Alnet DVR Systems Now Support Mac Client

Alnet CMS 4 Client for Mac

Now our Alnet PC-Based DVR/NVR systems support Mac

Our most popular home and business security camera systems have now released a new client software for Macs.  This long-awaited software client allows all of our customers to view their live cameras, as well as playback video right on their Mac computers.  The new CMS 4 BETA client can be downloaded and installed on an unlimited number of computers, and allows connection to multiple computers simultaneously as well. 

Alnet® Netstation PC Based DVR, NVR and Hybrid systems will record with a DVR card and Analog cameras, IP Cameras over the network, or both types of cameras together in the same system.  This software provides industry leading recording and remote viewing capabilities, including the ability to watch cameras from your PC, Laptop or view security cameras from iPhone, watch your home from Android phones.  Now you can even see your home from your Mac.  Best of all, if you already have an Alnet DVR card or NVR system, you can simply install the new CMS client on any Mac computer and connect to your system, no purchases necessary.  Don’t have an Alnet DVR card or Alnet Netstation NVR software yet, get one now.

Are Security Cameras Causing Your Business to Fail

Your Security Cameras are not causing your business to fail

Reality TV: “Security Cameras cause your business to fail”

Business makeover ‘Reality’ shows adorn nearly every channel and cover every type of business these days.  They are almost impossible to miss, from “Tabatha’s Takeover” to “Hotel Hell” or “Bar Rescue” and many, many, many more.  These pseudo reality TV shows all feature an expert coming in and pointing out the things that are wrong with the business.  While many of the things are the same-old overbearing manager not listening to the owner, or employees who don’t care, it seems that there is an increasing number of episodes that have been erroneously pointing the finger at business security cameras as the cause of the problems with the business.

Each of these episodes point at the stereotypical hands-off business owner, who doesn’t want to ever be at their business, but supposedly sit and watch their security cameras over the internet and then call their employees to tell them what they are doing wrong, or worse yet just sit and stew about the things their employees are doing, but never say anything.  Personally I am sick and tired of the vilification of these useful tools for business owners, which I might add emphatically, are also inanimate objects.  While I am thrilled that the technology has risen to the level of becoming a character on multiple episodes of various TV shows, I cannot say that I buy into the old adage that any publicity is good publicity.  I find the prejudicial diatribes rolling off the lips of these experts to be insulting and damaging to business owners everywhere.

The security camera systems in these shows, though accurately portrayed in their abilities, are often ripped from the business walls or ceiling, cited as evil tools that caused the downfall of the business in general.  The business owners are shown to be lazy and ineffective, because they don’t want to be at their business to have anything to do with the management of their business.  Having worked with thousands of business owners in the past 10 years, I have yet to find a single business owner who has told me that they got the cameras because they couldn’t be bothered to go into their business (despite their 100′s of thousands of debt).  Much to the contrary, every business owner that I have spoken with says they are looking for cameras because despite the amount of time that they spend in their business, they cannot be there every minute of every day.  It seems that when they are not there, things begin to happen at their business that negatively impacts their business, ranging from money missing in the register, to customer complaints about poor service.

Any business owner would see missing cash or poor customer service as a serious issue that needs immediate action.  While there are some owners that would immediately jump to conclusions, toss out accusations and immediately punish or axe the suspected perpetrators, most well-intentioned bosses see that without the appropriate evidence or information, it is impossible to make a correct judgement.  Business owners don’t usually elevate in their career to owning their own business by jumping to conclusions without appropriate information.  This is where business security camera systems can really shine. With tools in place like these, the owner can quickly and easily jump back to find out what exactly happened.  Video footage doesn’t lie and isn’t subject to interpretation, like the tainted remembrances of onlookers or employees.  This makes finding the truth of the situation fast and easy.

