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FAQ's |
MG Security Solutions Inc. stands behind our products and we have compiled a list of FAQ's which may assist you regarding common issues.
What is a DVR?
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is a PC device which acts like a VCR in that it has the ability to record and playback video image. DVR takes the feed from a camera and records it into a digital format on a storage device which is most commonly the hard drive.
What are the recommended system requirements?
The following is the general guide line for DVR system configuration. However, it is required to obtain up to date information from Technical Support in order to maximize the performance of DVR system.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
CPU Intel Pentium 4 2.4 or higher for CPU.
Recommend Intel Pentium 4 3.0 or higher for 32 channel boards.
CPU that is lower than recommended can reduce the recording frame rate.
Motherboard Intel chipset motherboard.
It is strongly recommended to use one of factory tested models.
RAM 512MB recommended.
1GB or more if you are using 32 channel boards.
HDD 80GB or above
It is required to use Serial ATA HDD if you are using 32 channel boards.
Video Card ATI Radeon 9000 or above, Intel Extreme Graphics 2 on-board
It is required to use ATI X300 Express or higher for 32 channel boards. Using On-Board video controller for 32 channel models can reduce the recording frame rate.
What if a DVR has some of the latest components and some not as current?
It is important to have the complete package of the latest components in order to receive optimum performance. The absence of one aspect of a current generation solution may "bottleneck" the system and in some cases even hinder the performance instead of enhancing. Additionally, the right combination of products needs to be tweaked for optimal performance.
Does learning how to operate a DVR require knowledge of PCs?
While knowledge of using a mouse and keyboard is helpful, it is not required. Anyone can learn to operate and program any of the DVR functions, as the software was designed with user-friendly Graphic User Interface for ease of use.
What should I do if there is new version released?
Basically, we release newer version software periodically, based on the changes on platforms and additional features. We develop and test our software on up-to-date environment, and there may be major revision that would prevent backward compatibility if necessary.
Therefore, it is recommended to keep the original version that was purchased. If an update is unavoidable, please check with us to ensure your system meets requirements.
Are there any differences among DVR software?
Definitely. Software is just as important as the hardware. Software that runs the principal functions of the DVR is driven by database. The architecture and design of the database are crucial to systems stability and speed of which it processes the data. Quite often poor database structure will slow down even the best hardware and, in many cases, cause systems crash.
What are the advantages of hardware compression MPEG-4 DVR boards?
- Real-time, full frame display - same as the Live board
- Real-time, up to 960 frame recording (NTSC) for 32 channels
- Healthy PC - minimal use of CPU even while Real-time recording
- Up to 32 channel audio synchronized with video
- Higher speed transmissions
- High quality, detailed image by using advanced imaging technology
What is video compression?
When video is digitized by the DVR, it can consume as much as 165 million bits of data every second. Transmitting this amount of data is not practical. To get around this problem, a series of techniques - called codec (picture and video compression/decompression techniques) - have been derived to reduce this high bit rate. Their ability to perform this task is quantified by the compression ratio. The simple fact is, the higher the compression ratio, the smaller is the bandwidth consumption. However, there is a price to pay for this compression. Because increasing compression causes an increasing degradation of the image. Therefore, there is a balancing act of trying to achieve the desired image quality along with speed.
What are the differences between video capture boards?
Some video capture boards are also used for displaying the video as well as capture. Sharing the resources of the capture boards may be disadvantageous since it is using valuable processing power and inherently causes slower transmission for a variety of technical reasons, especially when trying to simultaneously capture image from multiple cameras.
Video capture boards are usually described in terms of how many camera input it will support and how many image per second (ips) or frames per second (fps) it is capable of recording. IPS and FPS are used synonymously.
Beyond these two basic reference points, there are significant differences that are usually not described by most manufacturers. Just like PCs, there are several subcomponents that go into making the product fast, stable and efficient and can cause the price as well as the performance of the products to vary radically.
I have 30 frames per second DVR board, but it almost looks like it's recording still image. Why is that?
30fps DVR board means 30 shared frame rate. What that means is a 30fps DVR board is 30 frames per second over the entire number of cameras being displayed. Therefore, a 4-channel DVR board sharing 30 frames may yield approximately 7.5 image per second per camera.
