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
Who Owns ADT Alarm Systems After Install?
You’ve paid to have an alarm system installed in your home. Do you own the equipment? Most likely, but not yet if you contracted with a big-box home security company like ADT. Payment Plans for Equipment Most people sign up on special offers in which they will pay an installation fee for the equipment, but…
Fire Safety for Kids
Setting up fire alarm systems and fire monitoring are fundamental elements in your home’s fire safety plan. However, that is only the beginning. Educating your children on fire prevention, fire safety, and how to manage an emergency are vital in keeping your family safe. According to the American Red Cross, not only are children under five…
3 Types of Security Lights
Your security system is only useful if you can see what is going on when you can’t be there. This also means that when it gets dark, your cameras need to be able to capture the image clearly. To do this past dusk will require that you set up security lighting. Additionally, check out the…
How Often Should You Inspect Your Fire Alarm System?
Everyone dreads the day when fire alarm systems are being tested because they are often loud and annoying. However, the importance of making sure your fire alarms are working properly outweighs the small distraction of lights and noise. Putting off a fire alarm inspection can be both risky and negligent for business owners as it…
What Are Fire Alarm System Zones?
Fire alarm zones are standard in conventional fire panels. Each zone represents a different area in the building to help firefighters and professionals pinpoint the source of an alarm. However, it can be confusing to research fire alarm zones because they are not as common as they once were. Conventional and addressable systems handle communication for fire…
Motion Detector Installation Basics
Motion detection devices are a crucial component of any security system, commercial or residential. They allow owners to cover a relatively large amount of space with a small number of devices. Motion detectors also are known to detect activity that window sensors might miss. When it comes time to install motion detection devices, remember these…
Inside the Mind of a Burglar
What Message Are You Sending? Whether you know it or not, your business could send a message to potential burglars about how easy or difficult it is to break in. Professional thieves can quickly assess a property, also known as “casing,” to determine if it could be an easy and lucrative target. Unfortunately, many employees…
Winter Commercial Fire Safety Tips
While fire safety and prevention are crucial year-round, unique fire hazards accompany winter’s freezing temperatures. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that many holiday-related factors contribute to an increased fire risk during the winter months, and commercial settings are just as vulnerable. Besides creating and reviewing company-wide fire safety procedures, here are 4 tips…
Home Security Solutions for People with Disabilities
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five American adults live with a disability. The most common disabilities are hearing or vision impairments, mobility issues like arthritis or a diminished ability to live independently, speech and language challenges, and cognitive conditions including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Recently we talked about…
Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience
The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…