Home Security Tips for CCTV Systems

More and more people are adopting CCTV systems to protect their homes. If you’re considering installing a security camera or a few of them, these tips can help you evaluate your needs and make the right choices for your home security needs.

Evaluate Your Needs

Why are you installing a CCTV system in your home? The answer – or answers – to that question will help you determine what kind of surveillance camera and recorder combination you need to buy, as well as where you’ll place each security camera in and around your home. Some of the reasons that people install CCTV systems include:

-          Identify people who come to the front door before you open it

-          View people approaching the house

-          Discourage thieves and vandals

-          Record footage for later viewing or to provide evidence in case of an event

-          Alert you if someone enters enclosed areas, such as the backyard or pool enclosure

-          Keep an eye on what’s going on at home while you’re away

-          Allow remote surveillance for a security company

Choose Security Camera Locations

Based on your needs evaluation, decide where you should place each CCTV camera to best accomplish your aims. Most home security experts recommend a security camera at the front door, placed at the right angle to capture the face of anyone at the door, as well as a security camera aimed at outdoor areas that are not easily viewable from windows. If you intend to do hidden surveillance inside your home, such as to monitor a nanny’s behavior with your children, choose a hidden location that has a clear view of the room. If your intent is to discourage thieves and vandals from bothering your property, mount an outdoor security camera in an obvious spot.

Decide Between Types of CCTV Systems

The two basic types of systems use either standalone DVRs or a PC as the recording device. Each has benefits and drawbacks, so think them through and choose the one that makes the most sense for your home. You can also choose between wired and wireless network systems, as well as choose the number of security camera devices you want to hook up to your recorder.

Choose the Best Security Camera for Your Needs

There are hundreds of choices for cameras that will work with CCTV systems. Do a little research to help you decide which is best for your home. You’ll have to decide between indoor and outdoor models, dome and bullet cameras and the technical details that will determine the resolution and quality of your footage.