Not long ago, most homeowners likely believed that installing a security camera system on their home would be too costly, too complex and difficult to operate. Now, however, advances in the technology of these systems have made them affordable. And if someone like myself can set up and operate one of these systems, anybody can!
CCTV, or “closed-circuit television” systems, are a fantastic way to protect your home. Let’s discuss some of the many benefits of having a CCTV system installed as a form of home security:
1. Visible video cameras are an excellent deterrent! Bad guys, particularly burglars who are looking for a home to enter, just might think twice about breaking into your house if they believe they will be recorded doing so. In this way, the presence of cameras may completely prevent you from becoming the victim of a crime. Which leads me into the next benefit...
2. Recording creates evidence! If a burglary, theft, or some other type of crime should occur, law enforcement can often use the video recording from the system to identify and even prosecute the perpetrator. The CCTV system that I have on my home helped me do exactly that on more than one occasion!
3. The ability to check up on the kids or elderly family members in real time. It’s always nice to have another set of eyes on your children as well as your aging relatives when they are home alone. Adding remote video will allow you to log in and check up on them from your office computer, tablet, or smart phone. Indoor cameras can also be used to keep an eye on younger kids and their babysitters.
4. Checking up on your pets. Ever wonder what mischief your furry friends are getting into when you’re away? Worried about an older pet that might need special attention? With a home security camera, you can ensure that your four-legged loved ones are safe and sound. And, not gnawing through the leather on your new sofa!
5. Saving money on homeowners insurance. Most major insurers will offer lower premiums if you choose to protect your property with a CCTV system. If you piggyback an existing security system with CCTV, such an advanced system could net up to a 15% discount on rates. This, of course, depends on many other factors, but I have been informed that such discounts do exist.
So, what to do now? It’s time to do your homework and begin shopping! It’s important to first ascertain what your specific needs are and what your budget will allow. Most modern systems are digital so there are no pesky cassette tapes to replace- the data that is recorded by the cameras is stored to a hard drive (or the cloud), just like your home computer. Some questions to ask yourself should include:
1. How many cameras do I need?
2. Do I need/want cameras indoors, outdoors, or both?
3. Do I want cameras that are activated by motion, or always on?
4. Do I want the ability to check the cameras remotely, as discussed above?
5. Should I use wired or wireless cameras?
6. Is IR, or infrared technology important (this allows recording in dark conditions)?
7. Do I want audio monitoring as well, so I can hear what happened/is happening?
There are other less expensive ways to achieve a little bit of video security, such as “doorbell” cameras, and even systems that have only one or two channels. Just remember, like anything else, you get what you pay for. I installed my system a few years ago at a cost of roughly $2000. There are systems for $500 and there are systems for $20,000. Doorbell cameras can be had for around $150.
So, if you’ve been considering a CCTV system, now is a great time to do some research and see what’s available to help protect your home.
- Be Safe Everyone!
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