| urveillance, one of the best and most effective | | | | video cameras that can send all the images they |
| home security options, was once out of reach for | | | | record to any computer on their network, |
| most homeowners due to a prohibitively high cost. | | | | including internet-capable mobile phones! |
| Over the past decade, however, advances in | | | | All these available choices mean there are a |
| technologyespecially the advances in digital | | | | number of questions you should think about as |
| camerasput this superb addition to the best | | | | you plan your home video surveillance system, |
| home security within reach of anyone interested | | | | whether you’re thinking about a small, |
| in installing home burglar alarms. In addition to | | | | do-it-yourself project, or are considering a |
| burglar alarm systems which are usually triggered | | | | comprehensive home automation solutions |
| by someone breaking into a residence, many | | | | system which will require the help of a residential |
| homeowners are adding some type of video | | | | security company. |
| surveillance¸ which can serve as both a | | | | First, consider whether you want a wired video |
| deterrent and a recording device. | | | | camera surveillance system or wireless. Generally |
| There are two main approaches to using video | | | | speaking, hardwiring a system costs more, but |
| camera surveillance: covert cameras and overt | | | | also holds up better over time, with fewer needs |
| video cameras. Covert cameras are those that | | | | for repair or other adjustments. |
| remain hidden. People near or in the residence will | | | | How many cameras will you be using? What |
| not know these cameras are present unless | | | | areas of your home do you want them to focus |
| informed of their existence. The most famous | | | | on? Remember, too many cameras can be a |
| use of covert video surveillance are the tiny | | | | waste of money, but too few will mean |
| cameras hidden in objects like clocks or toys used | | | | insufficient protection. |
| to watch over child care providers, sometimes | | | | Also think about where the cameras should be |
| called nanny cams. Although hidden camera | | | | installed. You need to plan in advance as to |
| can provide a homeowner with a record of a | | | | whether you want them indoors or outside, in |
| break-in, hidden cameras do not serve as a | | | | sheltered locations or exposed to the elements. |
| deterrent. | | | | Keep in mind what kind of lighting will be available |
| Overt video camera surveillance is the way to go | | | | for each camera through a 24 hour span and in |
| if you want to use cameras in a security system | | | | each season. |
| to deter potential thieves. Many burglars will not | | | | The options in home security cameras are not |
| even consider homes with visible cameras as | | | | only dramatically more affordable today, but they |
| possible targets. There are many options available | | | | are also amazing in their variety, from infrared |
| in video surveillance, from wired systems to | | | | cameras to those that can zoom when motion is |
| wireless; and from CCTV cameras that record | | | | detected. |
| images on a closed loop, to IP (internet protocol) | | | | |