Even for those of us living in the safest of neighborhoods, there is an undeniable peace of mind that comes with having a surveillance system on one’s home. Because of the obvious benefit of having a set of eyes watching the homestead 24 hours a day, having even a modest surveillance system consisting of a few cameras running into an internet-capable DVR can also make residential life easier and more convenient as well.
For instance, homeowners who use professional services such as gardeners and pool cleaners to take care of their property would value the ability to check their cameras via the internet from work to make sure the work they pay for is actually being done, and done properly and safely. Additionally, parents with children (especially teenagers!) who stay home alone usually breathe easier when they can check in on their kids from work or while on a parents-only vacation; even the ability to see how many cars are parked in front of the house on Saturday night can provide invaluable information for the parents and some incentive to stay honest for the kids.
Of course, all of this is icing on the cake to the main point of having a surveillance system: security. Nothing will ever change the fact that theft, vandalism, and break-ins are a constant threat to any home, but with cameras on the house, homeowners can provide the police with valuable evidence and descriptions of the suspects involved when making a report. Things can happen even in the best neighborhoods, but with cameras homeowners have the peace of mind that they can give the police the evidence they need to make an arrest.
Despite all this, though, many homeowners balk at the potential cost of a CCTV system. This is because of the unfortunate truth that many companies and installers in the surveillance industry will try to up-sell residential customers with unnecessarily elaborate systems that look great on paper but are far too expensive to be practical and may even consist of questionable equipment. When shopping for a residential system, don’t give in to this: the truth is that a powerful home-based system can be accomplished quickly, simply, and, most importantly, cheaply.
The first thing one should consider when looking for a home-based surveillance system would be the trustworthiness of the company you’re dealing with. If you’re not sure how to tell, think of it this way: would you buy a car from someone who had no website, no other employees, no record with the Better Business Bureau, and immediately tried to get you into a brand new Corvette with no warranty nor quality guarantees the first time you walked on the lot? Most people wouldn’t, and that same logic should carry over here. Your salesperson or installer should not only start the conversation by trying to understand your specific needs, but he or she should also be able to answer all of your questions well and in a way that you can easily understand. What’s more, they should never act frustrated or annoyed when you ask more. Also, if a company is not registered with the BBB, it may be the case that there are things they are trying to hide, or are just snake-oil salesmen. Finally, even if things seem documented and alright but you’re simply uncomfortable with the situation, just say, “no thanks.” There’s no reason to feel pressured or bullied into a purchase, especially when it’s one you’re putting the safety of your home on.
At the same time, always remember to consider the non-material things you get with your purchase. Even if you’re a tech head, it’s always wise to purchase a system that comes with at least basic tech support, not only as a form of insurance to keep your investment working but also because a company that offers tech support is a company that is clearly standing behind its products. Similarly, always make sure that your equipment will be covered under a warranty, and that your salesperson can clearly define for you what would and would not be covered under that warranty. Any company that offers neither tech support nor a warranty should be rejected immediately regardless of any “discounts” or “free upgrades” that they offer; chances are the equipment will be unreliable and the company itself will be gone in a year.
With that in mind, also remember that securing an average-sized home should be a relatively small affair. For starters, using a basic standalone DVR such as Aver Media’s 1304NET with four cameras (black and white on the sides and back, color on the front) would provide a basic level of coverage for a small home when paired with small bullet cameras (such as CCTV Wholesalers’ KG-190SWB or KG-230EX), which would provide high-resolution pictures in an extremely small package that would not detract from the look of one’s home. A system such as this on any house would not only provide good general coverage, but also do so without compromising image quality, internet functionality (since the DVR is fully internet capable), or the family pocketbook: the above system would only cost around $1000.
For larger homes, or for homeowners who want even more coverage around their property, a stronger PC-based DVR such as CCTV Wholesalers’ PC-Witness series LT DVR would not only accommodate up to eight cameras (twice what the 1304NET is capable of) but also provide more robust functionality, more advanced features, and a point-and-click ease of use not commonly seen with non-PC based DVRs. Larger homes may also necessitate upgrading to cameras with more powerful lenses (such as the KG-230VFX), but even those can be purchased relatively inexpensively and be seamlessly integrated into the exterior of any home. To top things off, even the most elaborate system of this type should be out the door at less than $5000, well within most family budgets.
Of course, the system you choose for your home may be vastly different from the scenarios above, depending upon the layout that you’re dealing with. Even if you’re unfamiliar with surveillance, don’t be afraid to do research and design a system either on your own or with the help of a surveillance expert. If you choose to do this, though, never forget that you should be the one in the driver’s seat at all times. Ask questions! If you’re not sure why something is recommended, ask why. If you have a hunch about a particular camera, ask for feedback. If you don’t understand terminology, ask for clarification, or for a real-world example. The more involved you are with the design of your system, the better you’ll feel about making the purchase and the more you’ll understand the system when it’s in operation. Remember, the point of a surveillance system on your home is so that you’ll have less stress, so the purchase of the system should not be a stressful affair.
Home Video Surveillance Systems Are No Longer Anomalies
Current times call for steps of safety that could be taken rather inexpensively. Home security is a priority for everybody and there're home video surveillance systems available that will assist protect the home. Monitoring equipment has been readily available for corporations or and people who have had the money to spend. Technology has advanced to the point that house owners may afford to implement this kind of equipment in their security efforts. Home surveillance tools is no longer an anomaly.
Home video surveillance equipment includes numerous tools for various purposes. The nanny cam equipment shows the owner what's happening with the care of children. Abusive conditions have arisen that call for closer monitoring in the care and physical safety of kids.
Cameras can be placed practically everywhere desired covering the areas that have to be watched. There are various sizes of cameras that could be placed in flower plants, on top shelves, and in corners - almost anywhere for observation. The wireless feature makes this most attractive since a possible criminal is unaware of the cameras.
Security for the family is no more a question with the rise in crime. Criminals have gotten better at taking what does not belong to them and harming others in the process. Home surveillance equipment isn't just a deterrent but can help in putting criminals away for these crimes. The effort it takes to protect loved ones and property is greatly increased by implementing an excellent system with the essential elements for max protection.
In general, home surveillance equipment has progressed in a way that not only is it high quality but also affordable. The effort it takes to provide protection for the safety of family members and property has been significantly enhanced. There is no longer the need to worry since the choices are varied and easily available.
Home Video Surveillance
It may sound a little too high tech to some people, but there are a lot of reasons to install a home video surveillance system. In the last decade, audio baby monitors became as common as cribs in most homes with small children. Why? Because parents recognized that there are lots of distractions in every home these days and that the peace of mind that comes with being able to hear the baby breathe or cry out is worth the small cost of a monitor.
Imagine how much better parents will feel if they can also see the baby as she sleeps and know when she wakes up. Imagine how much more relaxed they will be if they can watch toddlers in the back yard or teenagers in the pool. Imagine how much better they will feel about letting their kids use the Internet if they know they can monitor who the children communicate with. All of this peace of mind can be bought for the price of a home video surveillance system.
What Home Video Surveillance Provides
While peace of mind is a valuable commodity, there are other reasons for having a home video surveillance system in place. A remote camera by the front door, motion detectors, and video surveillance can reduce the amount you pay for homeowners insurance in some states. It also provides you with the freedom to leave your children or loved ones at home while you go out without constant worry about their safety.
If you have no children, you can rest assured that your spouse, elderly relatives, and pets will be safer with video monitoring that you can access from anywhere. All you have to do is station a couple of cameras in strategic places within your home to be able to "check in" from your PC, laptop, or hand held. With this kind of system in place, you can easily get help to your family when it's needed.
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