The portability of todays camera systems, also permits owners to connect in to view what is happening when they find themselves separated from their beloved business.  Now when a call comes in asking a question about where inventory was placed, or anything else that an employee might call or text to ask while the owner is running errands or finally enjoying their lunch at 4:30 in the afternoon, answers are only a few taps away on an iPhone or Android phone.  Workers often look to the owner of the business they work for as their guide and director, and often continue to ask questions and expect quick answers even when the owner is away.  Answers require information, so for many business owners we have worked with throughout the years, their remote accessible security cameras have become their lifeline.  With timely, accurate information they can even answer the dreaded question “Can I go home early, because it has been slow today”, by quickly taking a look and seeing whether the business has been over-staffed for the day, or if ACTUALLY it would be detrimental to let someone go.  Of course the information received from the individual asking to leave will be tainted, so without another lifeline, answering the question is like taking a stab in the dark.

High Definition IP Cameras allow you to see even more

See more with HD MegaPixel IP Cameras

While there is no question that cameras CAN be used to micro-manage, berate, bug or otherwise cause stress with employees, more often they provide information that can lead to better business decisions and even reduced stress for employees by helping to eliminate false accusations.  I cannot say that all business owners use the tool properly, I have also seen screwdrivers used improperly too.  In fact, the owners who would use security cameras this way are the same ones who micro-manage when they are on-site too.  It is tough to believe that so many “experts” in the business world who have elevated their career to the point of making over businesses, would overlook the positive aspects of these valuable tools on a daily basis and instead tell the owners that the cameras need to be removed.  It would be nice to see even a single business makeover “Reality” TV show depict the technology in the way that most business owners use it.  If the editors and writers think that the public is sick of just repeatedly hearing that the business is sliding downhill from incompetent staff or owners, dirty facilities or poor tasting food, find a new spin.  Stop blaming the failure on the business security cameras.  A tool is a tool is a tool.  Stop blaming the wrench for the leaky faucet.

Security Camera Footage Might Help Catch Man Keying $500,000 of Luxury Cars

Man keys cars in dealership causing $500,000 in damage

Man keys luxury cars in car lot, causing $500,000 in damage

A Oklahoma car dealer is reeling in the wake of over $500,000.00 in damages from one man’s sunday morning stroll through their dealership.  Owner T.J. Norris said he couldn’t believe it, “While everyone was at church, he came up here and walked the lot and keyed 12 of our vehicles”.  The 12 vehicles picked by the assailant, turned out to be real doozies, including a Maserati, a Porsche and an Escalade among others.  The damage toll rose about $500,000.

The Car Dealership had an active business security camera system, providing them with video coverage of the incident.  They are hoping that the video footage might help bring the perpetrator to justice, though it is unlikely that he will have the funds to ever repay the dealership.

Though we hope that the grainy video footage will be able to assist the police in capturing the perp, unfortunately just having any security cameras, like the grainy ones shown here, will not always provide the necessary distinguishing characteristics that are needed to help bring the perpetrator to justice.  That is why we have just added a new affordable line of High Definition Business MegaPixel IP Cameras, which can provide 7-25 times the resolution of traditional CCTV security cameras, so that grainy video footage will be a thing of the past.  These new high def IP cameras connect to your computer network, and stream video to an NVR or PC based NVR that will record the video in high-definition, and even allow you to view security cameras on your Android or watch surveillance footage on iPhone.

With High Definition Business Security Cameras, each camera records in HDTV resolutions, so you can even zoom in after the fact to see the full quality of the video.  This means that you have a much greater chance of capturing license plates, facial recognition and other distinguishing characteristics that can lead to an arrest of the perpetrators that would try to destroy your business.  Protect your car dealership, store, restaurant or business with Platinum CCTV™ MegaPixel HD IP Cameras

H.264 Standalone DVR Software Download for Remote Access

Many home or business owners are tricked by a ‘cheap’ Standalone DVR, and unfortunately find out after receiving their DVR, they find out that their cheap DVR came with a manual translated from Chinese and no useable technical support, leaving them to try to get their DVR online without any software, with no support and with no help.