What is the frame rate?
The frame rate is a number of image that are being displayed or recorded over a specific period of time. Typically, frames per second or "fps" is the specification most often used. Keep in mind that frame rate record and frame rate display are two different items.
Will 60, 120 or 240fps DVR board run faster on a single camera than a 30fps DVR board?
The architecture of most DVR boards is such that, regardless of the total frame rate of the entire DVR board, you typically do not exceed 30fps per individual channel since there is usually only one chipset dedicated to that channel. The purpose of higher frame rate DVR boards is the ability to view at higher frame rates over multiple channels. For example, on a 240fps DVR board, you would view 8 cameras at an average rate of 30fps, whereas on a 30fps DVR board the same would be less than 4fps over each of the 8 channels.
What do default ports mean?
PORT CONFIGURATION
These ports are set as default and can be changed at "Start.exe"
3000: Image Transmission
3001: Pan Tilt and Control Command Transmission
3003: Setting Information Transmission
8800: Sound Transmission
3007: Network transmission speed and bandwidth control
What is a dynamic IP address?
When the internet was first conceived, the architects didn't foresee the need for an unlimited number of IP addresses. Consequently, there are not enough IP numbers to go around. To get around that problem, many internet service providers use dynamic IP addresses. Dynamic IP addresses are addresses that are temporarily assigned to your computer from a pool for an internet session or some other specified time. As soon as the session or period is complete the number is returned to the pool for use by another customer. Even if the user reconnects immediately, the odds are they will not be assigned the same IP address from the pool. You can locate your IP address by typing in checkip.dyndns.org in your browser.
What is a static IP address?
A static IP is a number that is assigned to a computer by an Internet Service Provider (such as SBC, Verizon, Comcast, etc.) to be its permanent address on the internet. Computers use IP addresses to locate and talk to each other on the internet, much the same way people use phone numbers to locate and talk to one another on the telephone. Every machine on the internet has a unique identifying number which consists of four groups of number with no more than 3 digits in a group. A typical static IP address would look like 24.125.30.51
How many cameras can I plug into a DVR board?
Typically, you can plug anywhere from 1 to 32 cameras. The cameras normally plug into BNC or RCA input on the DVR boards. Some boards come with a single video adapter and uses a pigtail cable which has multiple adapters on one end and a single connection on the other end.
Can I use an existing camera with DVR?
Generally yes. Your existing cameras will work by plugging into the back of the DVR which replaces the VCR. Some old CCTV cameras may require to have proper connector depending on the connection type. If your cameras are not so current, then you may want to investigate some of the newer cameras which are higher in resolution and may have more features. Typically, higher resolution cameras mean higher quality image.
What are the precautions during MG Hybrid installation?
1. Make sure that the Capture Board driver is correctly installed. (Control Panels-System-Device Manager)
2. Make sure that the Database (Volume) settings are correct.
3. Be sure to choose the correct NTSC, PAL when installing your program.
4. Check the cables connection on the capture board.
5. Check the connection on the cameras.
6. Make sure the camera functions properly.
7. When possible, avoid using software that resides in the RAM. Especially, vaccines can be potential problems.
8. Turn off screen savers when using the program (Control Panel-Display-Screen saver)
9. Turn off energy savers when using the program (Control Panel-Display-Power)
What kind of cabling do I need to run from a surveillance camera to the DVR?
Standard coaxial cable such as the one which runs in your home to connect with the cable company is highly recommended (RG59U). You need to connect BNC connectors on the DVR end and BNC or RCA connectors on the camera end depending on the camera type. Try to keep cable length under 300ft and avoid close proximity to fluorescent fixtures or other electrical devices that may cause interference. For longer distances, there are a variety of other solutions from RG56U to fiber.
What are the differences between RGB and YUV image signals?
RGB signaling refers to the method of dividing an image signal to the fundamental three colors (Red, Green and Blue) when processing the signal. It has the advantage of good color division and conveyance, but the disadvantage of requiring at least 3 color division data.
YUV signaling refers to the method of expressing an image signal by the vertical and horizontal signal synchronization (Y), and its color signals (U, V). Color division and conveyance qualities are inferior compared to the RGB method, but the YUV method can express more diverse colors using less image data.
