? What's the difference between a wired camera and a wireless camera?

A wired camera has a cable that goes from the camera to a TV or VCR. The video signal is passed from the camera, through the cable, and to your TV or VCR which allows you to see the picture. All wired cameras must use RCA cable to connect the camera to the TV or VCR. We have cable available in 50, 100 and 150 foot lengths. Longer lengths are available please call.

A wireless camera does not need an RCA cable connected from the camera to the TV or VCR. The video signal is transmitted through the air to the TV or VCR directly, or to a receiver. However, wireless cameras still require power. You can apply power by either using batteries, or by plugging the camera into a regular wall outlet.

? What's the difference between 434Mhz, 900Mhz, 1.2Ghz and 2.4Ghz  cameras?

Mhz = Megahertz
Ghz = Gigahertz

These refer to the different frequencies that our cameras use.
434Mhz wireless cameras do not need a receiver. The TV or VCR picks up the signal automatically by having the TV or VCR set to receive cable channel 59 and using a regular rabbit ears antenna. The actual cable must be disconnected to allow the antenna to be connected.

900Mhz, 1.2Ghz and 2.4Ghz wireless cameras require a receiver to pick up the video signal. The receiver in turn is plugged into the TV or VCR with provided RCA cable. Receivers are sold separately from the cameras unless otherwise specified.

Other differences:
434Mhz, 900Mhz & 1.2Ghz wireless cameras transmit 1000 feet line of sight. 2.4Ghz wireless cameras transmit 600-700 feet line of sight. Line of sight distance is under optimal conditions with no interference and no obstructions between camera and receiver.

? So which one should I get?

If you have a 900MHz cordless phone, go with the 2.4GHz or 434MHz. If you have a 2.4GHz phone, go with the 900MHz, 1.2Ghz  or 434MHz. Phones near the same frequency as the camera may interfere with the video signal.  If you don't think it will matter, then go with the 2.4GHz systems. They have shown to be less prone to other signal interference than the 434MHz or the 900MHz systems. Other signal interference could be wires in the walls, the type of walls you are transmitting through, or even appliances. It's recommended that you use 2.4GHz systems if you are inside a structure and going through walls. The signal stays stronger through walls.

? Do I need to get cable with my camera?

All wired cameras require RCA cable to connect your camera to a TV or VCR. Cameras with a description that says wired for Plug and Play Connection have two leads coming out from the camera. One of these leads is for power. A power supply is provided to plug into a regular wall outlet. The other lead is an RCA video connection to connect to your TV or VCR. The video connection is a female connection and additional RCA cable must be obtained to connect to your TV or VCR. We have cable available in 50, 100 and 150 foot lengths. If the description says it comes with cable, then you only need additional cable if the size specified is not enough.  Please remember, that 12 volt cameras are not at times able to send a signal over over 200 feet of direct RCA cable. If you have longer runs, you made have to use special RG59 Power/Video cable or perhaps switch to a 24 Volt camera which has greater power.
 

?  Are the cameras difficult to set up?

Both the wired and the wireless cameras are very easy to set up. You do not need any special knowledge or skills to set up and operate these hidden cameras. Basically, all you do is apply power, either by plugging it to a regular wall outlet or by using batteries.

For a wired camera, you plug the RCA cable into the camera and run the cable to your TV or VCR. Follow your TV or VCR instruction manual for viewing the video input. (usually the channel below channel 2).

For a wireless camera with receiver (900Mhz, 1.2Ghz or 2.4Ghz), apply power either by plugging it to a regular wall outlet or by using batteries. The receiver plugs into a wall outlet as well or you can use a battery pack. The receiver plugs into your TV or VCR the same as wired cameras.

?  Can I use my camcorder to record?

You can use a camcorder or any video device that has a video-in port that will accept RCA cable. Depending on your input port, it may be necessary for you get an RCA to BNC connection adapter. These are easily obtainable at any Radio Shack for $2-$4.  Most higher end video cameras (Sony/Canon)0  have a "In and Out" mode. Meaning, if your camcorder has a video input, you can use any covert or regular sized video camera to record direct to the video cameras. 

?  Do the cameras come equipped with audio?

Covert use of video and audio together is reserved for law enforcement personnel only. We do not carry any hidden cameras that have audio capability. Audio is only available to law enforcement agencies due to federal law - Title 18, Section 2512.

?  What is Resolution and Lux?

Resolution refers to the cameras ability to reproduce images. The higher the resolution, the better. Lux refers to the amount of light that is needed for the camera to see. This becomes important if you need the cameras to see in low light. The lower the Lux, the better.

?  I have a 2.4GHz telephone system, will that be a problem?

Yes, more than likely. There are a number of problems showing up. When the phone is picked up, the picture may go out. You may not get any picture at all. There may be a horizontal hold type problem with the picture. There is no telling what problem may occur because of all the telephone manufacturers and the different telephones. If you have a 2.4GHz phone system or any other 2.4GHz system in your home or office, please consider hard-wired, 900MHz., 1.2Ghz or replacing your existing 2.4 appliance.

?  Do I have to order online using a credit card?

No, you do not have to order online, but it is the most recommended. you may call in your order and give your credit card number over the phone. You may use www.Paypal.com, or you may send a money order or check.

?  Why do you need my credit card billing address?

We cannot process orders without the entire correct billing address of your credit card and phone number. Because of the nature of our products, the cost involved, and the amount of fraud on the Internet, we must verify every credit card transaction. The verification process is automated through the merchant card processing company and they require that you type in the exact address to where the credit card is billed. This is for your protection as well as ours. If the billing address is incorrect, we will have to contact you to find out why.

Special Note: We do not call your home or work and talk to anyone but you. We don't ask or tell your spouse or child or nanny anything. We only speak to the person whose name is on the order.

?  How long before I receive my order?

Standard DHL ground takes 4-5 days. You may request Next Day Air, Second Day Air, etc. We will add the charges to your credit card. Some products may take a couple of days to assemble. Many of our products will ship the same day or next day, depending on what time you order.  We also use USPS PRIORITY MAIL which takes 3 business days.

If you feel we should elaborate more on any of these questions or if you feel there should be another question answered here, please let us know by  email.