderful for jam, to eat fresh, or to use in a variety of desserts. Raspberries are a very healthy food; they are high in Vitamin C and naturally have no fat, cholesterol or sodium.

Fruit - The key to obtaining good berries is to have good soil with even moisture when the berries are setting flower and fruit. A berry grows a cane the first year but doesn't produce fruit on it. The second year, this cane fruits and then dies. (not the plant, just the cane) This year should be good for picking and the following great, if all goes well.

Canes - Raspberry canes are of two types, primo canes and flori canes. Canes can grow quite long but ideally should be about 3 feet high. Put new canes 18-inches apart in the rows. In the early spring, you reduce the number of canes to six in each square foot. Do this by removing all the dead canes first - they will be brown and gray in color. The common method of pruning ever bearing raspberries is simply to cut all of the canes down to about 1 inch from the ground. After the season is over, you just prune down the old canes that have died.

Soil for best growth - In many cases, these plants aren't fussy and will grow just fine in an average, well-drained garden soil. The site should have full exposure to sun, good air circulation, and protection from cold in winter and well-drained soil. Before planting mix about 3 pounds of 10-10-10 or equivalent fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil. This seems to give them a great start. Raspberries will grow and produce on many different types of soil but will be most productive on sandy loam soils well supplied with organic matter and plant nutrients. The soil should be well drained and have a pH of about 5. A mulch of straw, saw dust, or other appropriate material can be very helpful for weed control, and soil moisture conservation in the raspberry plantings where soil drains well.

Raspberry Varieties - The most popular raspberries are red, but newer golden, black or purple varieties are also occasionally available. Recent breeding has resulted in varieties that are thorn less and upright - requiring no staking. Ever-bearing varieties produce fruit in the summer as well as the fall, while summer-bearing varieties only produce fruit in the summer. Raspberry plants can also be divided into categories by color; varieties may produce reddish fruit or fruit in shades of yellow/gold, purple, and black. Wild raspberries, which grow abundantly but are smaller in size, are similar in texture and flavor of both black and red varieties. Purple raspberries are hybrids of red and black varieties. The black and purple varieties are grown mostly in the Eastern States. Raspberries grow well in cool, damp climates, and the red varieties, such as Heritage and Malling Jewel, are the most commonly sold, though you can also find black, yellow and golden types. Suggested summer-bearing red raspberry varieties for the Midwest include Boyne, Liberty, Heritage, Red Wing, and Latham. The best purple raspberry varieties are Brandywine and Royalty. There are also several yellow raspberry varieties (cultivars). Traditionally raspberries were a late summer crop, but with new technology, varieties and innovations, raspberries can be enjoyed nearly year-round.

What Can Interior Designers Really Do For You ?

Interior design is generally divided into two separate categories, residential and contractor or commercial projects. It is actually the process of shaping the layout of interior spaces, through the modification of spatial volume as well as using surface changes. Interior design projects can be multi-faceted designs in which both creative and technical solutions are employed within a project to achieve a final solution that solves the customer's requirements and links the actual area to business or residential requirements.

Designers always try to incorporate the major elements of design to create and enhance style, including: form, mass, shape, line, color, material, texture and pattern. Designs are generally created in response to and in coordination with the structure's shell, and take into account the actual location and social context of the project. The process of designing, particularly if conducted for one of the bigger firms, is not always as creative or rewarding as you might think.

The services of an interior designer can be used in a wide range of places, including private homes and offices as well as restaurants, churches, hotels, hospitals, and any other building in which interior design skills are required.

Decorating a home can be a real challenge and if you don't have the skills and abilities in your work experience, you may need some decorating help. Decorating Software and home design software can help you arrange furniture and fixtures, layout a floor plan and allow you to visualize the room before you buy furniture, artwork, accessories, etc.

Residential design jobs are less likely to require formal schooling and a related background, whereas contract design work is more restrictive, often necessitating a design diploma or degree. Residential work requires patience, as the client makes changes on the go, and a desire to work with details and budgets.

Interior design schools can provide you with classes and practical applications, to teach you the principles and theory behind good interior design. Some designers just specialize in the design of working and living environments, while specialists, such as exhibition designers, specialize in planning the design and layout of exhibition venues.

Professional organizations are very significant in this field,and most interior designers find it useful to join one or more of them. Professional interior designers and decorators typically have applicable previous work experience plus tips, tricks and ideas to get your end result completed faster and with lower costs and less frustration. One of the job functions is to confer with clients to determine needs, wants, preferences, budget, time frames, types of construction, and the equipment to be installed.

An Interior Designer designation is achieved via a three-year program that prepares students to join the profession. Interior design is generally a tightly knit industry, and contacts and credentials are required, as they do not always greet new professionals with open arms. Interior design can be an excellent major for students with strong creative and analytical skills, who are self-motivated and enjoy the challenges of working alone or as part of a team.