The choice of both methods are available on DVR. RGB image will have clearer color but more 'blocks' on the image, while with YUV image dividing between colors can be more difficult but you will get a more smoother looking surface from them.
What are the backup devices supported by MG Hybrid?
Data backup devices include CD-RWs, DVD-RAMs, DVD-RWs, DATs, etc., any device that Windows recognizes as a drive, and you can also backup on a network drive.
The unit of the data is 1 minute, and can only be viewed through the supplied Backupviewer. Data backup is also possible on the Search program, where it can be saved in AVI format, making it conveniently viewable through the Windows Media Player (by enabling "View-Caption" from the menu, you can also conform information data).
What is the supported picture quality when recording on MG Hybrids?
| Series |
NTSC |
PAL |
| MG2-CAPSeries |
320x240, 640x480 |
352x288, 704x576 |
| MG2-ACAP Series |
352x240, 704x240, 704x480 |
352x240, 704x240, 704x480 |
| MG2-LIVCAP Series |
352x240, 704x240, 704x480 |
352x288, 704x288, 704x576 |
| MG4-AMX Series |
352x240, 704x240, 704x480 |
352x288, 704x288, 704x576 |
| MG4-MPG Series |
320x240, 704x240, 704x480 |
352x288, 704x288, 704x576 |
When I view DVR remotely over the internet, how come the pictures don't have the same quality or speed as when I view it locally from the DVR system?
The answer is bandwidth. When you are viewing the DVR locally, you are transmitting right from the DVR to your monitor without having to send the image over a network and worry about throughput. Throughput is the amount of data transferred from one place to another in a specified amount of time. The lower the throughput, the slower the transmission.
If I connect remotely, will I view live video?
You are viewing live video as it happens, but the motion and quality of the image are depending on your connection speed to the location. Real-time/Real-motion video from a remote location using the public internet or a dial-up modem is virtually impossible if you want to simultaneously view multiple camera image. There is simply too much data to transmit across a narrow bandwidth.
When viewing video on some websites, how come they seem to have no robotic motions and clear crisp pictures?
Because the video is "streamed" meaning it is aggregated and then delivered on a delayed basis. There is a difference between real-time and real-motion.
What are real-time images?
Real-time image are image that are being transmitted as they happen, not to be confused with real-motion. Unfortunately, the words real-time and real-motion are used synonymously within the industry. Just because something is real-time doesn't mean it's real-motion.
How do I view the camera image remotely from my PC, laptop or PDA?
Our DVRs come with remote software which allows you to view the cameras once you are connected to the DVR via a phone line modem, internet connection or LAN connection.
What are the precautions when recording sound?
Recently released motherboards are equipped with high definition audio controllers. As these new controllers are automatically adjust their settings,
| # of Sound Recording Channels |
Soundcard Connection Method |
Usable Mic. |
| 1 Channel |
Mic Input |
Ordinary or Amplified Mic. |
| 2 Channels |
Line or External input |
Amplified Mic. |
Is there special power requirements for the DVR?
DVR boards are low power consumption devices. However, DVR systems are usually equipped with additional components, such as multiple hard disk drives, and running 24/7 nonstop. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use reliable power supply. you may also attach UPS to the DVR in order to protect the hardware against power spikes, reductions or outages.
Do surveillance cameras work in the dark?
This depends upon the camera. If the surveillance cameras have Ex-view or infra-red (IR) capabilities, then they can operate in a virtually zero light environment.
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What makes the Network Cameras different than a CCTV video camera?
They are directly network connected cameras with their own IP address. That means the camera has intelligence and can be connected without the need of a PC. In all real-world applications there is a need for this stand-alone functionality. The PC-less solution generates a lot lower total solution cost compared to the PC + Software + Frame-grabber card + Camera solution.
How large are the images in Kbytes?
The size of the image depends on the resolution and the compression scheme used. An image of (352 x 288 or 352x240) that is compressed using MJPEG is only about 4-10 Kbytes. Higher resolution cameras such as the IQ301, with resolution of 1200 x 1024, create file sizes as large as 80K bytes per frame. Since MPEG4 improves compression by transferring only the difference between frames, we don't use frame size with MPEG4 compression. Instead we estimate an average data rate based on the resolution, frame rate and expected activity the camera will see. In general you can expect about 4 times improvement in compression using MPEG4. To learn more about this take a look at our newsletter article on this subject.
