Alternative Surveillance Devices

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:36:29 +0000

For most situations, standard surveillance equipment will provide enough security to satisfy the home or business owner. But there are always cases where one might need something a bit more exotic. It may be that you have a room which is prone to theft, or you need the ability to record on the go. And it is quite possible that a situation may arise where you need something much more covert. In this post, we will describe a few alternative surveillance options which may provide the extra pair of eyes or ears you require.

Two-Way Mirrors

A very useful and available tool for covert surveillance in certain circumstances is the two-way mirror. Most often associate with police interrogations, these mirrors provide a one-way unrestricted view of the area on the opposite side. These mirrors have a special coating that reflects an image back to its source, just like a standard mirror, while individuals on the reverse side can see through it, like a window. You can find these mirrors in several stores online, as well as local spy and glass shops. You may choose to install these in between rooms so an area may be watched by a live person, or you may opt to simply setup a spy camera on the window-side of the mirror instead. Remember to keep the viewing side in much lower light than the mirror side, or you may be able to see through it from both locations.

Snake Cameras

If you are ever in a situation where you need to see around corners, in tight spaces, or under doors, a snake camera may be the tool for you. These cameras are designed to be thin and flexible, so you can bend them around most objects. Snake cameras come in various lengths, thicknesses, and camera quality. Some even have the ability to withstand water to some degree. Make sure you carefully evaluate your intended uses for one of these cameras and compare the specifications to your recording equipment to ensure they are compatible. If you only need a camera of this type for a single use, consider locating a security or surveillance shop in your area to see if they have snake cameras for rent.

Cellular-Based Hidden Audio Devices

If you do not need visual surveillance, but are only concerned with hearing what is happening in a particular location, you may want to look into cellular-based hidden audio devices. Sometimes called GSM hidden audio systems, these devices look like regular household or office items, such as a fully-functional surge protector or power strip. They include a very-sensitive small microphone, which can be activated either by voice activity or a phone call. Simply use any phone to call the number this device is attached to and you will immediately be able to hear everything going on near the device. Currently, both AT&T and T-Mobile have plans that will work with these devices.

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Alternative Surveillance Devices