4 Questions to Consider When Buying a Home Security System
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Purchasing a home security system is a big decision. You’re trusting the hardware you choose to safeguard life’s most valuable assets — your family and home. Keep in mind, though, that can still lead to a lot of variables depending on what kind of protection you’re looking for. Do you want a deterrent for criminals, a nanny cam to watch over your kids while you’re away or maybe you just like being in the know about what’s going on in your neighborhood. To help you understand your options, we’ve put together a list of top questions to ask yourself before beginning your search for a camera system to fit your specific needs.
1. What types of camera systems are available?
While there is a wide range of security camera systems available on the market today, let’s take a look at a few of the most popular types of set-ups and what they offer.
NVR Security Systems: Network Video Recorders (NVR) are the crème de la crème of home and business security. These systems use Power over Ethernet (PoE) technologies to record and process data, making it a more seamless system with advantages such as better image and audio capability, and more camera flexibility.
DVR Security Systems: Digital Video Recorder (DVR) systems are an excellent choice for anyone looking for protection for their home or small business while wanting to stick within a limited budget. DVR systems are great for handling high-workload demands such as 24/7 security monitoring. Keep in mind, while DVR systems work well with analog HD and CVBS security cameras they are not compatible with newer tech-based IP cameras.
Wire-Free Security Systems: These systems offer the most flexible installation as there is no need for cameras to be plugged in. They operate on Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum technology to ensure a secure connection and limit any interference from competing wireless devices.
2. What are good locations to install and mount cameras?
When it comes to installing security cameras, a good rule of thumb is to place your cameras up high. The higher, the better to keep intruders from smashing or tampering with them, and to increase your field of view. Other locations to think about would be all areas of entry into your property, including side doors, large ground-level windows, garages and basements.
3. What’s the difference between wired and wire-free cameras?
Wired camera systems, to put it simply, require some cords. Both DVR and NVR systems will need to be hardwired to your cameras in order to provide power and transfer recordings.NVR systems will use a standard Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable to connect to your cameras while DVR set-ups need a coaxial cable to complete digital encoding and storage capabilities. Wired cameras offer a very reliable connection, meaning no connectivity issues that result in your surveillance being stopped. Wired systems are best for homeowners who aren’t planning on moving cameras around and want continuous outdoor coverage.
Wire-free security cameras, however, don’t have to rely on any plugged-in power source but instead run on batteries and start to record when motion is detected. These cameras use passive infrared motion sensors that sense heat changes. This limits motion detection to moving heat signatures like people, vehicles, animals.
4. What kind of camera works best for third-party monitoring?
If your main goal is to keep an eye on your loved ones while you’re away, then you want to look into cameras that have some or most of these features:
Remote Viewing Capability: You want a security system that gives you remote viewing access directly from your smartphone or tablet. Making it easy to check-in and monitor your home or property whenever you feel the need to.
Audio: Look for security cameras outfitted with a built-in microphone that can hear and record audio. As well as a two-way talk feature that allows you to talk and listen through a speaker.
Adjustable Coverage: Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras offer the ability of remote direction and zoom control, allowing the user to see more of an area with fewer cameras. Similar styles include wide-angle lens security cameras that provide large area security coverage for spaces such as front and back yards. And varifocal cameras that offer built-in motorized lenses, allowing users to zoom in and out to adjust the camera’s field of view. These cameras are perfect for large and small areas in your home, as well as entranceway monitoring and coverage over wide indoor rooms.
Pick the System That Best Fits Your Needs
Choosing a home security system doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start by asking yourself these questions to help narrow down your options. Once you have a short list of contenders, making the decision will be easy.