How much bandwidth is used by an IP camera system?
The bandwidth depends on the number of cameras, the resolution of the cameras, the compression scheme used, and the frame rate of the cameras. To learn more about this take a look at our newsletter article on this subject.
Does the device have its own IP address?
Yes, it acts as a standalone web-server, with some limited memory space reserved for your own web pages.
What is the difference between MPEG4 and MJPEG compression?
MPEG4 provides better compression, but MJPEG provides higher resolution. MPEG4 improves the compression by transferring only the difference between frames. MJPEG supports very high resolution. For example the IQ303 has a resolution of 2048 x 1536. For more information about the difference between MPEG4 and MJPEG take a look at our newsletter article on this subject.
Can I use an IP Network Camera for videoconference?
Yes, if the cameras use MPEG4 compression and support audio. For example you can use the IP3111 which has a built-in microphone and provides simultaneous transmission of both audio and video.
How much bandwidth does it require?
This depends on the number of users, the frames per second and the image quality you have decided to use. The IP Cameras have a configurable bandwidth usage limit which gives you complete control of how much bandwidth the unit is allowed to use.
Which camera is best for my application?
It depends on your application. To determine the best cameras you need to answer some questions.
- What do you want to view? How far away and how wide an area you want to view will determine the lens.
- Do you plan to use the camera indoors or outdoors?
- How much light is available? The amount of light determines how sensitive the camera needs to be.
- Do you have a large area that requires a Pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) camera? A PTZ camera can step through a set of positions (guard tour). Adding additional software, such as NetDVR, will instruct the camera to stop and record the video as long as motion is detected.
- What frame rate is required? Fast frame rate is required if you are looking at a fast moving object, but if you are using it for general surveillance, you may only require 1 or 2 frames/sec. The higher the frame rate the more storage you will require.
- What resolution do you require? To be able to identify a person's face you require about 50 pixels/foot. This means a camera with a resolution of 700 x 480 can be used to identify a person in a 14 foot wide area. To get this I divided 50 pixels/ft into 700 pixels. If you want to view a larger area then you need a higher resolution camera.
For more about how to select the right system contact us for help in selecting the right system.
Where can I get accessories such as replacement lens, zoom lenses or other devices.
MG Security Solutions Inc provides a choice of lenses, enclosures, brackets and video cameras.
I don't understand the principle for how the images are sent. Single-cast or can they be multicasts and/or do I have to request each image from a browser?
The IP cameras send a stream of JPEG images (called motion JPEG) over the network. This has native support in Netscape and Internet Explorer for MAC, Windows Internet Explorer requires an ActiveX component or a Java applet (both downloaded automatically by IE from the IP Network Camera). The transmission method is single-cast, but the cameras support 10 or more simultaneous clients.
Do the cameras come with a PC application for storing and managing the video?
Some cameras (like the Vivotek and IQinvision cameras) come with very basic software. For applications that require 4 or more cameras we recommend additional software. We provide a number of optional software and hardware products for controlling cameras, viewing and storing the video on standard hard drives. Take a look at our IP Software guide for examples of the software available.
What are network video servers?
A network video server allows you to use a standard analog CCTV camera and connect it to a network. Basically, the network video server converts the analog output of the camera to digital and then, just like the network camera, has the software on its chip that broadcasts the AV data to the network.
What applications are good to use network cameras for?
Any site that already has a network in place (and networking cable already run) is a great opportunity to use network cameras. In large sites such as office buildings and schools you can save a lot of money by not having to run CCTV cable in addition to networking cable. Another kind of application that lends itself well to using network cameras is when remote viewing is essential - since network cameras provide remote connectivity by design. Examples of these applications are daycares or schools.
Can I put my network camera outside?
They can be installed outdoors if you put it in an outdoor housing. Another alternative is to use an outdoor camera and then connect it to your network via a network video server. Give us a call and we would be happy to help you decide the best approach for your situation.
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How to choose a CCTV Camera Lens?
