DIY Home Security Cameras
DIY Security Systems Are the New Fad
- How many cameras can the system support, and can it support cameras from other manufacturers? – You’ll hear systems called 2-channel, 4-channel, 16-channel, etc., which determines how many cameras the system can support. It’s best to purchase a system that can support a few more cameras than you think you’ll need – in case you want to add any down the road. Also, ask if a security system is proprietary or not. If it is proprietary, you may not be able to use cameras from other manufacturer’s on the system.
- What is the image quality of the camera that comes with the system? – If the image quality of the camera is weak, the authorities won’t be able to use your video to identify suspects or read license plates. For high definition quality video, you need a 1080p camera, a camera resolution that provides 1920 x 1070-pixel resolution, or 2.1 megapixels.
- Can the camera be used at night? – If you need your camera to record video at night, you’ll need to ensure your camera has night vision and that the area around the camera is properly lit, or that your camera has a wide aperture to allow details to be seen in low light.
- What is the field of view of the camera? – Depending on how wide the area you need to monitor, you will need a camera with a larger field of view.
- Does the camera have local storage? – You must have a place to store the video that your camera(s) is recording. It’s called your Network Video Recorder (NVR). If your camera doesn’t have one built-in, then you will have to pay for cloud services to store your video (that’s a gotcha some companies use to rope you into monthly fees). The amount of hard drive storage available in your NVR will determine how many videos you can record and for how many days you can keep them.
- Do I have the necessary Internet bandwidth to support the cameras I want on my security system? – See our blog on What upload speed do I need for security cameras?
- How is the security camera powered? – Just because it is a wireless camera, it doesn’t mean there are no wires involved. Wireless refers to how the camera transfers data, not how it is powered. It will need to have a power source, either battery (which needs to be changed) or an electrical outlet.
- Does the camera come with 2-way audio (if you want to talk to someone at the front door)?
- Do you even want a wireless camera (it might not be the best option since Wi-fi isn’t always reliable and can be hacked)?
- Do you want redundant storage of your security videos (copies of your security videos)?
Explore Our Other Blogs
Can a Security System Save My Business Money?
If you’re a business owner, you know the importance of weighing the pros and cons of major purchases before making them. A commercial security system is one of the higher-ticket items that can cause the most significant hesitation. While they can take large investments to purchase, install, and maintain, security systems can offer long-term savings…
Should My Business Have a Panic Button?
What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…
Can You Get a Discount on Home Insurance if You Have a Security System?
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…
Big Name Home Security Gimmicks
We talk about choosing between a national home security company and a local company, DIY Security systems’ weaknesses, and video doorbells. Choosing a security system can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you and your family’s security is at stake. So how do you choose a home security system? Do Your Homework It’s critical to do…
The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read
What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…
What Causes False Alarms on Home Security Systems
False alarms on home security systems are not only an annoyance for homeowners, but they take up the valuable time and resources of our local law enforcement officials. In fact, many cities and towns now charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. In order to save you the frustration and potential financial hit, let’s look…
Why Night Staff Should Have Fire Alarm Training
In the years that I traveled as a Sales Representative, I experienced many times when a fire alarm would go off throughout the night. As the hotel guests evacuated, I often found that the night staff didn’t know what to do. In almost every case, it was an accidental alarm, and in many cases, night…
What Does a Commercial Fire System Include?
Fire safety is critical for all businesses, but the components within commercial fire systems vary significantly between industries and functions. Fires can stem from common causes that affect any commercial property and sources unique to specific fields, so fire systems must address every threat using detection, prevention, protection, and suppression. With many options available for…
4 Questions & Answers about Smart Home Devices
Smart Home Technology Let’s face it; we are in love with our smartphones. According to Pew Research Center, more than 81% of Americans now own one; that is up from just 35% in 2011. With so much power in the palm of our hand, it’s not surprising that we want to use our smartphone for…
Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace
The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace. The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. Emergency Action Plan The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace. There…