BirminghamIU have just brought a much needed brand new CCTV system including a DVR hard disk recorder which holds up to 200GB of surveillance video. So far at the time of writing, we have 2 quality wireless infra red cameras with CCD image sensors, but we intend to also buy 2 wired cameras so we have 2 wired and 2 wireless cameras in total. Sometimes wireless cameras can have poor reception problems, but wires can be awkward to lay because of unavoidable obstacles. Having 2 of each gives us the best chance of being able to get a minimum of 2 cameras working in any location. We did at first try CCTV cameras that could use either a wireless or wired connection, but we unfortunately experienced technical problems and then had to get them replaced. Wired or wireless CCTV cameras in one are few and far between.
We have also brought a brand new Sony night vision camcorder in addition to our existing Sony camcorder and a 2nd Olympus dictaphone which boasts even more features than the existing one. The new Sony camcorder has the advantage of being able to record directly onto flash memory sticks instead of awkward mini DVD disks which are limited to just over 60 minutes of recording time even in long play, plus they can get scratched if one isn't too very careful. Also when recording onto mini DVDs we have noticed that the camcorder picks up a whirring noise from the disk and records it reducing the overall quality of the soundtrack.
Having CCTV & another camcorder obviously means we can collect and monitor more evidence on location than ever before, especially in indoor locations where we can feasibly set-up the CCTV equipment.
Although the extra equipment increases our chances of catching genuine paranormal evidence, the disadvantage is that the extra video footage also gives us more evidence to examine which is very time consuming. We have so many hours of video recordings and possible EVP to analyse that it becomes virtually a full time job just going through the evidence obtained, even without putting the best bits on-line for people to see. We have so much potential evidence already that we are having to prioritise and time slice tasks which also include keeping this website and forum up to date and maintained, continuous training, research into locations, public relations and conducting investigations.
WE ARE CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN OUR FRIENDLY TEAM:We won't compromise on the quality of our totally free personal service, but if we had a few extra members who were also willing to help in any way they can, even if it's putting in an hour or two a week, it would certainly ease the burden and allow us to share even more evidence on-line (not confidential evidence at private locations) as well as write more for the website and this forum. It would also allow us to do more location research expanding possibilities. We are therefore looking for new members who are passionate about the paranormal and are willing to get involved in our group. Candidates must be willing to help with some of the many tasks involved in running a successful paranormal group as well as actually conducting the investigations themselves. Experience of any aspect of the paranormal would be an advantage, but is not essential as full training will be given on an ongoing basis. Membership is free, you only need to contribute your personal expenses like transport Etc. There might be the occasional location that charges fees, E.g. A hotel, but attending is completely optional. If you are interested or would just like to found out a bit more about BirminghamIU, please contact us at
admin@birminghamiu.com and if convenient to yourself, we will arrange a completely no obligation informal chat.
