CCTV's - Closed Circuit TeleVision or should that be Catches Criminals,
Thieves, and Villains are a must for a secure home. The modern cctv come in
all shapes and sizes from large, waterproof, cameras for external use, down to
mini ‘spycameras for covert use inside the home. They can produce high quality
pictures in either black and white or high definition color, and are also
available with night vision capabilities.
As the technology has advanced, the cost of these surveillance cameras has
decreased even computer video cams costing a few dollars can be used
effectively in home security installations.
As with all types of security installations, careful planning is needed to
decide on a number of factors:
1. What is your budget?
2. Decide what type of system is to be
installed.
3. What equipment is required?
4. Where will the equipment be
sited?
Budget It is vital to decide on a budget so that you know the limits of
your spend. It is no good starting to buy equipment and then later finding out
that you're run out of money, resulting in reduced levels of security.
Believe me, it is more important to have a cheap (but reliable) complete
CCTV security system, than an incomplete system even if this system has cost
mega $$$$$.
What type of system Do you go for a wired or wireless system?; do you use a
dedicated VCR system or one that is connected to a computer? Color? B & W?
Night vision? These aren't questions that can easily be answered in such a short
article. By preference, I would always choose (unless circumstances dictate
otherwise) a wireless system (for ease of connectivity, and concealment). Color
is best as long it gives a good resolution. Cameras with dual capacity for both
normal and night vision are ideal, but are that much more expensive. Find a good
established store either bricks and mortar store or online store who will
give good advice, and stick with them.
I would also recommend using a
computer program to deal with the image capture. Home security cctv programs are
now extremely sophisticated. Do an internet search almost all come with a
limited demo. Try them out. They should be able to cope with multiple cameras.
They should have motion detection. They will then only record video footage when
motion is detected, thereby saving disk space. With the right program, they will
then upload the pictures to a website (which they can usually provide) and the
program will email or phone you to warn you that motion has been detected. You
can then log on to the website and see live images. You can be anywhere in the
world. Amazing!
What equipment is required this has been covered above. Again, discuss your
requirements with the store.
Where will the equipment be sited Again planning is the key. Externally,
all possible entry points should be covered. The security camera should be as
high up as possible, and with wires if any hidden. (I have a security camera
hidden in a birdbox, high up in a tree in my back garden covering the back and
side of my house!)
Internally, I use high definition wireless spy cameras,
which are high up and hidden as much as possible. Ideally each CCTV should cover
each entry point and as much as the room as possible, but where limited by
budget, place them in rooms that need the most security.
Finally, the
Computer or VCR should be as secure and protected as possible.
Remember that Security Cameras are just a part of home protection, and should
be used along with other devices such as security alarms and lights.
