Choosing a Home CCTV Security System

In unsettled financial times, crimes like burglary tend to rise and the last few years are no exception. Locking your doors and windows can only help so much. A CCTV security system is a proactive way to protect yourself, your business and your family both inside and out. A home security system with a surveillance camera can allow you to keep an eye on your property and record what happens there in your absence.

Choosing the right CCTV camera requires a few considerations. A security camera offers various capabilities, and deciding which of them are important to you will help you decide which surveillance camera is the best purchase for your system.

Wired or Wireless?

A wired security camera and system is more stable and delivers better, more reliable images. On the other hand, wired CCTV systems are more difficult to install and limit your range considerably more than a wireless security camera system. Wired security cameras are more difficult to hide, and more difficult to move if you decide to reconfigure your security setup later.

A wireless security camera, on the other hand, is easier to set up and can be relocated with relative ease. Wireless surveillance cameras are often less expensive than wired ones, and can broadcast to a device as much as 500 feet away. On the downside, a wireless security camera is less secure and less stable, and doesn’t provide the same high quality you’ll get from a wired security setup. A wireless security camera setup will also still need some power source, either via an electrical outlet or with an included battery. If your CCTV camera uses batteries, you’ll need to place it somewhere easily accessible so that you can replace them as needed.

Do You Need Low Light Capability?

Most security systems today can record in fairly low light conditions, but you can purchase a security camera with night vision capabilities that allow you to view and record in total darkness. Judge the night vision capabilities of the camera by comparing the LUX value on the surveillance camera. The lower the LUX rating is, the higher the amount you can view. Thus, a LUX of .5 will get your better night vision capabilities than a CCTV camera with a LUX rating of 1.

Always On or Motion Sensing?

It’s most common today to use CCTV cameras that only begin recording when a motion triggers the recording. A motion-activated security camera saves space on your hard drive or tape and makes it easier for you to survey recorded CCTV tapes later. On the other hand, constant surveillance may be an important option for security cameras that are used for legal purposes or to record time lapse changes.

Finally, consider your options for playback and viewing. Many of today’s CCTV system allow you to view the security camera playback from remote devices, including your smart phone and any computer with an Internet connection.

When choosing a CCTV security system, be sure to take your needs into account and choose a security camera setup that works best for you.

Five Ways CCTV Cameras Protect Your Business

CCTV security systems are one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your business from loss, according to security experts. According to one security consulting firm, up to 80 percent of people would consider stealing something if the chances of being caught are low enough. Without a good CCTV security system in place, your business is at a much greater risk of loss and theft from both customers and employees. A quality CCTV camera can protect your business from loss in more ways than one.

Protect Against Shoplifting

A visible CCTV camera provides an excellent deterrent to shoplifting, say security experts. The simple presence of a security camera is enough to discourage most shoplifting attempts. A combination of visible and hidden security cameras can greatly reduce shrinkage in retail stores because of the deterrent factor.

Reduce Employee Theft

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimate that employee theft contributes to about 30 percent of business failures. While it’s never pleasant to think your employees may be stealing from you, the consequences of blind trust could be the loss of your business. A surveillance camera can be a visible deterrent. A hidden security camera can help you pinpoint the sources of your loss.

Protect from Litigation

In a litigious world, evidence from a surveillance camera can be vital protection for your business if you find yourself involved in a lawsuit. A security camera can reveal the truth in situations where customers accuse your business or employees of mistreatment or claim that they were injured on your premises.

Protect Your Employees

A surveillance camera in vulnerable areas can help protect your employees from attack and injury. Video surveillance of employee parking areas, which are often removed from plain sight of your place of business, can be invaluable in protecting employee vehicles from damage and theft, and in protecting your employees when they walk to their cars after closing time.

Improve Efficiency

Video surveillance can help you pinpoint areas of inefficiency in your operations. Sometimes, employees fall into a routine way of doing things that reduces efficiency and productivity just because it’s always been done that way. A CCTV camera can help you or a consultant analyze your business routines and pinpoint changes you can institute to increase productivity and efficiency and reduce the chances of injury.

Thanks to improvements in technology, CCTV security systems are more affordable than ever. The cost of installing a CCTV camera and DVR will quickly be offset by the savings your business realizes in reduced theft and increased efficiency and safety.