Considerations for Installing a CCTV System in Your Home
There are plenty of solutions available nowadays, but that doesn’t mean installing a home security camera system is always easy. Mainly because there isn’t one solution that is perfect for every need. You need to examine your options and your own reasons and conditions for setting this system up, before you can make the right choice.
These are the most important considerations you should make before having a CCTV camera system installed in your home:
Area
First of all, how big is the area you want to cover and what is its layout? If this would include several rooms, then obviously, you need to install several cameras. If you’re thinking of setting up the cameras discreetly, that’s another point you need to consider.
Budget
Of course, your budget is important. You have to be clear about the amount of money you can spend for the installation and the degree of security it can provide. However, don’t go for substandard equipment simply because your funds are not sufficient. Better to put off the installation until you have saved enough cash, than to set up a system with questionable reliability.
Warranty
Before you buy any security equipment, check its warranty to make sure that you’re getting the best return on your investment.
Storage
The area that will be covered by the system dictates how many cameras are necessary, and this number of cameras will determine how much storage should be available. Storage requirements will as well be affected by the length of time data should be saved in the device, and with the type of cameras and settings that will be used.
The good news is you will now be able to get advanced storage devices made specifically for security camera systems. Such devices are computer drives that can take the place of typical desktop drives, which tend to run in limited durations and are sensitive to vibrations and temperature changes.
Backup
Having a backup for every recording session is always a smart idea, if not a necessity. Cloud-based backups are good because they ensure that your files are physically protected. In terms of accessibility though, you may want to have physical backups as well. In any case, a backup-ready CCTV system is always a smart choice.
Handling
Finally, consider ease of handling when buying your security equipment. Vendors will provide support, but you have to know how the system works yourself so you can manage it on a daily basis. Thus, be sure to get equipment that you can easily learn and use. Anything too complicated can easily turn into a liability rather than an asset.