Five Features to Look for in Residential CCTV Systems

People choose to install CCTV systems in their homes for many different reasons. They include security, including general surveillance and crime prevention, keeping an eye on household help or providing a safer home for their families. CCTV systems can provide peace of mind for parents who have to leave their little ones alone with a caretaker and homeowners who care about security and protection. Choosing the right CCTV camera, deciding on the number of cameras you need and figuring out where to place them can all lead to a lot of confusion. These suggestions for five important CCTV features can help you choose the right system for your needs.

Color Security Camera

Choose a low-light color security camera for the front of your house. A color camera will capture accurate clothing and vehicle descriptions of anyone coming to your house. You can add less expensive B&W surveillance camera options to the side and back of your house for more coverage.

Lighting Is Important

A CCTV camera with IR emitter will capture good images in low light situations, but they can be expensive. Another option is to combine your security camera with a motion detector floodlight outside your home. The combination will serve to both frighten off intruders and capture them on camera so you can provide the information to law enforcement.

Wireless or Wired?

If your intent in installing a CCTV system is basic security, choose a wired solution. For now, anyway, wireless security camera networks tend to be insecure because the feed can be intercepted from outside your home. Most wireless surveillance camera systems are also prone to interference, making them less than idea. The exception is a wireless nanny cam, where you want to be able to log into your IP based security camera from a remote location.

Windows Based DVR

CCTV systems require a recorder – usually a DVR –  to allow for later viewing of the surveillance camera footage. Windows-based DVRs are easier to use, offer high-resolution recording, intelligent motion detection and auto-alert functions. On the down side, Windows-based DVRs tend to be more expensive than non-Windows-based recording solutions, so if your budget is tight, Windows may not be an option.

Reputable Dealer

There are hundreds of websites offering cheap CCTV systems. You can also pick up everything you need to whip together a DIY CCTV system at your local Radio Shack. If you choose either option, you’ll be missing out on one of the most important features of residential CCTV – knowledgeable salespeople and good support. It’s worth it to pay a little more for quality products and good advice.

CCTV Systems for Rental Properties

If you own a rental property, you know that high-quality security is high on the list of most-wanted features with many renters. Not too many years ago, only the priciest apartment complexes could afford CCTV systems for security. Technology has brought the price and accessibility of CCTV systems well within the range of most property owners. A good CCTV security system can provide the safety and security your tenants deserve. If you’ve never considered installing a CCTV camera and security system for your building, consider important uses and benefits.

Front Door Surveillance Camera

A surveillance camera at the entry can record the comings and goings into your rental property. This provides security for your tenants and a record of visitors to your property for you. If you connect the CCTV camera to a security system, you can even provide the capability for your tenants to see who is ringing their doorbell before unlocking the door – an important security feature.

Parking Lot Security Camera

If you provide parking for your tenants, a security camera overlooking the parking lot can help you avoid legal issues if one of their vehicles is damaged or stolen on your premises. In addition, you’ll be providing a safer parking lot for your tenants who can rest secure in the knowledge that there is surveillance on their cars.

Safety Cameras in Remote Areas

A CCTV camera can also provide a sense of security in remote areas of the building for your tenants. If you provide laundry facilities in the basement, for example, the presence of a working security camera can discourage predators and make the building safer for all of your tenants – and provide legal protection for you if something untoward should happen.

CCTV Systems Can Reduce Your Insurance Bills

Insurance companies set their premiums based on the amount of risk your property presents. When you proactively provide security for your tenants, many insurance companies will reduce your premiums because you are reducing the risks associated with your building. A good quality CCTV security system can practically pay for itself in reduced insurance premiums over the course of a couple of years.

CCTV systems provide many benefits and advantages for the owners of small rental properties. When you install a security camera and monitoring system, your tenants will be safer, your property will be worth more and your premiums will be cheaper. It’s a win-win situation for you and your tenants – and with the affordable options available today, nearly any property owner can afford it.