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Home > Important features to consider when investing in video surveillance cameras for home security
March 08, 2007
By: Lynn Bryant
Homeowners are increasingly turning to home security and
surveillance systems to boost the security of their home.
Video surveillance cameras can be a great way to gain
insight into suspicious activity, deter criminal activity,
and keep a watchful eye on things while you are out of the
house. If you are considering taking the step to implement a
surveillance system, there are a few things to keep in mind
when purchasing video surveillance cameras for home
security.
Home surveillance equipment can vary greatly. Available
features, camera size, picture quality, viewing options all
differ depending on the surveillance cameras you purchase.
Picking the right video camera for your specific
surveillance needs can be a difficult task. However,
accurately accessing your needs is a very important step in
the process. In order to get the features and functionality
you desire out of the surveillance system you purchase, you
will need to have a clear understanding of what you are
looking for before you ever buy the actual equipment. In the
remainder of this article, we will take a brief survey of
some of the more important items you should consider.
- Quantity and placement of cameras -- This may
sound somewhat trivial, but it is actually a critical step
to clarify. The number of surveillance cameras you require
will directly affect the type of recording device you need
to purchase, as well as the camera type you need to
consider. Outdoor applications or tight spaces will
require surveillance cameras with much different features
depending on their placement. Carefully planning and
purchasing a system that can adequately accommodate all of
your current surveillance needs as well as leave you room
for future expansion could save you lots of time and
money.
- Consider viewing options -- Your surveillance
needs may be very small. You may be able to get by with a
simple one to three camera system that allows you to view
captured video directly through your TV and record through
your VCR. On the other hand, you may require more advanced
features such as multiple camera viewing and recording,
automated alert features, or remote viewing functionality.
You will likely need to purchase a DVR recording device if
you need these more advanced features or will be
incorporating multiple video cameras into your
surveillance network. In addition, if you desire remote
viewing functionality, you will need to consider an
IP-based surveillance system.
- Camera features -- Again, the available
features you require will directly depend on what your
specific surveillance needs are. For example, if you are
conducting outdoor surveillance, you should consider
outdoor cameras with night-vision technology. Other
features you will have to decide on include motion
detection, automatic recording, self-adjusting shutter
speed, and level of image resolution. Some of these
features are very nice to have but may not be absolutely
necessary. You will have to decide if the additional cost
is worth it to you to obtain the added features.
This is definitely not an exhaustive list, but it
provides you with a good starting point when considering
what type of cameras to purchase for your home surveillance
needs. The most important point to consider before moving
forward with a purchase is to carefully access your specific
needs. This will help you avoid purchasing a system that
does not meet your expectations. On the other hand, a
carefully laid out plan will keep you from spending money on
features you are not likely to use.
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:
[ Video
surveillance services for covert surveillance & investigations ]
[ Review of
webcam surveillance software with motion detection ]
[ Video
surveillance in 2007 -- emerging technologies and trends ]
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