Home Security Cameras: Yes or No?

Our readers have spoken, and they want to know whether or not home security cameras are worth the time and money!  Today’s blog post from Alarm System Report will tell you some of the reasons why a home security cameras may or may not be the best fit for you and your home security.

Before we get in to why home security cameras are right for you, let’s first find out what home security cameras are and what they do.

Security cameras have been used in a number of different ways in a number of different settings for many years.  Most of those camera systems were called Closed Circuit Television systems, or CCTV.  Closed circuit camera systems only allow you to view the cameras on a screen at the property where the security cameras are installed.  When you see the security guard sitting at the front desk of an office building with five or six TV screens in front of him this is what a CCTV system looks like.  The cameras usually record to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) type system for review at a later time.  The problem with these types of systems is unless you have someone monitoring them at all times you run the risk of watching your break in on recording later instead of stopping it.

While CCTV is still hugely popular the trend is moving towards wireless home security cameras that can be viewed online or on your smartphone.  Wireless home security cameras are extremely affordable and easy to set up and use.  As long as you have an active high speed internet connection where your home security cameras will be installed you can set them up for remote viewing.  Most home security camera systems will come with some sort of app or online application for you to view your cameras.  If you purchase your camera system through one of the alarm companies on Alarm System Report’s list you will get the mobile app as well as online access as part of your service.  Some of the companies offering home security cameras are:

The best thing about using a home security camera system from an alarm company like the ones above is being able to view it while you are away from the property as well as be alerted when the camera records activity.  Most home security cameras have a motion activated lens that will trigger when there is movement in front of the camera.  This movement will trigger the camera to send a message alerting you that the camera is recording activity.  You can then go on your phone or online to view what is going on.

Another great thing about the wireless home security camera method is how the video clips are stored.  The clips will be stored “in the cloud” for you and can be accessed from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.  This is especially nice because potential intruders cannot damage any recording devices that you may have on site, such as a DVR.  This way your home security camera clips are never lost unless you personally delete them.

So, are home security cameras right for you?  The first thing to think about when deciding whether or not to purchase home security cameras is whether or not you have a high speed internet connection at your home.  Most folks will have access to high speed internet in their area, but this is imperative to making sure you receive notifications and can see the cameras in real time.  Those without a high speed internet connection may want to use a CCTV type home security camera system.

Next you’ll want to think about your budget.  Cameras, while nice, can add up the price of your system if you want to purchase a lot of them.  If you really want home security cameras you only need one or two most times.  The most common place people use cameras is in the front and back of their home near the most common entry ways.  Because break ins occur mostly through doors in the front or back of the house these are ideal placements for a home security camera.

Lastly, if you don’t use a smartphone or don’t have internet access then home security cameras may not be of use to you.  While hard wired or CCTV systems are nice, they are extremely expensive and a pain in the butt to maintain.  Wireless home security cameras are the best method to use if you’re able to, and offer the most benefit to you and your home security.

For more information about home security cameras and the companies offering these services please visit Alarm System Report’s alarm system reviews.