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Home > What are the key things you should consider before purchasing a home security video surveillance system?
June 20, 2008
By: Lynn Bryant
Installing a home security video surveillance system is a
very popular and effective means of enhancing home security.
There is no shortage of video surveillance cameras and video
surveillance equipment options available on the market. It
can be an overwhelming task to review all of the available
options to make a decision on what to buy.
If you have just begun your search, you may not even be
sure where to begin. Should you go with a relatively
inexpensive system without all the bells and whistles? Or,
is it best to just take the plunge, spend a little extra,
and get a more advanced system with all of the latest
technology? While it is likely impossible to fully answer
these questions for you, a few helpful pointers may help
steer you in the right direction.
Before you ever go out to purchase the equipment for your
video surveillance system, you should ask yourself the
following questions.
- Why are you looking to install a video
surveillance system? Are you trying to catch a
perpetrator? Are you looking to deter criminal activity?
Or, are you simply looking for a little extra peace of
mind. Your purpose will determine whether you should
place covert cameras, or just regular surveillance
cameras. It will also help you determine both camera
placement and the number of surveillance cameras you
require.
- What will you be monitoring? Will you be
monitoring main entry points into and out of your home
such as windows and doors? Will you need to clearly see
details such as merchandise or people's faces? Answering
these basic questions will help you determine the
specific types of surveillance cameras you will need for
your unique monitoring scenario.
- How will you be monitoring your surveillance
system? Will you be proactively reviewing video
footage? Or, will you just review footage if a security
event takes place? Will your surveillance cameras be
recording at all times, or do you want them to be set up
to record only when a security event occurs such as
motion being detected? Will you be viewing footage
through your VCR and television, your personal computer
or over the Internet? Will you be using multiple
surveillance cameras that will all need to be viewed
together through a single monitoring device?
Your answers to these questions will help you determine
what type of recording device you will need. Moreover,
your preference for viewing captured video will
determine whether you need to purchase an IP-based
surveillance system for remote viewing functionality.
- What type of picture quality will you require?
Image resolution and video frame rates can vary greatly
by camera. The level of resolution will determine how
detailed the captured image appears, and the frame rate
will determine how choppy the video playback is. Your
preferences will determine the amount of money you need
to spend to get the quality you are looking for. A
simple surveillance operation may not warrant the extra
expense you would have to pay to get top of the line
quality.
If you are able to answer all of these questions
objectively, the answers you supply will go a long way
towards helping you decide what type of surveillance
equipment to purchase. Taking the time to assess your needs
will keep you from spending money on equipment or features
you do not need and will never use. In addition, you are
much more likely to get what you are looking for out of the
video surveillance system you do decide to buy.
About the Author
Lynn Bryant is a successful freelance writer and contributor
to Video-Surveillance-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to
video surveillance equipment, CCTV cameras and wireless
security systems for home and business.
Also See:
[ Free
webcam monitoring software for mobile video surveillance ]
[ How nanny cams & covert
surveillance systems work ]
[
Wireless outdoor surveillance cameras system selection tips ]
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