CCTV for Home Security

CCTV's - Closed Circuit TeleVision (or maybe that should be Captures Criminals, Thieves, and Villains!) are an essential piece of equipment to incorporate in your overall home security system. The modern CCTV's come in all shapes and sizes from large, waterproof, cameras for external use, down to mini ‘spy’ cameras for covert use inside the home. They can produce high quality pictures in either black and white or high definition color, and can also be purchased with night vision capabilities.

Over the past few years the improvements in technolgy of security cameras has been immense, whilst the cost has decreased – even computer video cams costing a few dollars can be adequately used in home security installations, although it should be stressed that it is advisable to spend as much as one can afford because, like most things, you get what you pay for!

As with all types of home security installation, careful planning is necessary to decide on a number of factors:

1. What is your budget?
2. Decide what type of security system is to be installed.
3. What equipment is needed?
4. Where will the equipment be positioned?

Budget – It is vital to decide on a budget so that you know the limits of your spend. It is no good starting to buy equipment and then later discovering that you’ve run out of money, and therefore having to operate on reduced levels of security.
Believe me, it is more important to have an inexpensive (but reliable) complete CCTV security sytem, than an incomplete system even if this system has cost mega $$$$$.

What type of system – Do you go for a wired or wireless system?; do you use a dedicated VCR system or one that is connected to a PC? Color? Black & White? Night vision? These aren’t questions that can easily be answered in an article of this size. By preference, I would always choose (unless circumstances dictate otherwise) a wireless system (for ease of connectivity, and concealment). Color is best as long it gives a good resolution. Cameras which can operate in both normal daylight and night vision are ideal, but cost that much more. Find a good established security store – either a bricks and mortar store or an online store – who will give good advice, and stick with them.
I would also recommend using computer software to deal with the image capture. Home security CCTV programs are now extremely sophisticated. Do an internet search – almost all come with a limited demo. Try them out and choose one that not only has the required features, but also one that you are comfortable with. They should be able to cope with multiple cameras. They should have motion detection. They will then only record video footage when motion is detected, thereby saving disk space. With the right program, they will then upload the pictures to a website (which is often provided by the software supplier) – and the program will either email or phone you to warn you that motion has been detected. You can then log on to the website and see live images, and decide what action you need to take. You can be anywhere in the world. Amazing!

Another alternative is to use a monitoring company that will do all of this for you. Of course this will be a substantial extra cost but will give added peace of mind.

What equipment is required – this has been covered above. Again, discuss your requirements with the store.

Where will the equipment be sited – Again planning is the key. Externally, all possible entry points should be covered. The security camera should be as high up as possible, and with wires – if any – hidden. (I have a security camera hidden in a birdbox, high up in a tree in my back garden covering the back and side of my house!)
Internally, I use high definition wireless spy cameras, which are high up and hidden as much as possible. Ideally each CCTV should cover each entry point and as much as the room as possible, but where limited by budget, place them in rooms that need the most security.
Finally, the Computer or VCR should be as secure and protected as possible.

Remember that Security Cameras are just a part of home protection, and should be used along with other devices such as security alarms and lights.