Having recently included network video recorders (NVRs) to our growing line of surveillance devices, we thought this would be a good time to offer an updated overview on selecting the right surveillance system for your home or office. Whether you have installed a home security system on your own before, the information that we are about to share will help you determine which surveillance system is right for you.
Wired vs. Wireless
One of the first things to consider when selecting a video surveillance system is whether you’d like to install a hardwired surveillance system or whether you prefer a wireless one. Both offer quality surveillance, which can be expanded to work with other devices (including alarm systems and intercoms). In order to determine which is right for you, however, think about whether you want to extend wiring behind your walls or how difficult or easy such a task might be. For structures made from concrete or brick walls, or even for homes with historic value, we recommend that a wireless system be strongly considered. On the other hand, homeowners who are building a home or who are in the midst of a major remodel may be able to pretty easily include a hardwired system into their plans.
NVR vs. DVR
As previously mentioned, we recently added network video recorders to our product lineup. A relatively new technology, it’s natural that our customers may have a few questions on the differences between NVRs and DVRs. While both offer excellent surveillance solutions designed to keep your home as safe as possible, the most major difference between these two surveillance products are the ways in which video is handled by the device. With a DVR, video is put into a capture card while an NVR puts video through your home’s existing network. The recording quality between the two is actually the same, so your decision will largely depend on which kit is the most attractive to you in terms of price and specific features desired.
How Many Cameras Will You Need?
Prior to selecting a new surveillance system, it helps to know exactly how many cameras are needed. Using a single security camera to surveil a room or a small apartment may be sufficient. In these cases, a single hidden camera may be all that’s needed to protect one’s valuables or to gauge a nanny or a housekeeper’s performance while you are away from home. In most other cases, however, we believe that a multi-channel system is in order. Multiple cameras placed around and throughout a home are one of the best ways of keeping prowlers and other criminals at bay.
Infrared Technology
When selecting a new surveillance system, be sure to choose one that can continue to record in dark conditions.
Environmental Considerations
Don’t assume that all cameras can be used at any location. For example, if planning to install surveillance cameras outdoors, be sure that the manufacturer has specified that it can be used as such. Just note that the highest IP rating that a product can receive is a 68, which means that it can be used in the most extreme weather conditions as it is protected against dust and liquids.
Your Field of View
Lastly, when searching for the right surveillance system, it is important to consider how wide or narrow your camera’s surveillance field needs to be. A lot of people make a mistake in buying the wrong mm camera. To avoid doing so, note that the smaller the millimeter of the camera’s lens, the lower the angle it will record. Cameras with high millimeter lenses will capture wider angles. Here, it really depends on on what you need your surveillance cameras to see. If you aren’t sure about the millimeter that you need (or even if you are, but want flexibility) we highly recommend vari-focal cameras which are equivalent to zoom lenses and can be manually adjusted to accommodate between 2.5 to 10 mm.
Contact Compuville Systems today to get the best advise on choosing your next Surveillance System.