Home video surveillance is an innovative way that many households purchase to keep their home well protected. These systems are generally a built-in part of a home security system and have a variety of different uses. Surveillance devices are commonly used in the home's outside to help prevent possible predators and to record anything unusual that may be happening. However, a product such as this is not limited to exterior use alone. As a matter of fact, many homeowners employ these both indoors and outdoors to have a sense of security and safety.
Besides the evident uses for such products, like burglary and theft, these products can also help guard your residence from fire and to monitor things when the individual is out. Observing from various places is a possibility, depending on the model that is obtained. Not only does this bring many families a peacefulness, but can help enhance their basic safety and well being. In the event that something happened, the owner of the house has a hard copy of the event which can be quite useful to not only a police examination but for insurance purposes also.
There are things that the homeowner may have to look at before buying such items though. Home video surveillance products can vary quite considerably in terms of cost, quality and functions. Choosing something that is easy to install and simple to use is often of high importance. This is part of the reason that it is highly advisable that systems be obtained as a whole. When trying to install or use such products, the integrating of various components can detract and even alter the effectiveness of the surveillance. In addition to this, it can cost the customer considerably more time and money.
Home Video Surveillance: DIY Systems For The Technologically Challenged
You don't have to pay high installation fees for a system that you need a PhD to operate. These days, the market is full of quick and easy home video surveillance set-ups that anybody can install, and you don't have to break the bank to do it.
Going Digital Makes It Easy
Home video surveillance systems are getting simpler, cheaper and more compact. The best way to keep homes and businesses safe has always been Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Luckily, we now have technologies that are easier to use. The new industry standard is DVR, Digital Video Recording.
DVR uses simple video recording devices to record straight to digital. Most DVR's record directly to MP3, making it is easy to transfer to your computer. High end models have extended features that allow you to operate the camera remotely with your PC or mobile device. To use DVR, all you need is the camera. The rest can be done with your computer.
Get The Works With A Home Surveillance Kit
If you want a full security set-up, there is an even better option than CCTV that was designed for non-techie folks like you and me. It's the home security kit. There are many models on the market, but they usually involve the same components. There are cameras, a receiver and a remote control that is easier to use than your TV's remote.
The Mini-Air Watch 4 Wireless Camera Kit is one of the best kits available. The four wireless cameras are tiny and easy to hide. You can put them as far as 100 feet from the receiver. You simply attach the receiver to your TV, VCR or personal computer. It has remote viewing options so you can see it from the Internet, and you can save footage directly to your computer. This model sells for around $250. If you'd like to go cheaper and you don't need so much surveillance, you can get a one-camera set for just under $100.
Let Your Computer Handle Your Home Security
For an even simpler solution, just use your PC. There are now software packages designed to work as a home security system and all you need is a computer and a webcam.
Software packages like Mobiscope are available for consumer use. You simply purchase the program, download it and follow the step-by-step instructions to install. Mobiscope allows you to use four cameras at once. You can either set your computer in a key spot where the camera will pick up everything, or you can use up to 4 remote cameras. Then, do it all through your computer.
Even for those who are totally technophobic, software based home security programs are easy to use. The user-friendly system will explain everything to you, and you can always call the help desk and speak with a human if you need to.
Keeping your family and home safe from intruders has never been simpler or cheaper than it is today. With a home video surveillance kit, software program or even single camera, you can keep watch over your home while you are away.
Home Video Surveillance and Privacy Rights
Chances are good that you have had your picture taken or been caught on video today. Chances are also good that those images are probably stored somewhere and someone has viewed them.
The technological advances in video cameras and video surveillance equipment coupled with the perceived security threat from terrorist attacks since the September 11th events have created a flourishing industry for video security systems.
Most of the video surveillance systems installed in the US are for home and business security applications. Large chain retailers as well as many small business owners use video surveillance equipment as their first line of defense against theft and vandalism.
There are a large number of cities that have installed, or are in the process of installing, cameras in public areas with the intent of reducing criminal activity and assisting in the identification and prosecution of those who have committed criminal offenses.
Do Surveillance Cameras Deter Crime?
Do these cameras help keep the population safe? Do they deter crime? Not enough definitive studies exist to answer these questions. Many people believe that this security may come at the cost of our rights to privacy. Are we giving up our privacy in order to secure our safety? That begs the question: Do we as citizens of a modern society have a right to privacy? These are not easy questions to answer.