You need to understand the following when choosing a cctv lens:
Focal Length
The Focal Length is measured in mm. As a guide:
a short focal length (e.g. 2.5mm) = a wide angle of view
a long focal length (e.g. 16mm) = a narrow angle of view
the smaller the CCD Chip - the narrower the angle of view
Depth of Field
The Depth of View is the distance within which objects in a picture are in focus.
A large Depth of Field means almost all objects in the Field of View are in focus.
A small Depth of Field means only a small section of the Field of View are in Focus.
The following factors can lead to a greater Depth of Field:
- Using a Wide Angle Lens
- High F-Stop
- Using an Auto Iris
- Camera Format
The size of the camera's CCD image device will affect the angle of view. CCTV Cameras come in different chip sizes - 2/3", 1/2", 1/3" and 1/4".
Approximate Horizontal angles of view for CCD Chip Cameras |
| Focal Length |
2/3" |
1/2" |
1/3" |
1/4" |
| 2.0mm |
- |
- |
- |
82 |
| 2.8mm |
- |
- |
86 |
57 |
| 4.8mm |
83 |
67 |
57 |
40 |
| 6.0mm |
70 |
56 |
48 |
32 |
| 8.0mm |
56 |
44 |
36 |
25 |
| 12.0mm |
39 |
30 |
25 |
17 |
| 16.0mm |
30 |
23 |
17 |
13 |
| 25.0mm |
18 |
15 |
12 |
8 |
| 50.0mm |
10 |
7 |
6 |
4 |
F Stop
F Stop or Aperture has 2 measurements. When the lens is fully open (Maximum Aperture / Minimum F-Stop), just before the lens completely closes (Minimum Aperture / Maximum F-Stop).
F Stop - is the lenses ability to gather light depending on the aperture and focal length.
C or CS Mount
The 2 standard cctv camera lens mounts. The difference between the two is simply the distance between the lens and the ccd image sensor. C Mount - 17.5mm CS Mount - 12.5mm
Auto or Manual Iris
For changing light conditions (e.g. cameras positioned outdoors), Auto Iris lenses are needed.
For indoor use manual iris lenses are sufficient as light levels will not vary too much.
Video or Direct Drive
The majority of CCTV Cameras will be able to use both types. Video Drive Lenses contain circuitry which converts video signal from the camera into iris control. Direct Drive Lenses require the cctv camera to contain the circuitry.
CCTV Lens Calculator
For a quick 1/3" CCD Camera you can work out the lens required using this simple method:
Distance from object multiplied by 4.8, divided by horizontal or vertical area equals the lens required.
d x 4.8 / A = L
e.g. To focus on an area 5m wide from a camera installed 20m away would be:
20 x 4.8 / 5 = 19.2
So you would need a lens with a focal length of 19.2mm.
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What is Powerline Networking?
Powerline Networking implies the use of existing AC
wiring in a building as the medium for data transmission.
In essence it performs the same function as a typical
Ethernet LAN without the Ethernet cabling. With Powerline
devices, virtually any equipment found in the home such
as PCs, printers, TVs, VCRs, set-top boxes, security
systems can be easily networked together through the
existing power connection. Powerline Networking doesn't
require any new wires and is both robust and affordable.
This technology is standards based and provides broadband
high-speed communications over existing AC powerlines
in the home. Performance levels are constantly improving
and VisualGate products utilize the latest versions
currently providing up to 85 MB/s throughput.
Are Powerline products proven?
Yes. The technology used by MG Security Solutions has
been fully implemented in silicon and tested in the
field. The components embedded in the MG Security Solutions
video solutions have been field tested in homes and
businesses across North America, Europe, South America,
Africa and the Middle East, covering thousands of communications
paths between outlets. Test results in residences have
shown close to a 100% outlet connectivity success rate.
How do powerline products communicate over the
powerlines?
Powerline video surveillance products utilize embedded
HomePlug Powerline technology to transmit data over
the existing electrical wiring of a building. This technology
allows you to simply set up your cameras and create
an instant network by plugging into any electrical outlet
making it possible for instant video connectivity to
the Internet or local server. For information on HomePlug®
technology, please visit www.homeplug.org.
How easy is the installation of the powerline
products?
