Basic Home Security Camera Installation

The huge surge of security cameras and surveillance for the private home is largely due to the affordability of camera technology, but along with this has come a new simplicity in camera installation. What was once a fairly complicated process is now simple enough for most anyone to accomplish. Not only is the technology affordable, people are saving a bundle on installation costs. By shopping online, consumers are able to purchase the equipment they need, have it directly shipped to their door, and complete their own installation of a new home security camera system. Installing your own surveillance system is easy when following these guidelines.

The more important part of the process is deciding what kind of system you need. How many cameras do you need, do you need audio, color video, or a wireless system? The answers to these questions obviously depend on the primary use of this security camera system as well as your personal preferences. Also consider if cameras will be located outside as well as inside. After deciding on the best system and having it shipped to your door, you are ready to install.

The first step of actual installation is determining the exact area for surveillance. With the area defined, it is then important to position the camera at the right distance in order to cover that area. Once you have chosen the position, hold the camera up to that position and mark where screws will be driven through the mounting bracket that comes with the camera. On some surfaces you may need to pre-drill holes for the screws to drive. Then simply screw the mounting plate to the preferred mounting surface and make certain it is secured tightly. Wood is the easiest surface to permeate and will also provide great stability.

Installing “wired” systems is somewhat more complicated than wireless systems because you must then run the wire to the monitoring device. This can be done a number of ways. If you are still in the construction phase of a home it is easy to run these wires through walls to hide them. However, if installing a system into an existing structure, you can use various mounting tacks or adhesives to secure the line in corners or along trim. If the line is painted over, it is quite difficult to notice. The great thing about wireless cameras is that this installation step is unnecessary. Some wireless units send a signal to a specific monitoring system, while others connect wirelessly to a device that is accessed through the Internet and can actually be monitored from any Internet connection. When using a wireless home security camera you must make sure that there is no signal interference between the camera transmitter and the monitoring or recording device. Avoid installing these systems with TV’s, microwaves, stereo systems, and other electronics that may interfere.

Other than following specific setup instructions that come with your specific security device, that is all there is to installing your own home security camera system. The simplicity has changed the industry forever, making home security a possibility for almost anyone. If you are looking to improve your home security or just keep an eye on the kids or pets, take a look at different surveillance systems available to the general public. It can really give you and your family a new peace of mind, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of home security cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Surveillance Cameras

There are several types and classifications of surveillance systems, the most basic difference being that of interior versus exterior security cameras. Exterior cameras have a somewhat different exoskeleton, or protective covering. Obviously anything that is constantly exposed to the elements will need some sort of protection such as a metal visor, sport mounting, or durable casing. Interior surveillance cameras require electronic friendly, dry environments with reasonable temperatures. Beyond these two major differences in surveillance cameras, a host of various types of cameras can be used for various functions and desired results, the most common being wireless and hidden devices.

Wireless surveillance cameras have become incredibly popular for obvious reasons. These units are much simpler to install now that there are no wires to worry about. Not only can the average citizen save money on self installation, but the manufacturing costs have also decreased dramatically for wireless surveillance cameras. Wireless units also bring a new element of flexibility to camera placement, with total freedom from wires. The only difficulty when dealing with wireless units is the need for power. There are some options to use a wire for electricity only, so you still do not need to run a video feed wire, and some units run on battery power that can be recharged or replaced.

Hidden cameras are also quite popular, giving people the ability to monitor specific areas while going unnoticed. Sometimes it is important to display security cameras in an open view, but it is also extremely helpful to utilize the services of hidden surveillance. There are a variety of reasons that hidden cameras are useful. For some homeowners, they are used to check up on children, monitor house sitters or cleaners, and keep a close watch on valuables. In some high security circumstances, employing a combination of hidden and non-hidden cameras is advantages. For example, in a banking situation, a mounted camera may act as a deterrent, but a criminal is likely to dodge the view of such an obvious fixture. A hidden camera can assist in identifying the subject for police or authority reference.

Perhaps the most effective hidden cameras are considered “mini security cameras.” These tiny lens cameras fit in the smallest of place such as through air vents, around corners, or mounted to other fixtures. Though they are very small, they can still produce the resolution needed to make identifications.

