Nanny Camera FAQ

How do nanny cameras work?
Nanny cameras feature a small camera, called a board camera, built inside everyday items.

Can I get audio in my nanny camera or surveillance camera?
Due to federal law restrictions, audio cannot be used with any hidden cameras, which includes nanny cameras. Hidden surveillance with audio is available only to law enforcement.

What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera?
Wired cameras are connected directly to a DVR, computer, or VCR with a cable. Wireless cameras have an integral transmitter that sends the signal to a receiver, which is connected to the recorder.

What is the range of a wireless camera?
The range of a standard wireless camera depends on the range of the transmitter, which is usually about 700 feet, though more powerful transmitters can send signals up to 2,000 feet.

How many wireless cameras can be used in one location?
It is possible to use up to four wireless cameras in one location. These can viewed simultaneously if each camera has its own dedicated receiver, or one at a time when used with a single receiver.

What does 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) wireless frequency mean?
2.4 Gigahertz is the specific FCC-approved frequency used by wireless transmitters to send signals to a receiver, which converts the data into video. Most wireless cameras operate on this frequency, whose typical range is 200 to 700 feet depending on weather conditions and obstacles between the transmitter and receiver.

Will my cordless phone or wireless Internet interfere with my wireless camera?
Any wireless devices in your home that operate at 2.4 GHz can potentially interfere with a wireless camera, though this interference is minimal. To reduce or eliminate interference, arrange your devices so that there is a clear path between each device and its receiver.

Are your transmitters and nanny cameras FCC-approved?
Every transmitter available on NannyCameras.com is FCC-approved as well as Industry Canada-Certified.

What is CCD?
CCD stands for charged coupling device. This video technology uses a small silicone chip that creates images by converting light to voltage variations. Cameras with CCD technology are usually priced higher than standard cameras, but they are able to film visible video in dark conditions. This is used in professional cameras for its high-resolution and low-light capabilities.

What is HAD CCD?
HAD stands for hole accumulation diode. This type of charged coupling device (CCD) that is designed to reduce the nose of the camera's operation.

What is a Quad?
A Quad is a device that allows four cameras to record simultaneously. A switching monitor is another recording device that captures video from various cameras, though only the video that is being displayed on the monitor.

What is the difference between a VCR and a DVR?
A VCR (Video Cassette Recorder) uses videotapes upon which to record its data. The quality if the images on videotapes is compromised over subsequent recordings. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) uses a hard disk drive upon which to record data. The quality if this video does not degrade, even after hundreds of recordings. With a DVR, searching the video for specific footage is much easier and efficient than with a VCR.

How many hours will a DVR record?
This depends on the size of the hard drive installed in the DVR. The record speed (frames/second) and the number of cameras recording will also affect recording time. A single camera recording in "real time" requires one gigabyte of memory for 24 hours of recording.

Can the data signal be sent through walls?
Transmitters can successfully send signals through walls to receivers, even if walls are a foot or more thick. Large metal obstructions however, can interrupt the signal.

Can I use my own VCR with a nanny camera?
Yes. However, most VCRs have a continuous recording capacity of 10 hours. Some VCRs are specially designed for use with surveillance and can record continuously for up to 1,280 hours.

What is a DVR card?
A DVR card is a device that gives computers digital video recording capabilities. These are often used with surveillance cameras along with software so users can record and display video footage on their computers. Some DVR cards accommodate multiple cameras.

What is "Plug-and-Play"?
"Plug and play" is the label given to cameras that can connect directly to TVs, VCRs, DVD players, or computers for direct playback. It usually consists of an AC adapter and RCA plugs, which plug into the auxiliary inputs on an video-capable electronic device.

How many cameras can I connect to one TV?
The number of inputs on your TV will determine how many cameras you can connect. Most TVs have two, but using a Quad accessory enables the connection of up to four cameras.

Will my camera record surveillance or do I need a separate device?
A DVR, computer with DVR card, or VCR is required to record video footage.

What is the safe temperature range operation for video cameras?
Typically, video cameras should be operated with -10 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Black and white cameras can be operated at up to 122 degrees F. Sotre cameras safely operate within a more extreme temperature range, typically -22 to 155 degrees F.

What is the operating voltage of a video camera?
Most video cameras operate on 9 or 12 volts of power. Some professional models operate on 24 volts.

What is a varifocal lens?
This is a lens whose focal length can be adjusted. Also known as a zoom lens, these lenses typically have an auto-focus feature.

What is a fixed lens?
This is a lens of fixed length that has no zoom capacity. These lenses are preferred for low-light recording, as they have a fixed length that allows more light to enter the camera.

What is AGC?
ACG stands for Automatic Gain Control. This system is designed to control the gain of a system by using the average signal level to adjust for oscillations in signal strength. The result is steady, clear reception.

What is AI?
In video cameras, AI stands for Auto Iris, which is the automatic lens adjustment that responds to changes in light levels.

What is AWB?
Auto white balance. This is the process by which a video camera electronically recognizes a white object in the frame and uses it to retain true colors.

What is the Signal to Noise Ratio (S to N ratio)?
This is the ratio of signal strength versus noise, expressed in decibels. It describes the noise of a video signal. Higher signal to noise (S to N) ratios are desirable.

What is Balance Light Control (BLC)?
This mechanism reduces or compensates for bright spots in video. Without BLC, it can be difficult to see identifiable features when a subject moves from light into dark.

What is OSD?
OSD is the abbreviation for On-Screen Display, which the means by which digital information, such as data or instructions, is projected onto a monitor.

What does a camera's resolution tell me?
Higher levels of resolution indicate that a camera has a greater ability to reproduce detailed images or video.

What is LUX?
LUX is the measurement of light required for a camera to record subjects or an environment.

FPS?
FPS is the abbreviation for Frames Per Second. By displaying the recorded frames in rapid succession, a projector creates the illusion of a moving picture. To experience "Real Time" viewing a camera must record 30 frames per second.

IR
IR is the commonly uses abbreviation for infrared, which refers to a frequency of light used in some cameras to record images in darkness.