Home Video Surveillance Systems Installations are on the Rise
Most folks realize that adding a home video surveillance system can protect the homeowner and his or her family from theft and break-ins. Home camera systems are the fastest growing security components in the U.S. With certain systems you can view real time video from remote locations on your cell phone. This technological advancement in video surveillance is very attractive to many people. Most folks also would agree that a home security system would not be considered an invasion of anyone's privacy. A camera installed in retail stores to prevent shoplifting is another situation that doesn't normally invoke emotional response concerning invasion of privacy issues.
When cities start installing cameras on many of their downtown street corners, however, the privacy issue is sure to be addressed. Even those who have the attitude of, "If you don't do anything wrong, you shouldn't be worried" are concerned about how the information is used, who gets to view it and where it is stored. One example is the images taken in a retail store changing room, or a public restroom. Most people would not like to have themselves on display for anyone to see in these situations.
What's the Future of Video Surveillance?
Technology will continue to improve along with the sophistication of video security systems. The vast majority of the public agrees on the limited infringement of privacy rights with a home video surveillance system or business security system. Other situations can provoke a much greater controversy and will have to be worked out between those in the business of watching us and those of us being watched.
Home Video Surveillance Is Something Every Family Needs These Days
Do you have a home video surveillance to help you keep your family as safe as possible from danger? For anyone that doesn't have this type of home security, there are numerous reasons it is wise to have these days.
You have to learn what these reasons are so you can understand why it is imperative that you ensure that your family has good video surveillance for their own protection. Here are the reasons that you need to learn about now.
1. Helps you determine from safety where the danger is - When a burglar is trying to get into your house, you don't want to have to go outside your home to find out where they are trying to get in. Having security cameras means that you can stay in your home where it is safer while still being able to check out on video camera where the danger is coming from.
2. Great burglar deterrent - Majority of burglars will not even attempt to break into a house that has a security system, especially if you also have security cameras. The reason this is true is because it means that they have a good chance of being caught on the video or that they are going to be caught while stealing your belongings.
Most burglars will move on to a home without security of any kind because they want to steal your belongings, but they don't want to have any chance that they will be arrested for their crime, so they won't even take a chance.
3. Secure all vulnerable areas around your house - There are a number of vulnerable areas around every house. When you use security cameras you are going to be able to secure every vulnerable area.
This is going to take away the easy access that all burglars are searching for when they want into any house.
4. Provides time for you to call for the correct help - When a burglary is happening at your house, getting the correct help to your home right away is imperative.
The security cameras will not only let you find out where the danger is coming from and what type of danger you are facing, but it will also give you time to make a phone call to the authorities so your family is in danger for the shortest amount of time possible.
These are the top reasons that home video surveillance is so vital for any family to have. If you want to offer your family the best home security you are able to, then you will definitely be accomplishing this goal with this type of security system.
Trends in Home Video Surveillance--How Smart Are They?
Now that people can hook up a remotely-accessible home surveillance program with a PC and a webcam or three, the trend is really taking off in many households. Those techy folks who like to try out the latest toys, hurry out to buy software programs designed to let you check your home cameras from the office, and they get a big kick out of it. And there's nothing wrong with this; it's fun. But is it home security? Eh, not really. Let's take a look at why:
Let's say I'm a professional burglar. I stroll through your back door (you know, the one with the flimsy lock you've been meaning to replace for years), steal all your stuff, and wave to your webcam on the way out. Maybe your motion-detecting software captured my picture. Big deal. I was wearing a mask. Maybe you had a high-speed camera that called your cell phone when it detected movement. By the time you logged in, verified the cat hadn't knocked the camera on the floor, and called the police, I was walking out the door with all your valuables. I was already on the freeway when the sirens sounded in your neighborhood. I guess it's too bad you spent $500 on software and home surveillance cameras instead of $50 on upgrading all the door and window locks in your house.
Now, I'm not here to say that you, faithful reader, would make this kind of mistake, but it does seem to be the trend lately. People spend tons on the fanciest, most state-of-the-art, expensive home security system with all the bells and whistles... and then they don't lock the front door when they leave the house.
Technology is great, but we have to realize the biggest deterrents to burglars are common sense and surprisingly low-cost solutions. Go ahead and buy the video surveillance cameras, but first, make sure you have solid doors that can't be kicked in. Replace doors with glass windows or panels (which can easily be broken) with solid doors with a peep hole. If you have glass windows next to the front door, have the glass reinforced (otherwise the burglar can simply break the glass, reach in, and unlock the door from the inside).
Other smart investments you can make are motion-sensing lights for the front and back yards. Burglars like dark, shadowy nooks to hide in and do their work in. Don't accommodate them; keep your yard bright. Also, you can deter burglars with landscaping, believe it or not. A thorny shrub planted under your bedroom window is an obstacle few thieves are going to climb through to get in.
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