Infrared LED questions from a newbie

Hi,
Not sure Im in the right place but Ill ask anyway. What is the difference between an infrared LED for any modern electronic device (tv, dvd player,etc.) that dont show visible light and the ones in my cheapie wireless security camera. The camera has 12 IR LED's that glow a faint red (but light up the night on camera!), I wanted the non-visible kind like in remotes.
I do somewhat understand the light spectrum, my camera is "near infrared". Can I buy the non-visible LED's and make an illuminator/array with the remote-type led's? The illumination kits I have found for sale do emit the faint red glowing LED. One kit had LED's that were 850nm but will glow red due to "a small spread into the 750nm range.
Thank you.

Unless the IR LEDs have no spread into the visible region it may be simpler to add some IR filter material to the LEDs you have. You should be able to buy plastic filter sheet you can cut to shape.

Keith

Thanks for the reply. I thought of the filter thing and asked the question in a photography forum but no real help there, I just dont know enough about it and didnt want to spend money with trial and error. I guess I will have to experiment on my own.
By the way anyone know the difference in the two LED's I mentioned? They have to have a different rating or something. Thanks again.

Edit:
Well I happened across the answer on Ebay of all places. Thought I would post in case the question ever came up again..................................

(the sales pitch below)
Don't be fooled with other IR LED that say "no red glow" but good for IR goggle or Ir camera. Make sure it's a high IR output or it will be useless to be used for a IR light source!

If you're looking for IR LEDs to make your own an IR illuminator for your Night Vision Goggle or for Video Cam, this is what you need! This LED is the latest LED hardly you can find in the market. It's 200mW with three IR chips in one packing!

These IR LEDs are different than those "no red glow" IR LED that many seller selling on eBay. They are not telling the true that those 950nm IR is no good for making IR flashlight except for those high power star 950nm no red glow LED.

Red Glow 850nm:
-Advantage: high output . Good for IR light source
-Disadvantage: can be seem minor red in a short distance
-Solution: Add a IR filter.

No Red Glow 950nm:
-Advantage: No red glow so no one can see it in total darkness
-Disadvantage: Low IR spectrum. Not good for being IR light sources. Only good for being as a transmitter in remote control
- Soluton: Add more LED to make an array. Cost more

You don't want a photographic product - look at electronic suppliers. I don't know where you are but Farnell, CPC, Mouser, Digikey, RS Components and Rapid are some possible suppliers.

I cannot say the difference between the LEDs you mention because there is not enough detail. Without a manufacturers part number it is impossible to say.

Keith

OK I will try the filter first. I was under the impression it had to be a camera lens IR filter. Are you talking about an IR film or something? I am in the U.S. by the way.

The product I am talking about is a plastic sheet like the one on the front of many TV remote controls. I am afraid I cannot easily find it at the moment because I only have internet access on my mobile at the moment and it is a bit limited. Edmundoptics.com might be worth a look, but avoid the very expensive glass stuff!

LEDs have a spread of wavelengths so a longer wavelength one will be less likely to spread into the visible, but there is no guarantee.

Keith