Video Surveillance How it Works

When they were first introduced, video surveillance systems were mostly used with medium to large businesses.  These days however, they are becoming more and more common in homes.  Video surveillance security systems are also known as Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) and are used to monitor certain areas around the home and help to protect it from burglars and thieves.

The monitor is a key aspect to the video surveillance setup.  The monitor will feed the video from the cameras that make up the system.  The monitors are normally black and white and feature a higher resolution than that of a standard television set.  Monitors vary in size and resolution, although the standard resolution is between 500 and 1000 lines.

Cameras are also important.  When setting up the home video surveillance system, the cameras are placed strategically around the outside of the home, in the most vulnerable areas.  They should be set up in areas where they are nearly impossible to see.  The cameras are always working, sending the video transmissions to the monitors on a frequent basis.

Coaxial cables are also a must have for video surveillance systems.  The coaxial cables are what transfers the video signals from the camera to the monitor.  The cables are available in a variety of sizes.  You can find them at a local electronics store in your area. Your home video surveillance system will come with coaxial cables, although you may need more depending on where you plan to set the cameras up at.

Home video surveillance systems also use switchers.  Switchers allow you to run multiple camera feeds to one monitor.  Normally, a switcher will cycle through feeds unless it detects movement going on around a camera.  When the switcher detects any type of movement, it will automatically lock in to the camera that has detected the movement.

There are some video surveillance systems that you can get for the home that make full use of VCRs.  These systems will use the VCR to record any live video feed that you program.  This can come in handy if you travel a lot, as the VCR can capture a break in as it happens.  If you end up going to court or to the police, you can use the video tape as evidence.  VCRs can catch burglars in the act – especially if you set the camera up to a location that is hard to see.

By utilizing the combination of a monitor and video camera, home video surveillance systems can easily catch burglaries and break-ins.  They are very affordable these days, and used in thousands of homes throughout North America.  If you’ve been looking for the ideal way to protect your home – a home video surveillance system is something you should look into immediately.

Home Security Recommendation

When the topic of home security springs to mind, most people seem to think of burglar alarms and little to nothing else.  Alarms can be a great way to protect your home, although they are only a small part of what makes up an effective home security system.  Burglar alarms are a key to protecting your home – although there are other things you’ll need as well.

Believe it or not, the windows are actually the key to home security.  Homes that have poor constructed windows tend to get broken into a lot more than homes with secure and sturdy windows.  When you are dealing with your windows, you should make sure that you have tough glass and locks that fit to the windows.  When you are away from home, you should always make sure that your windows are locked.  Even though some windows may be hard to reach, you should always lock them.  Burglars make a living out of stealing – and they will normally find a way in if they see the opening.

Along with the windows, doors are also known to be a weakness of security around the home.  Doors should always be strong and sturdy, complete with tough locks that aren’t easy to force open.  If you have a spare key, you should be careful where you leave it.  Losing your keys can also make you a target, especially if you have anything on your key ring that reveals your home address.

To better protect their homes, most people choose to invest in a home surveillance system.  These systems are great for monitoring the home, as they can record video and keep it stored for you to view later.  If you travel a lot, a home surveillance system can be an ideal way to keep a check on your home while you’re away.

Guard dogs are also common with home security as well.  A guard dog can protect your home from burglars, thieves, and other types of trouble.  Guard dogs can be very handy to have around, as most dogs are more than capable of scaring away trouble with their bark.  The only downside to guard dogs is the fact that you’ll need to train them and ensure that they always have food and water.

Last, but certainly not least are burglar alarms.  Burglar alarms can be effective to an extent, although they are primarily good for scaring thieves away.  If you put an alarm in a visible location from the outside of the home, most burglars won’t even attempt to enter your home.  Even though burglar alarms are great for scaring off thieves – you’ll still need to have other areas of your home safe and secure as well to get the most of your home security.