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 Articles
1. Setting up a PC video surveillance system
2. Quickly Setup Your Security and Surveillance Configuration
3. Using Multiple Cameras to Monitor Effectively
4. View your camera remotely
5. Configuring Your PC for Internet Broadcasting
6. Selecting a Security, Surveillance Camera : CCTV or IP Camera
7. IP Camera Surveillance System
8. Security Alert: Get Email Notification With Photos
   
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  WebCam Monitor v5.13
   
   
  Setting up a PC video surveillance system
   
     
  Times have changed.  The crime graph is on the rise with a sharp increase being reported in the number of thefts, burglaries and break-ins.  You can remain a sitting duck, or choose to fight back.  Using a surveillance system to monitor things while you are away is a possible solution.  While not everyone can invest in closed circuit cameras, a PC based video surveillance system is an effective tool that anyone with a computer and web camera can install.  You can build your own peace of mind, instead of trying to buy it.  
 

A PC based video surveillance system is also ideal for monitoring your pets at home; or the front door, garage and  bedroom while you are away at work or on a vacation.  All you need is your PC, a webcam or IP camera, and advanced surveillance software like the popular WebCam Monitor.  With this combination, you can keep an eye on things, all the time and effortlessly.

 
  WebCam Monitor detects motion and noise.  You can configure automatic alerts when the camera detects motion.  The program notifies you instantly via email along with a snapshot.  It can also be configured to send messages to your mobile phone or record a video of the activity.  If you simply want to monitor things as they happen, you can do it from any location with a web browser and an Internet connection.  
   
  WebCam Monitor - Setting up a PC video surveillance system
   
  Setting up the camera
 
1. The first step is to carry out a threat analysis of your assets and identify the ones which are most vulnerable or valuable.  Then take a quick tour of the premises and spot the entry or exit points.
   
2. Connect a webcam to your PC, and place it at so that it can view the points you had identified.  If you intend to monitor your children or pets live over the Internet, then it is a good idea to mount the webcam at a height that gives you a panoramic view of the room.
   
3. You need to carry out a few dry test runs to be sure that the webcam is placed perfectly.  You can do this by using the WebCam monitor Preview window.
   
4. Start WebCam monitor.  Select your WebCam in the Add Camera Wizard option from under the File menu.  Click on Start Preview and adjust your Webcam’s position till you get the perfect feed.
 
   
  Configuring WebCam Monitor
  Once the physical setup is ready, you can start configuring the software using the Auto Configuration Wizard.  The Auto Configuration Wizard quickly configures WebCam Monitor when you select a monitoring scenario.  This wizard consists of five of the most common ways the program is used.  All you need to do is select one of these and the application gets configured!  
     
  Noise and Motion Triggered/ Periodically Activated Alerts  
  Apart from using the pre-defined settings in the Auto Configuration Wizard, you can go to Tools menu > Options > Monitoring tab and configure individual alerts and specify when to trigger them.  You can either choose to be alerted periodically or when motion or noise occurs.  You can also specify the type of alert you want, i.e. email with a photo, sound alarm or a recorded video of the activity (or all three).  
     
  To improve motion detection accuracy, it is important to select the highest possible motion sensitivity value that keeps false alarms to a minimum.  Too low a sensitivity can cause significant events to be missed, but too high a value can cause many false alarms.  It is a good idea to keep the noise detection sensitivity low to prevent false alarms.  The Motion/Noise Detection Delay feature allows you to specify the time interval after which the Motion/Noise Detection is started.  This gives you time to leave the area after starting WebCam monitor, so you don't trigger an alert yourself.  
     
  WebCam Monitor - Motion Detection Settings  
   
  If there is continuous motion, such as people moving, then periodically activated alerts must be used.  Select the After Every option.  For example, if you are monitoring your child, you can have snaps emailed to you every ten minutes,  letting you be sure that everything is fine.  You can also periodically FTP the images to your web site for remote monitoring.  Specify the time in hours, minutes and seconds under the After every option.  
     
  Now check the alerts to use from the Select Alerts option.  The Configure button for each alert can be used to change its settings to suit your monitoring requirements.  
   
  The safety of your near and dear ones and your belongings should always be a top priority.  The advanced features of WebCam Monitor can provide you with effective surveillance ability, at virtually no extra hardware cost.  Setup PC based video surveillance using WebCam Monitor to enjoy peace of mind.