A home security camera system lets you see who's at the front door before opening it, watch a "blind" spot on the side of your house, keep an eye on your vacation home from a distance or tape a child-care provider . In the past these systems were most often designed and installed by professionals, but changes in low-cost technology provide many more low-cost do-it-yourself options. A modern closed circuit television (CCTV) system usually includes multiple cameras, a DVR (digital video recorder), cables and a monitor.
Typical costs:
A stand-alone Internet security camera that sends images to your web browser starts around $30 -$50, but expect to pay $75 -$250 for a useable basic camera, and it can be $300 -$1,000 and up for a high-resolution, durable-construction model. Prices increase depending on the image quality, and features such as color, audio, pan/tilt and e-mail alerts. These cameras work independently from a computer, allowing you to watch real-time images via cell phone or the Internet. Cameras in the low- and medium-price ranges deliver fairly low-quality images and often run on batteries.
An install-it-yourself closed-circuit television (CCTV) preassembled kit with four cameras starts around $200 -$400; averages $500 -$1,000 depending on the quality of the components and features such as night vision, remote monitoring; and high-end kits can cost $1,000 -$1,800 or more with extras such asextra large hard-drive storage capacity. You might require additional cable or other materials to adapt a kit to your specific circumstances.
Instead of a preassembled kit, some people prefer to buy all the components separately so they can get exactly the system they need (number of cameras, cable lengths, etc.) Cameras are available for around $50 -$250 each, depending on type and size; concealed cameras (in smoke detectors, clocks, signs, etc.) can be $200 -$400; DVRs run $250 -$1,000 or more; and monitor screens start around $100 -$500 but can be $500 -$4,500 ; and cables average about $15 -$50 each, depending on length. A Popular Mechanics writer tried out a $300 starter kit with one camera, adding five additional cameras at $230 -$250 each for a total cost around $1,500, then spent $4,000 on a do-it-yourself installation with multiple high-end cameras and extensive hard-drive storage capacity.
Hiring a security company to design and install a complete CCTV camera system (including the cost of the equipment) starts around $1,000 -$2,000 for a small, basic system (1-4 low-end cameras) but a professionally installed system can easily run $2,000 -$9,000 or more. One advantage of hiring professional installers is that they will help you fine-tune what can be a complex system until it meets your needs.
What should be included:
Your choice of systems will depend on the quality of images you need and how much you're willing to spend. A stand-alone Internet camera is the least expensive option, but usually has the lowest quality images and a shorter battery lifespan. Whether they're do-it-yourself or professionally installed, most CCTV system cameras have either a combined video/power cord or, if they're wireless, just a power cord. CCTV systems generally have better images than low-cost Internet cameras, and let you watch several images on a monitor, then select the one you want to enlarge and view as needed.
Some systems are triggered by motion detectors, so you only watch or record when there's action. HomeSecurityGuru.com describes the various types of CCTV cameras.
If you're installing your own system, draw a diagram of your home's layout to determine where you want cameras and how many, required cable lengths, obstacles that might block wireless signals, and other variables. If you hire a company to design and install a camera system, they will tour your home with you to determine exactly what's needed.
Once the number and position of cameras and other equipment is decided, installation usually involves screwing in mounting brackets, running wires, drilling holes through walls or floors and connecting the equipment. RonHaselton.com provides a how-to video.
Discounts:
If you want the deterrence value without the need to actually watch or record anything, realistic-looking fake (dummy) security cameras can cost $15 -$50 each.
Shopping for a home security camera:
DoItYourself.com lists factors to consider in choosing a wireless home seucirty camera.
When looking for a company to design and install a camera system, referrals to home security companies are available through the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
Ask for (and check) references, and see whether the company has any complaints lodged with the Better Business Bureau.
Should you Install a Hidden Home Security Camera ?
We all want to ensure our home and family are safe at all times, but we are constantly under threat from ever increasing burglary and vandalism. In our attempts to make us safer, it can often be beneficial to install a Hidden Home Security Camera.
In this article we will explore the hidden security options available, to help you decide when a hidden home security camera system can be of benefit to you and your family.
A hidden home security camera system can work in many ways for your benefit and safety. Here are 3 very good examples:
Monitoring your home’s main entry points
A hidden home security camera system placed outside your property and covering the main entry points is a great way to catch a potential thief or vandal. If your cameras are not hidden then you run the risk of them being vandalized in order to gain access to your home without detection. If the cameras are hidden you will be able to monitor a potential burglar with ease. Even if a thief did gain access to your property there is a very good chance that any recordings of the incident can be used as evidence in a criminal prosecution.
In a baby’s or toddler’s room
If you place a camera in your child’s room you can monitor them when you are elsewhere in your home or garden to ensure they are safe. In this case, a hidden home security camera will work best because a child may be tempted to play with the camera should it be visible.
Catch the vandals
Many people today are the victims of vandalism. Most often vandalism is random, but occasionally some people are the target of repeat vandalism. If you are a victim of repeat vandalism, for example someone has been damaging your car on your driveway, then covert hidden cameras and recording equipment can be easily be set-up to catch them red-handed.
There are many other types of security systems available, including wireless and wired devices as well as monitored home security systems, which are all very popular. You have to decide which type of system is most suitable for you, based on your personal circumstances. You may find that you will prefer a monitored security system that ensures that help is on the way as soon as the alarm is triggered. This means that you don’t have to worry when you are out of town as the local authorities will keep a watch on your property.
At times when a burglar observes obvious devices of a security system they may get intimidated and choose to leave your property alone. After all, no one wants to get caught and arrested, and besides there are plenty of other properties that may not have a security system at all.
In order to decide which system is best for you and your home, it is best to check all the available options, so you can easily decide when and where you would like a hidden home security system. If your budget allows it then the best solution would be to install a security system that allows for a combination of hidden and standard cameras, so that you can expand the security system as and when required, or as and when your budget allows.
How Do I Choose the Best Home Security Camera?
When looking for the best home security camera you should consider some basic elements of functionality. For one thing, you should consider how you want to access the data recorded by the camera. There are a number of different types of systems, from closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to Internet protocol (IP) cameras, that allow you to access the video from a computer through the Internet. You should also look for a home security camera that will fit your needs regarding indoor or outdoor use, as well as the area you want to monitor.
A home security camera is a device used for home surveillance and security that captures video or still images and relays them to another system for storage or viewing. You should consider how you want to access the images captured by the camera. Some cameras can store images on a digital recording device (DVR) for future playback and long-term storage. Other types may only transmit information to another location, where you will need to have monitors and recording devices set up to capture the signal.
There are even some types of home security camera that store the captured images on a DVR, while also allowing real-time viewing and monitoring of the images through the Internet. These IP cameras allow a user with the proper software, which typically comes with the camera, to connect to the camera over the Internet and see the images being captured. Security protocols are also typically included, allowing a user to set up a name and password required to access the camera images.
It is also typically a good idea to consider the area in which you want to have the home security camera capture images. If you are looking to monitor a fairly small room, then you may only need a rather simple camera and mounting. Larger areas, however, may require multiple cameras or mounting systems that allow a single camera to rotate to more effectively monitor the region. You should also consider whether the camera you want is for use indoors or outside.
Outdoor use may require a specific type of home security camera durable enough to survive the elements. These types of cameras will also often be designed to prevent tampering, and may conceal the wires and other hardware used by the camera. There are even concealed cameras that are meant to be hidden, and allow secure, undetected viewing of an area. The use of these types of cameras for an area other than your home, or pointed toward private property, may violate privacy laws in your region, so care should be taken when using these devices.
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