Our Platinum CCTV H.264 Standalone :DVRs come with software for remote viewing security cameras from iPhone and Android

Each of our Standalone DVRs come with DVR software AND Free remote configuration

First, let us take a moment to describe what our Platinum CCTV™ Standalone DVRs offer that many ‘discount’ or ‘cheap’ DVRs don’t.  First, each of our DVRs is carefully planned, designed and assembled to offer not only the features that are needed for a home or business security camera installation, but also we spend hundreds of hours ensuring our customers will be able to use all of our cool features, by putting together instructional videos, as well as developing software to allow cutting edge access from your iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, Mac or PC.  Our product doesn’t end with just a well-priced DVR, but rather a complete solution that our customers can really use.  Beyond our US Based Technical Support, Instructional Videos and Cutting Edge software, we take it one step further.  Each Platinum CCTV™ Standalone DVR comes with professional remote internet configuration and setup of the DVR Software!

If your H.264 Standalone DVR has a menu similar to this one, then our DVRCMS (Windows) and DVRPlayer (Mac) Software should work for your DVR

If your DVR Menu looks like this, our DVR Software Downloads should work for you

That being said, we know that many of you already have a standalone DVR that you purchased elsewhere.  That is ok, we can still offer you a download of our H.264 Standalone DVR software which works with many other brand and model DVRs as well.  Simply compare your DVR menus with the menus shown on our page, as long as it matches, there is a good chance that it will work for you.  With purchase of our H.264 Standalone DVR Software, we will even include playlists to show you how to use the software, and configure DVRs with similar menus.  Download H.264 Standalone DVR Software

Moped Driver in New Orleans hopes Security Cameras will help

A moped driver in New Orleans is recovering after being pinned under a car that decided to blow through a stop sign while he was driving through the intersection.  While there were no street surveillance cameras in place, a security camera on the home of a nearby resident caught the accident, providing footage that may help police find and identify the perpetrator of this crime.

If blowing through a stop sign and pinning the man under her car wasn’t bad enough, this driver even got out of her vehicle and asked if the moped drive was ok.  When he told her he was not, she backed up her car, and turned down the street to get away from the scene.

High Definition Home Security Camera

High Definition IP cameras can provide even greater detail for better recognition

You never know who your home security cameras might help.  A high quality home security camera system like our High Definition MegaPixel IP camera Systems for home could have even provided better security coverage, perhaps rendering even better video for identification of the vehicle.  Your home and family are important, but your cameras might inadvertently help someone else as well.

Standalone DVR and How it helps your Business

Standalone DVR that records from your business security cameras in Real Time

Our DVR-88xxRT Real Time H.264 Standalone DVRs

What is a Standalone DVR, and What does it do for my business?  If you have searched for business security cameras or surveillance systems, you have probably come across the term ‘standalone dvr’.  To someone in the industry, this is just another everyday term, but for a business owner looking for security, this might not make any sense at all.  So lets take a look at what a Standalone DVR is, and what it can do for your business security.

A Standalone DVR is a self-contained digital video recorder.  This device is designed to replace the older VCR recorders that used to be plugged into security cameras for recording.  Unlike its predecessor, the DVR records the video digitally onto a hard drive, so that it can automatically record over the oldest video and recall video easily.  DVRs also generally have motion detection style recording capabilities, which will allow your security system to only record when something is actually happening.  Additionally, Standalone DVR recorders provide added benefits of internet access for your camera system, providing you with the ability to access security cameras from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connect.  Remote access varies drastically depending on the model DVR that is used.  Some DVRs, like our DVR-88xxRT Real Time Full D1 Standalone DVRs even offer access from iPhone, Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phones.

 

Our DVR-88xxRT H.264 Standalone DVRs will allow you to view your security cameras over the internet from iPhone and Android phones

View your Security Cameras from iPhone, Android, BlackBerry or Windows Phones

In short, the standalone DVR becomes the brains of your business security camera system, so selection of a unit that not only provides you with the recording features that you need, but also the remote access capabilities that will make it easier for you to keep an eye on your business.  Our DVR-88xxRT series standalone DVRs provide real-time video recording on all cameras at full resolution, and offer multi-camera remote viewing of security cameras from iPhone, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phones.

