If you're thinking of using an IP camera (also known as a network camera or internet camera) within a restaurant, there are a few unique issues that need to be considered.
A restaurant will usually be lit in a dim fashion, therefore requiring a camera able to pick up low light levels. The architecture of the restaurant must also be considered, as dividing walls, separators, more than one exit and the existence of numerous rooms will impact how your Internet cameras should be set up.
Finally, the numerous moving physical objects within a restaurant environment such as tables, chairs and people must be kept in mind when determining how your security system should be set up. Considering each of these issues carefully will mean you make smart choices in your security plan, and that your staff and customers can be confident of being in a safe environment.
Lighting
Your restaurant may be subject to changes in lighting throughout the day, shifting from high levels of light when the sun is out to low levels when rooms are dimly lit at night. While having low levels of light in a restaurant is good for ambience, it can create problems if your IP cameras are not up to the task. For this reason, it's important to purchase a camera with variable day and night settings that can automatically adjust according to the light levels of whatever is being filmed.
If a room is at a consistently low level of light, a camera with variable settings will not be as necessary. It is, however, important to ensure the camera is capable of filming at low light levels. These are also referred to as having low lux capabilities. A camera with a very low lux rating will be able to film at decent quality with nothing but candlelight, though of course these cameras will cost you more.
Camera Positioning
In order to successfully monitor an area in which rooms are architecturally unorthodox, which consist of a high level of moving people and objects, positioning of your IP cameras is key.
Before placing your cameras, consider the most important areas that should be filmed in the restaurant. Consider the level of visibility that will be available to the camera when filming on a busy night, with an area filled with bustling staff and customers. Obviously, cameras should be at an elevated position, and you should ensure your cameras are equipped with sufficiently wide-angle lenses, so that an entire room can be covered easily.
In a larger room, it may not be possible for one camera to survey the entire area. In this case, consider purchasing an internet camera with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. The result of this will be that your camera is remotely movable, and can alter the area being monitored. If you do purchase a pan, tilt, zoom camera, remember that there will be areas of your restaurant that will be momentarily unmonitored. Purchasing more than one camera per room is also a viable solution to this problem.
In conclusion, take careful consideration when selecting which Internet cameras would be best for you, and how to arrange them in your restaurant. This will mean the difference between a store in which you and your staff are confident of their safety.
Author Resource:
The Vivotek IP7142 and IP7330 are ideal IP security cameras for restaurants and bars. They offer high quality video with reliable service. For information on purchasing, supporting or learning about IP Cameras, visit Network Camera Store or call (877) 638-2260.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")