CCTV Systems on a Budget – 7 Tips for Saving Money

Building state-of-the-art CCTV systems can be extremely pricey, but you don’t have to sell your first-born in order to afford the security system to protect him from harm. In fact, it’s really not hard to put together budget CCTV systems that do everything you need, if not everything you imagine you want. These seven tips can help you save money on your security camera and other components of your CCTV system without compromising your goals.
Plan Before You Shop
The single most important question you need to answer before you start looking for CCTV components is this: why do you need a CCTV system? Your purpose will help you decide where to spend your money and which components you should buy. If you know what you want it to do, a good security and CCTV salesperson or consultant can tell you what you need to buy.
Know What You Can Spend
Budget is a liquid word. It simply means “how much you can spend.” Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on your system. That figure, combined with the functions you want, will determine the equipment to buy.
Decide on Your Base Functionality
Sure, you may want a surveillance camera that can read a license plate at 200 yards, but do you need it? Most homeowners don’t need more than the capability of seeing the front door with relative clarity. Likewise, you may think it’s pretty cool to have software that can predict trouble spots by analyzing movement in an area, but do you really need that for a 50-seat bar?
Don’t Buy a Separate Monitor
Unless there’s a reason to monitor your CCTV feed full-time, you probably don’t need a dedicated monitor for your cameras. If you do need a monitor, you might be able to save money by repurposing an old computer monitor, for example.
Choose a System that You Can Install
Installation can run up the cost of even bargain basement CCTV systems. If you have DIY skills and some experience with cabling, you can save money by installing it yourself. There are even CCTV systems that are simple enough for a novice to install, given good instructions.
Pick the Best DVR Option
Your DVR is an integral part of your CCTV system. You can choose from a standalone DVR or a PC-based one. A barebones stand-alone DVR will cost less, and will provide all the basic functionality you need. A more advanced one will give you access to features like alarm inputs, PTZ controls for your CCTV camera and the ability to use a hybrid surveillance camera. If you want state of the art capabilities, though, you’ll want a PC-based DVR.
Look for Other Savings
When you’re looking at your budget for CCTV systems, keep in mind that a good security camera system can save you money in a number of ways – reducing theft and shrinkage in a business, deterring crime in a residence, for example. In addition, you’ll often save money on your insurance based on having a good security system. When you add in the money you’ll save by installing a surveillance camera system, you’re likely to find you have a much better budget than you originally thought.