FAQ

What is TrueLook?

TrueLook is the visual operating system for Internet. It connects Internet users and visual resources on a network, including live cameras, visual databases, and tools for using and sharing pictures and video. TrueLook creates the visual infrastructure for tasks including visual merchandising, visual collaboration, management of operations through visual monitoring and recording, and live, and method for communicating spectacular views at unique locations and events.

How long has TrueLook been in business?

TrueLook has been a recognized leader in IP network web camera management since 1995, and an innovator of powerful, easy to use digital video surveillance systems. TrueLook, the network web camera management system off which TrueSentry is based, is used by US Army, US Army Corp of Engineers, GE Power Systems, Boeing, NASA, and many others.  Since its inception, TrueLook has served up over 2.2 BILLION images to over 100 MILLION unique users on every continent in the world (including Antarctica!)

Where are you located?

TrueLook is headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC.

Are TrueLook images LIVE?

Yes. The primary, interactive or streaming service is live. TrueLook also provides tools to share stored views in photo albums and scheduled shot archives.

How does it work?

Network camera(s) are installed in the desired location, indoors or out, assigned a static, publicly routable IP Address, and connected directly to the Internet. The TrueLook server maintains a persistent connection with the camera. An html player provides the user with all the tools to view live images, view archives and photo albums, and send images via email using our patented LIVECards technology to others, etc. When an Internet user comes to your website and clicks in the picture there, the request is converted into specific pan/tilt/zoom commands and sent to the camera, which snaps a new, live image from that location for the user.

How many simultaneous users can a TrueLook system handle?

The answer to this question is “virtually unlimited”. The TrueLook software can handle as many requests as any web server. When an extraordinarily large number of users are simultaneously asking for pictures, TrueLook uses a proprietary algorithm to share and reuse recent images to meet similar requests and serve all users. We have customers who serve millions of images a month without difficulty. We’re confident we can meet your needs, too.

What types of plug-ins are required at the client end?

None. TrueLook does not require any plug-ins! Anyone with a working Web browser anywhere in the world can view the live and archived images. You will not have to subject your users to annoying downloads.

What type of Internet connection is necessary to serve images?

TrueLook camera systems support Internet connections ranging from ISDN (dial-up) to T1/T3 leased line services and DSL; however TrueLook recommends “always-on” connections. Network cameras do require a static IP Address or “dynamic DNS”, for inbound server connections to the device.

What is included in a TrueLook system?

A camera system with mount configured to run TrueLook software, video and power cabling, and TrueLook service, to get the system up and running.

Is TrueLook secure?

Yes. All server and camera connections are completed over TCP/IP. As such, firewall rules may be established limiting the access to and from specific IP Addresses or locations. This way, unauthorized access to the system may be expressly forbidden.  TrueLook also has user-level security. User accounts can be created for each application, specifying the number of concurrent connections by any given user and the level of access. The users will be presented with a logon screen asking for a username and password before being granted access to the TrueLook resources.

Can I watch live video with TrueLook?

Yes, TrueLook does offer a live video capability.  Generally, a fast Internet connection and fixed camera are recommended for streaming video.  The live video allows users to watch what is going on in real-time.

Does TrueLook record video?

No, TrueLook is not a surveillance solution, so it is not continuously recording video.  Only programmed timelapse data and user images are saved on the system.

Can I put TrueLook my website?

Yes, it is simple to integrate, embed, or just link to the camera on your current webpage using simple HTML code.  We will gladly provide the necessary information to you and your webpage designers for adding the camera to website.  Additionally, you may choose to keep your camera private and share the URL amongst only those you choose.

What is needed to use TrueLook?

TrueLook is an entirely web-based application.  The front-end user interface requires Flash for proper operation.  Additionally, Java and plain HTML versions are available if needed.  The admin interface requires Java.

Is weather a concern?

No, outdoor TrueLook cameras require the use of an enclosure which protects them from the elements.  A variety of options for the enclosures are available to handle extreme hot, cold, and wet environments.

What is a megapixel camera?

A megapixel camera is generally a high resolution fixed camera.  It produces images of a much higher quality and resolution than a traditional fixed camera.  Like a fixed camera, it can be moved, but the high resolution allows for a digital PTZ by “zooming in” on the detail of the image.

What is a fixed camera?

A fixed camera is a non-robotic camera that is placed in one position and can only view the same area.  There is no way to command the camera to look at a different location.

What is a PTZ camera?

PTZ stands for pan-tilt-zoom.  This means the camera can be steered in almost any direction up/down/left/right and then zoom with a powerful optical lens.  The cameras are often called robotic camera because they use motors to steer the camera to the area you wish to view.

What is the lead time on your equipment?

The lead time for TrueLook hardware is approximately 5-10 business days.  The lead time will vary based upon your particular hardware package and any special configuration or installation needs.

Can the camera be moved once it is set up?

Yes. You are free to move your camera at any time to any different location or site provided the necessary power/connectivity components are in place.

Do you offer installation services?

Yes, installation services are offered by TrueLook for an additional cost.  We have a national and accredited partner who will find a qualified contractor in your area to perform the installation.

I have Internet at my site, but it is not close to the camera.

A variety of wireless 802.11b/g options are available to extend the reach of your camera back to your Internet connection.  The wireless signal can be extended from several hundred feet up to 2 miles.

What if I can’t get Internet at my location?

As mentioned, we have a cellular data service option.  The use of this option depends upon the availability of cellular data coverage by the major cellular carriers in your area.

What do I need to have a camera at my location(s)?

A typical camera installation requires three components: 

• Power - All TrueLook cameras require power for operation. The typical kind of power requirement is an 110V AC power receptacle nearby the camera’s mounting location. The camera hardware will terminate in a standard 3-prong AC connector for you to plug into your power receptacle. Additional power options and configurations are available for the equipment. Depending upon your selection, the TrueLook hardware may be able to operate on 12V DC, 24V DC, 24V AC, and/or 220V AC. Depending upon the type of camera hardware chosen, your camera may be able to operate on just Power-over-Ethernet. Solar power is also an option.
   
• Connectivity - All TrueLook cameras require connectivity to the Internet. All traffic from the camera is directed through our datacenter and on to your users. The better your Internet connection, the better the end user experience and camera performance will be. Internet connectivity can be achieved through standard wired CAT5E to the camera, wireless 802.11b/g, and cellular data services. TrueLook staff will work with your IT department to ensure all networking issues for proper camera connectivity are resolved.
   
• Mounting - TrueLook cameras typically come inside an enclosure which is then mounted to an existing structure. Enclosures are typically secured to a vertical pole (telephone pole, crane beam, etc.), on rooftops, or against a vertical surface/wall of a building. We design our equipment to be as simple as possible for customers to self-install. However, we do provide contracted installation services if you deem it necessary.Of course, we now there are always special circumstances regarding the above items, and we’re always willing to work with you to find the best fit for your particular location.

 What happens to the images when my projects finished?

All images are saved indefinitely on our datacenter servers.  Your data is available for download at any time via the admin interface.

More questions?  Contact us today!