Thief Worries about Security, Leads Police Right to him

According to Community News Corp, A Hayfield, MN man must have been worried about his own security, when he decided to steal security cameras from a local car wash.  The owner of the car wash noticed the cameras were missing and called police, who promptly reviewed the video and watched as the suspect, identified as Troy Rasmussen, removed the security cameras from the outside of the building.

Police then tracked the man down easily, considering his license plate was captured by the cameras, and searched his house.  In the end, this thief would have perhaps been suited for a different career, as the police found not only the cameras, but also paraphernalia  that tested positive for crystal meth.  Oops.

Platinum CCTV™ MegaPixel HD IP cameras provide great video quality for license plate capture

Capture more license plates with Megapixel IP Cameras

It is nice when high quality security cameras can deliver the needed evidence to put suspects behind bars.  It is much easier for police to do their job, when your home or business is protected with security cameras.  Sure, there is the off-chance, like with this incident where the perp might try tearing down the security cameras, but adequate coverage with good quality cameras, such as high-definition IP cameras, can deliver the video quality to deliver more than just the stereotypical blurry footage you see on the news, making it easier to find the suspect.

Daily Reminder that no one is Immune to Employee Theft

Security cameras for businesses, like our HD-4210 Indoor MegaPixel IP cameras provide crisp, clear video

Platinum CCTV™ HD-4210 Indoor HDTV IP Camera

Everyday we see it in the news, someone new is arrested because they stole from the company they work for and finally got caught doing it.  Well today, the news was just a reminder that it doesn’t matter what type of business or agency you run, you aren’t immune to employee theft.  Today Nueces County DMV office reported that they would now are installing security cameras like ours to watch their employees and patrons alike.  It seems that last year, the DMV was victim to theft of license plates and registration stickers alike, that ended up on the vehicles of many uninsured motorists somehow through the ‘black market’.  An inside job?  Well no proof from last year, but it sure seems likely.

With these past thefts in mind, the DMV has undertaken their own security camera installation, to help prevent this theft again this year, and provide evidence of the theft if it does occur.  So keep in mind, as a business owner, it really doesn’t matter what business you are in, thieves can easily find a way to monetize your product, and receive 100% margins for themselves.  None of us are immune unfortunately.

High Definition MegaPixel IP cameras like our latest line of Platinum CCTV™ HD cameras can deliver crisp, clear video quality with more than 7-10 times the resolution of traditional CCTV security cameras.  This means better recognition of faces, license plates or anything else you point the camera at, and even allowing you to employ less cameras to provide the coverage that you require.

Replace your Old Security DVR with a New H.264 Internet Model

 

Our new Real Time H.264 Standalone DVRs are easy replacements for older DVRs

Replace your old DVR with our new Platinum CCTV™ models with iPhone, Android and BlackBerry

Many of our customers are looking to upgrade their security at their home or business.  In many cases, you may be able to keep all of your existing cameras and simply upgrade your recorder to enjoy the latest features and functionality.  By using your existing cameras you can now upgrade your camera system to help iPhone blackberry and android support without having to start from scratch. All of our Platinum CCTV Standalone DVR’s, have support for all standard CCTV security cameras, which have standard BNC connectors. These H.264 Standalone DVR’s have the latest Internet remote viewing capabilities, providing you with access to your cameras over the Internet from anywhere in the world. Because it uses your existing Internet connection, you do not need to pay any monthly fees.

These new DVR’s have real-time video recording at a full 30 frames per second per camera, for smooth video recording in either home or business environments.  Simply unplug your old DVR, and connect your cameras to your new Platinum CCTV DVR.  Your cameras will now begin recording in real-time on your new DVR and allow access over the Internet.  Best of all are experts connected to your computer over the Internet and help you configure your Internet connection to allow you to connect to your cameras.  This way you do not have to be a professional to view your cameras online.  Get a Standalone DVR to replace your older VCR or DVR or find a Standalone DVR system with our new Real Time DVRs.

Vacation Home? Our new Standalone DVRs offer features you NEED.