These different types of surveillance cameras are making the homes and businesses of so many people safer places to live and work. It is important to keep a close watch on those things that are valuable because no one is exempt from being targeted for some type of trespass.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of wireless surveillance cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Apartment and Condo Security

Security is equally important to those that live in neighborhood homes as it is for those that dwell in apartments or condos. All private residences are equally viable targets for vandalism and burglary, and protecting possessions and loved ones is important to everyone. However, the security situation is somewhat different in condominiums and apartments. Though the management will usually take care of security measures for the entire property, security for individual units is lacking. The property management often provides property security such as lighting, gated entry, and sometimes the hiring of a private security company to police the grounds. Though this is somewhat effective and protects the investment of the property owner, it will not guarantee the security of an individual unit, which falls on the responsibility of the unit owner or tenant.

There are many things tenants and condo owners can do to increase their security level. Initially, simply keeping windows and doors locked is the cheapest and most effective deterrent of theft, and believe it or not, many tenants neglect to “lock-up.” Also, keeping a unit locked is only helpful if the locks are effective. Proper locking mechanisms should be installed in all entrance points of unit, and if the locks are not secure in a rental space, the management will often help to cover the cost of new locks.

Depending on particular management policies, home security cameras are great for deterring and catching perpetrators. Simple installing a security camera to view the walkway or front entrance will give most thieves pause to reconsider their objective. In the event of an actual crime or security issue, everything will be recorded. Mini security cameras are great for installing in porch or balcony areas or even inside the home and go undetected by most untrained people. Many renters may think security cameras are far too extravagantly priced, but with today’s level of technology, security cameras are becoming much lest expensive. Now, you can even use the Internet to view your camera footage. This works great for those that want to keep an eye on a pet while they are away.

Setting up a neighborhood watch program is also a great idea for individual unit security. There is no substitute for your neighbors checking in on your unit and keeping a watchful eye. It is important for anyone living in a multi-unit structure to be aware of their surroundings for their own safety, so paying attention to any specious activity is really no burden to carry. Also, “neighborhood watch” warning signs can be posted to deter criminal activity.

If you are considering moving into a multi-unit situation, consider various security issues before moving in. Question the management about restrictions on personal security as well as current security measures for the property. This will help you plan the best way to secure your private space, so that you can rest easy and enjoy your new home.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of home security cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Home Security Cameras: Not Just a Fad

The popularity of security cameras for surveillance in the private home has steadily increased over the past decades, exploding in the last ten years. Homeowners are looking to protect their homes and families while also having the option of keeping an eye on kids or animals that might be home alone. Some people are even investing for the purposes of smooth driveway entrances or front door intercoms. Though it has been popular for some time amongst executives and politicians, the majority of security camera owners today are purchasing and installing their own cameras for $100 to $500, and even putting in entire systems in the low thousands. They are then using their home computers or televisions for monitoring. But whatever the budget or purpose, home security cameras will continue increasing in popularity as the technology becomes more affordable and the usability more simple. Video surveillance has been a fascination of humans for more than fifty years, and these technological advancements will only continue to enhance that interest.

Video monitoring has long been a useful resource for various purposes. CCTV, or “Closed Circuit Television” describes any video signal that is transmitted to a specific set of monitors or monitoring system. The fist CCTV was actually used to observe the launch of V2 rockets in Germany in 1942. Since then, video surveillance has flourished in many industries, but for obvious reasons the security industry was especially interested. Banking institutions were among the first to implement security cameras for both evidentiary and theft preventative purposes. Their effectiveness has been astounding, reducing the number of bank robberies two one tenth of their previous numbers almost over night. As a result, security cameras are now used in office buildings, jails and prisons, schools, museums, retail shops, traffic lights, and now, commonly in homes.

Further development has improved the effectiveness of security cameras by making them much smaller than they once were. Mini security cameras can be hidden from view so that individuals are unaware of their surveillance. Though this has obvious benefits for retail situations, they are also very popular in home settings. This is an easy way to keep a watch on teenagers, see who is at the door, and identify a burglar or vandal with a close up view.