Installation is very simple. The set up is fully automated.
After physical installation of the camera(s), the same
AC wiring that supplies power to the device carries
the data. All data communications are carried between
the powerline devices and also to the router or broadband
modem using this technology. Therefore, no additional
cabling is required.
Can I connect powerline products to power bars
with surge protector?
Powerline products have internal surge protectors in
some models. Some power bar products filter and attenuate
the signal carriers and affect the link quality in which
case they should be avoided and you should seek such
accessories that are identified as "Powerline compatible."
MG Security Solutions offers Powerline compatible accessories.
Should I use three-prong outlets with ground
or two-prong outlets without ground?
Powerline video travels on the two main powerline wires.
Existence of the Ground wire does not interfere with
our products. Therefore both two and three prong outlets
can be used.
Do powerline products work across multiple AC
line phases?
HomePlug uses high frequency signals and has a very
large dynamic range. This allows cross phase connectivity
in most cases. The tests performed on HomePlug technology
included houses with two and three phases. The statistical
connectivity of near 100% provided by HomePlug association
did not exclude such connections. For larger buildings
where there may be multiple phases used and the total
wiring is extensive, an electrician can simply insert
a device called a "phase coupler" to further improve
signal performance to most or all outlets in that building.
Is my privacy protected? How does Powerline
networking handle co-interference between 2 adjacent
homes both using Powerline?
Firstly, the data-bearing signal is highly attenuated
when it passes through your power meter and that of
your neighbor which in most cases reduces any outgoing
signal to a level that is unusable. Secondly, Powerline
products secure your data during transmission utilizing
56-bit, DES encryption to make sure your privacy is
protected. This data encryption is between all your
Powerline devices and is activated at the time of installation,
making your signal invisible to any other network or
device on the same local power line technology.
Does a Powerline signal travel through the public
AC line network?
No, in addition to the attenuation at the residential
electrical panel, outside the medium to low voltage
transformer further blocks the data-bearing signal from
traveling out to the public network.
How well do powerline products perform in the
presence of AC line noises such as when a hair dryer
is turned on? Special software embedded in
the technology adapts to these problems by automatically
moving among special carrier frequencies that are least
affected by the particular interference, thus maintaining
data performance even during such unusual interference.
Therefore products are protected against most line noises
using the embedded HomePlug® technology. In addition,
MG-Powerline uses our own technology (patent pending)
to adapt data rate and store video inside the device
when the line communication is severely affected or
even interrupted by some stronger, longer lasting noises.
This means that video signals are not lost and are re-sent
automatically as the interruption ceases. If the Powerline
characteristics degrade during a session, MG-Powerline
product will sense the change and automatically adapt
to provide the most reliable connection. When normal
conditions return, it resets to its original configuration.
What is power usage of powerline products? Would
my powerline fuse handle this extra power?
Powerline video surveillance products are low power,
typically about 5 watts. This power is much less than
most appliances on the powerline and does not break
your fuse or circuit breaker.
How much coupling is there between phases on
the Powerline?
The attenuation between phases is minimal. The average
data rate degradation that results from crossing phases
in the same home is approximately 4%. No additional
equipment is normally required to enable communication
between phases. Should the installer determine that
signal loss is greater than normal, a phase coupler
that is designed to transmit the broadband carrier signal
may be required.
Can I use powerline products in large homes
and buildings?
The HomePlug technology used in powerline products has
been widely tested in houses of various sizes with near
100% connectivity. It has been successfully tested in
some larger houses and buildings up to 7000 sq ft. In
rare cases of failure, one has a choice of using another
nearby power connection, or any electrician should be
able to provide a line to the location that is functional.
In some MG-Powerline products there is an RJ45 Ethernet
connector provided for alternative wired networking.
The powerline system can handle any combination of these
connections.
Can powerline devices work in apartment and
high-rise buildings?
Yes, many Powerline product designs and the architecture
allows for working in such buildings. Utilizing the
adaptive bandwidth control, advanced software as well
as special devices such as couplers, repeaters, bridges
and other components that are installed by the systems
integrator or electrician, MG-Powerline devices provide
a plausible video surveillance solution for such multi
dwelling buildings and campus environments.
