Home Security Surveillance Options

Home Security Surveillance Options

Home security surveillance options include hidden and visible cameras. Cameras are available in wired or wireless styles. Recording options include digital and DVR or VCR.

Hidden cameras are ideal home security surveillance options. They are small enough to place almost anywhere and are often inexpensive. Although hidden cameras can be purchased already hidden (they appear to be plants, clocks, toys, etc.) the image quality may be poor. If the image cannot be seen, the camera is useless. 

Webcams can be visible or hidden. The same camera that computer users use to transmit their image while computing can be used to monitor a room or area. These cameras are also inexpensive. Potential camera locations are limited by the length of the USB cord unless the camera is a wireless version.

The camera lens determines what images are captured. Dome-shaped, wide-angle camera lens produces distortion-free images and has a larger field of view than a standard camera lens.

Homeowners utilizing cameras for home security surveillance options should consider lighting. For low-light or night light recording, infrared capabilities are required. The infrared gives the camera night vision, resulting in captured surveillance images.

Wireless cameras are available almost everywhere. They are excellent home security surveillance options. Easy to install and easy to use, they can be placed almost anywhere. Homeowners can use as many cameras as necessary to monitor homes or property.

Images can be viewed on cell phones, televisions, and computers. Some handheld gadgets allow the viewing of images.

Wired cameras are usually installed by experienced installation technicians. Installation can be done while a home is under construction or added later. Adding them later can result in a mess and some expense.

Digital recording video allows homeowners to capture more footage, and gives more recording and viewing options. The DVR can be set to capture the image feed from the camera constantly or only when certain actions or events occur. Captured home security surveillance images can be viewed remotely via the Internet. Newer systems now provide for the addition of a wide variety of add-ons. Motion sensors, temperature change sensors, lighting change sensors and smoke detection sensors are some of those available. The DVR can be set to notify the homeowner should a sensor be activated.

Homeowners considering home security surveillance options can often get free assessment sheets from local surveillance and security companies. By answering the questions on the sheet, the homeowner can better determine what kind of security and surveillance is best.

Size of the area to be monitored, conditions and budget are considerations. Homeowners who choose to sign up for subscription monitoring of the home security system will have to decide which company to go with. The most popular, and largest, security companies will charge hefty fees and may require long-term contracts as well. Newer providers are becoming available at lower prices. Price shouldn't be the only determining factor when considering a home security company.

Home security surveillance can be as simple as a webcam and a laptop. It can also be as involved as the installation of a complete hardwired system. Looking at what is available and comparing that to what is needed will help homeowners decide.