This is only the beginning of home security cameras. There are too many benefits of surveillance for it to go out of style. In fact, as the technology continues to increase, home security cameras will probably become standard for every home, installed upon construction. Even now, it is inexpensive and simple enough for almost anyone to purchase their own camera system and throw up a few more eyes around the house.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of home security cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

The 24 hour Watch Dog

In an age of necessary security, many people are turning to security cameras for their home protection. Though Fido might be a pretty good watch dog, he does have his limitations including the need to sleep. Home security cameras offer 24 hour surveillance to those that are looking for better ways to protect their loved ones. Not only do security cameras make it more likely for thieves or vandals to leave sooner or possibly avoid your home all together, they also serve as an excellent deterrent. Though they may have a different effect than Fido’s characteristic bark, they are more likely to prevent a break in, and in the event of a break in you will have recorded evidence of their every move. Just like picking out the right dog for you, there are a plethora of security camera options. Take care to choose the best surveillance for your living situation.

Some homeowners prefer to mount decoy cameras, or fake cameras. Though these do not give the owner the capability of recording or monitoring what is going on at his or her home, they do fulfill the deterrent purpose of home security cameras, possibly replacing that old “Beware of Dog” sign. A thief has no way of knowing if a camera is actually operational because of elaborate security camera replicas for sale that can fool anyone. The idea of a security camera is very unsettling to a criminal as they consider that their movements are monitored and realize they will probably be confronted. This is the last thing that most thieves want to experience.

Though fake cameras are a more affordable theft deterrent, real security cameras provide actual footage at various angles around and/or inside the home. Cameras can be purchased with a variety of options such as color views or black and white. A color view might be more helpful in determining the identity of a robber while black and white views provide the contrast necessary to detect movement more sharply. Choosing a wireless or hardwired system and choosing resolutions are a few of many other options to consider, but beyond settling on the right type of security camera system, accurate placement is just as important. All entry points of the home should be in the view of a camera, and it should be positioned in such a way that the face of anyone entering your home is easily identified. This is useful for both security purposes as well as social ones. It is good to be able to see the face of someone knocking at your door. It is like a version of caller ID for house visitors. When placing security cameras in a home’s interior, hallways are excellent choices. An intruder will quite possibly utilize the hallway space more than once during their visit. Of course, any room that contains valuables is also a likely candidate for a security camera.

With home security cameras, you can have 24 hour surveillance protecting the things you value most, from people to possessions. There is no need to live in fear or to train your dog to dislike visitors when you have another constant look out. Take a look at some security cameras for your home today. You will be amazed at how inexpensive such effective security has become.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of home security cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Hidden or Mini Security Cameras

Miniature security cameras are not only easy to hide, but they are often less expensive than larger devices. Some mini cameras are as small as only several millimeters and thus are difficult to detect. The purpose of these devices is somewhat different from traditional security cameras. In a traditional sense, security cameras are supposed to be noticed and serve as a deterrent as well as a look out and evidence recorder. Hidden cameras serve a slightly different purpose in areas that need increased security or in situations in which those on video should not know they are being watched or recorded.

For security purposes, it is sometimes advantages for the public to be unaware of certain cameras. For example, in a bank robbery situation, the robber might be aware of the large mounted cameras overhead, and by carefully avoiding their view they may overlook a mini security camera staring them strait in the face. This technique transcends multiple business situations such as convenient stores, fast food restaurants, and jewelry stores, and is just one way that a business owner can be smarter than the thief.

In an office or employment environment, it is often worth keeping employees under surveillance, especially when employees are left unattended. This allows a manager or owner to evaluate performances of employees when they are not being supervised. This can be an invaluable tool for increasing the productivity of individuals and businesses overall.

Mini cameras are also handy gadgets to have around the house if you have little ones or a sneaky teenager, but they are also extremely valuable for home security. Again, visible security will serve as a great deterrent, but in the event that a burglary attempt is made, a mini security camera is much more likely to pull through with some hard evidence.

There are a number of options and features for mini cameras such as special software, wired or wireless video transfer, black/white or color, various resolutions, night vision, dome or bullet style, and even infrared. It is important to choose a camera that fits the specific security needs of a particular space. The majority of mini security cameras have a 3.6 mm or 6mm pinhole lens which give a 65 to 85 degree viewing area. Resolutions can range from 330 lines to 480 lines.

Mini security cameras offer recorded evidence, real-time monitoring, a decrease in losses due to theft, employee surveillance, child monitoring, as well as a number of uses for research and development. As you browse various security cameras, determine your security needs, based on the type and intensity of surveillance that will provide the right effect. Perhaps a mini security camera is just the thing you have been looking for.

About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online supplier of hidden cameras and mini security cameras. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.