Tips for Buying CCTV Systems

CCTV systems are a valuable addition to any home security system. Choosing the right system for your home, however, can be tricky if, like most people, you don’t know much about the technology. It doesn’t have to be complicated, though. Just keep in mind the basics of CCTV systems and figure out which kind of security camera and monitor system is right for your home or business. This basic overview of CCTV systems will help you choose the right pieces to put together a great system.

Appearance

Let’s start with the least important but most obvious factor first – looks. The CCTV camera with many systems is quite obvious and easy to see. If you’re buying a security system for your store or business, this may be an advantage – it does have a deterrent effect. Likewise, an obvious CCTV camera mounted outside your front door will make it clear to a would-be burglar that their exploits may be filmed for posterity. If, on the other hand, you want to be able to conceal your surveillance, there are many systems that feature sleek, small cameras that are easy to conceal, or that fit right into your décor.

Black and White or Color?

Color is not always your best choice for a surveillance camera. The majority of CCTV systems that film outdoors are black and white systems, sometimes with low light or infrared settings to capture images after dark. A color CCTV camera is more expensive, but will give you better detail and definition for indoor surveillance.

Wired or Wireless?

Wired CCTV systems are more expensive and harder to set up than a basic wireless security system. Unless you’re a skilled home handyman or use a contractor to install your system, you’ll have cables and wires running along walls and floors. Basic wireless systems are less expensive, but the coverage can be spottier and the pictures are often poor quality. The technology improves every day, though, so keep your eyes open for improvements that may make wireless CCTV systems much more desirable.

Resolution

The higher the resolution of the security camera, the better the picture quality will be. Unlike digital cameras, which measure resolution in megapixels, CCTV cameras measure resolution in lines, usually abbreviated as TVLs for TV lines. A basic security camera will offer 380 to 420 TVLs. Better quality CCTV systems include cameras that offer up to 570 TVLs.

Choosing among the many CCTV systems available depends on knowing what you need and how you’ll use the system. Talk with an authorized dealer to find out more about available CCTV systems that will fit your needs.

Advantages of Home CCTV Systems

It’s not unusual these days to find CCTV systems in stores, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, but is there any real advantage to installing a CCTV security system in your home? Ask your home insurance agent that question, and the answer you get will be a resounding yes. Home CCTV systems can be an important addition to your home security, and most insurers recognize their benefits to the point of reducing your insurance premiums when you install a home security system with CCTV capabilities.

Better Security with Home CCTV Systems

Most CCTV security systems work two ways – they transmit and record at the same time. This offers a double benefit in terms of security. On the one hand, you can actually watch what is going on in areas of your home that are monitored by a CCTV camera while it’s happening. This is handiest if your home is set up for monitoring with a security firm that offers home security monitoring, but it’s also handy if you just want to keep an eye on things – keeping an eye on your napping baby, for example.

The other benefit of home security video through a CCTV system is the ability to view the recording after the fact. Imagine, for example, that a thief breaks into your home while you’re out. Your video recording can be instrumental in helping the police identify the thief, and serves as evidence in the event of a trial.

A video surveillance camera also makes it easier for you to observe parts of your property that are not in easy view of your home. A CCTV camera mounted over the front door allows you to see anyone approaching the house, or to check who’s at the door without opening it. A camera gives you a better view of entire area than a fish-eye peephole, and can be set to scan the entire area periodically.

There are many different types of home CCTV systems available, including those designed for installation outdoors and those designed for covert installation. Some of your other options include PC-based home CCTV cameras, which can be integrated into your home security system through your computer, and stand-alone DVR CCTV systems, which can be plugged directly into your television set with a standard cable.

CCTV systems are far less expensive than most people imagine. Technology advances have made them cheaper to manufacture and put the basic CCTV camera and surveillance system well in range for most homeowners. If you’re considering improving the security for your home, contact a local CCTV security specialist to learn more about CCTV systems and installation for your home.