What Powerline voltage and frequency is needed
for powerline products?
Powerline products are auto voltage. They work on both
110 and 220V and also through an AC range of 85 to 260V
for specialty applications, and have a frequency range
of 47 to 63 Hz.
Can I use multiple cameras on powerline?
The technology used by MG-Powerline allows for simultaneous
use of multiple cameras. The powerline patented technology
optimizes use of bandwidth to allow for full motion,
high-resolution video surveillance over the Powerline
network.
How does Powerline technology handle node addressing
on the network?
Powerline technology adheres to standard Ethernet addressing.
How does Powerline technology compare with wireless
technologies?
Although Powerline technology used by MG-Powerline resembles
wireless in some aspects, it offers many advantages,
providing better coverage and a more secure environment,
plus it is easier to set up. Wireless technologies provide
flexibility and mobility for the end user, have been
widely used in data networks and are increasingly employed
in new handheld electronic devices. For video surveillance
and security applications, wireless networking is not
as reliable as our powerline technology, and is more
difficult to set up and maintain particularly for security
of the video signal. The range of the wireless signal
is also more limited inside most buildings, and is more
often interfered with by other home appliances such
as cordless phones, microwaves etc. since they use the
same frequencies. A separate and isolated video security
network over powerlines will not be subject to the type
of down time often associated with the maintenance of
wireless and even conventional wired data networks.
It is also more immune from interference and security
attacks directed by malicious wireless handheld devices.
Will Powerline technology interfere with ADSL
services?
No, Powerline products do not interfere with ADSL services
because the radiated emissions are below FCC limits
and, in fact, below many existing RF signals in the
same band. In addition, the signal does not share the
same band with the most popular DSL techniques: DSL-Lite
and ADSL.
Does powerline technology coexist with other
networking technologies? Is it compatible with other
home networking technologies (including phone line,
Powerline, and RF)?
Yes, powerline technology does not cause interference
and can work together with other networking choices
including phone line, wireless and cable networking.
It can co-exist with phone line and RF networks with
no known problems. Other Powerline technologies using
FSK signaling will be treated as noise by the Powerline
products and do not pose a problem. Our products also
operate in a different frequency band than Powerline
control technologies such as X-10, CEBus, and Lonworks
and will usually coexist with them in the same home.
What happens if I need to use other electrical
extensions, power-bars etc.?
Connecting to a power-bar or one with integrated surge
suppressor that is not optimized for Powerline communications
may cancel the Powerline signals since these products
are designed to eliminate EMI emissions. The solution
if surge protection is required (as some MG-Powerline
products already embed this capability) is to check
that your electrical adapter is Powerline data friendly
or in particular "HomePlug® compatible." Such devices
are becoming more readily available, and MG Security
Solutions does have them available. When using electrical
extension cords if they are needed, most good quality
extensions should not interfere with performance in
normal use.
What makes PlugNSecur Alarm Unique?
PlugNSecur's self-monitoring tools, anytime protection,
allows our customers to be informed of alerts on any
text enabledcell phone as well as Arm and Disarm their
systems from any computer aroundthe world. With our
PlugNSecur web-based application you can add users and
delete users at anythime so that contractors, pet sitters
and other non-resident employees
and guests can enter and exit the premises without you
having to be at home, and while keeping your system
secure.
How easy is it to install?
The PlugNSecur system can be installed and activated
in less than an hour.
What happens upon alarm activation?
We offer several methods of handling this situation. With pre-configured
instructions to the monitoring station, or using our two-way audio to speak one
on one with the station or via the self-monitoring via SMS.
What happens if the alarm went off accidentatly?
If you trip the alarm accidentally, you can enter your code and then either call
the monitoring station directly or use the two-way communications on your control
panel.
Is it Pet compliant?
The motion detection devices are pet friendly. Our wireless detector is an intelligent
digital motion detector when set to pet immunity mode. This digital signal distinguishes
between the signals received from an intruder and those received from a pet.
Can PlugNSecur be used for medical alers?
Yes, our MG-Watch is our water resisteant panic button
pendant. Once pushed the monitoring station will receive
the alert and will proceed to follow instructions based
on pre-determined procedures and can also connect via
two-way calling. |
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