Quality Security Camera Systems from Platinum CCTV can provide added features for vacation homes

Protect your Vacation Home in style with Platinum CCTV Security camera systems

Anyone with a vacation home knows that from the moment you leave your home away from home to the moment you return, there is always some worry in the back of your mind.  These worries can range from the basic “Did I remember to lock all the doors” to the crucial “Will my sump pump overflow or my pipes freeze while I’m away”.  No matter what your concern with your vacation home, our Platinum CCTV™ Standalone DVR and PC based DVR systems have the peace of mind that you seek.  From LIVE Video remote viewing from PDA phones, to email and text message alerts when freeze sensors, water sensors, motion sensors or door sensors are tripped off, our security camera systems are a must-have for any vacation home owner who is serious about protecting their property from both theft, vandalism and damage from the elements.

The basic fears of home security are abated through off-site live video remote viewing features which are built-in to each of our security camera systems.  With these systems, you can check in on your slice of paradise at any time, allowing you to see live in real-time what is happening at your home from your iPhone, Android Phone, Windows Phone 8 or other PDA phones or tablets.  Remote viewing over the internet uses your existing internet connection, so there are NO MONTHLY FEEs for remote viewing.

These Real Time H.264 Standalone DVRs provide high quality video recording and remote viewing options for vacation homes

Platinum CCTV Standalone DVR Systems for Vacation Homes

The first type of vacation home security camera system is our H.264 Real Time Standalone DVRs are a newly released update to our previous standalone DVR recorders, which will plug into your security cameras, provide remote viewing from PC, Laptop, Mac, iPhone, Android and Windows Phones and even provide some higher level features that are not present in most DVRs, which we will discuss later.  These standalone DVRs are about the size of a DVD player, so they will fit almost anywhere in your home, and do not require you to have a PC on location with the cameras to record.

Our higher-end security camera systems use a PC for recording, they consist of a PC software (and sometimes a DVR Card) and will use a PC at your vacation home to perform the recording. These systems have a bit more processing power, and therefore can offer some higher level features and functionality, especially from a remote site.  Our Alnet® PC Based NVR (Network Video Recorder) systems consist of Platinum CCTV™ High Definition MegaPixel IP Cameras and a software that will record in HDTV resolution from these cameras onto a PC right over the network, while our Alnet PC-Based DVR Card/Software systems will record from traditional CCTV security cameras onto your computer.  Both types of Alnet PC-Based DVR/NVR Systems offer enhanced remote viewing features, allowing live view and Playback of video from PCs, Laptops, iPhones, Androids, Windows Phone 8 and other PDA phones.  This system also allows control of moving cameras, DIgital Zoom on live view of cameras, control of Digital inputs and outputs and more, making it the ideal choice for users who like to digitally visit their vacation homes often.

For advanced-level alerts, our Standalone DVR AND PC Based systems even offer the ability to connect external sensors to allow you to get alerts when sensors are tripped off.  This means that you can wire up your vacation home to let you know when doors are opened with door sensors, when movement is detected with motion sensors, or even when pipes are approaching freezing temperatures (freeze sensors) or moisture is detected (Water/Fluid sensors).  Using these positive style sensors, you can get alerts live to your phone or email when something of interest happens.  For example, I was moved to write this today, as my Alnet® PC Based NVR System sent me a text message alert today when the pipes under my house reached 41°, letting me know that we are in danger of having the pipes freeze, causing potential damage to the plumbing.  Once I receive the alert, I was able to contact a nearby friend to go check on the house in the 5°F Outside temperature, and found that the pipe heater GFCI circuit had tripped and caused the pipe heaters to stop working.  A quick reset and our very generous friend has helped save us $1000s of dollars of damage to the property that we might not have even known about for another week otherwise.  Sensors like freeze or leak sensors, when used with a good security camera system, can help keep you fully appraised of the condition of your vacation property, so you can always know what is happening, and alleviate unnecessary worry.

Our H.264 Standalone DVRs and System with Input Email/Text Alerts

Our Alnet PC Based DVR Systems with Input/Output Control from PDA Phones and Text/Email Alerts

Our Alnet High Definition MegaPixel IP NVR Systems with Text/Email Alerts

Or call us today at 866-537-5438 to learn more about how our camera systems can help your vacation home or home stay more secure.