Even if you don’t live in an area where crime is common, a home security system can still give you peace of mind, especially when you are away from home. Although the value of security is immeasurable, monitored systems are often very pricey and some provide more coverage than needed. This is why PC based home security camera systems are popular among people who want the protection of a security system without breaking the bank.
Taking your home and family’s security into your own hands can help you save money and cut the red tape between you and the information held by a security company. Many D.I.Y. security camera systems come with motion sensors that alert you of any movement via text message or email, providing you with peace of mind when you are away from home.
These cameras vary in price, but even the most expensive cameras can save you money in the long run, after you factor in the cost of monthly security system fees. Even if you aren’t looking to keep an eye on potential burglars or criminals, a home security camera has other potential uses, including helping you keep an eye on your pet when you’re not at home, baby monitoring and babysitter monitoring.
[Read also: How to Ensure Internet Safety for Your Kids]
Before you go out to buy a PC based home security camera system, be sure to do your homework, and be sure to consider to following three pieces of advice listed below.
Buy the camera that fits your monitoring needs
Do you want to record sound or not? Will you be using the camera indoors or outdoors? How clear do you want the picture to be? Do you care if it is recorded in black and white, or do you want color video? Does the camera need night vision? Do you want the camera to be hidden or overt? These are the main questions to ask before choosing a system for your home. Some questions that you have may require the assistance of a security system expert. In those cases, seek the assistance of the sales representative where you plan on purchasing the system. If the sales representative can’t help you, call the customer service number of the brand you are interested in buying.
[Recommended reading: In the Market for Camera Poles? Here’s a Buyer’s Guide]
Choose a camera that will be easy for you to install
Some cameras are wireless and are fairly easy to install. However, the further away a wireless camera is from the wireless network access point, the more likely there will be communication problems (internet connectivity problems). If you have a large home or plan on placing cameras outside, you may want to consider systems that require wiring. If you aren’t handy with drilling holes into walls and running wire, there are some camera systems that work on a receiver system. The receiver plugs into an outlet and acts as a bridge between the camera and the computer by connecting to the PC via a USB port. This type of system isn’t suitable for outdoor cameras, though.
Determine what areas you want to cover
Before buying your camera system, decide what areas of your home you want monitored and where you will be placing the cameras. Drawing up a plan will help you figure out how many cameras you will need and what type of mounting apparatuses will be required. It will also help you figure out what type of PC software will work best with the number of cameras you plan on installing.
In addition to security cameras, there are many other types of D.I.Y. home security ideas and tools. These can be put into use in a number of different ways to suit your individual security needs. A simple internet search will help you find more information on all the different types of home security packages. Some security companies also sell equipment and can help answer any questions about installation and use.
A lot goes into choosing the right home security system,IR vs Nightvision, auto tracking cameras, wired vs wireless, etc. It’s important to remember that cost effectiveness should not play a roll over security. If security is your main concern, stay away from DIY and buy each product separately. (choose a DVR with at least a TB, at least 16 channels, etc)
Another Great article, thank you Peter!
I wouldn’t go for DIY myself, they’re usually wireless and are susceptible to interference from radio frequency. I rather go for the wired ones and pay for the installation cost. Wired home security systems are generally harder to disarm or interfere with. Any type of tampering with the wiring will often trip the alarm system. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Simon.
Thanks for your comments, Simon! I like your DVR idea. Hiring a professional to install your home security system is certainly the best way to go about it. Still, some homeowners may prefer to install a DIY camera for personal surveillance purposes.
We recently purchased a PC-based video surveillance system and we think it’s a good buy for us as we no longer have to worry too much on who goes in and out of our premises. The best part of it is that you can remotely monitor the video from the system using your smartphone. In fact, since the surveillance system is IP-based, you can view the feed no matter where you are in the world as long as you have decent internet access.
Interesting post. I am looking for CCTV cameras to install at my home, to increase the security and thus ensure the well being of my family. I found these tips very helpful. I will surely pass to this to my friends. Home surveillance is now became the need due to much increase in crime rate. I want to install those cameras , which can be connected with my mobile phone. It will helps to monitor my family, even when I am not at home.
I’ve always wanted to improve the security system at my business in West Palm Beach to a level beyond a few cameras. The security pros at Godby Safe and Lock installed a high tech Access Control System for my small business. Now I can be assured that only authorized personnel accesses certain areas of my business.
Thanks for a great article. There are so many things to consider before choosing security camera system. I am wondering where the video is stored though. Is it stored on your home PC or somewhere online? How about the costs. I am a bit worried that recurring storage costs of such systems may skyrocket the costs of maintaining them.
One of the most important for me to consider in buying security camera is the easy to install because i dont have to put more time just to set up. Thanks for this great share!
I definitely agree that it’s smart to consider installation of the cameras. I don’t have a lot of experience with security systems and I’ve been looking for cameras. I also like what the article said about determining what areas need the most surveillance. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to install cameras in areas of your home that aren’t really at risk of break-ins.
Our house is our sanctuary and we want to be safe and sound. Having a security system in our house make us more. Though home security systems are a great asset for our home security, it wouldn’t hurt to get humans on the job as well. Ask a very trusted neighbor to keep a close watch on your house as well.
I am contented about the security in our place, but there is still something bothering about me. There are times that no one is going to look for our house and then I will be gone for how many days. Having a Surveillance is the only solutions that will work. Safety and security will always be first.
A couple of home security cameras are what my house would sure need. Last week, my son found the fence from the backyard marked with graffiti. Because of that I’m thinking about setting up some cameras on the back end of my home.
I agree that you should choose a camera that will be easy to install. Otherwise, you may end up having to return it. I think you should also be sure to read the installation manual.
I like how you mention that security camera systems are not only used to keep watch for burglars but also other things like even watching your pet when you are away or babysitter to make sure they are doing their job. I think keeping watch of your babysitter is a great idea especially if the person is not a family friend but someone from a paid service of some sort.
The decision usually comes down to either a DIY or a system that requires professional installation. In my opinion, the professional installation is usually the best for the long term unless you happen to be somewhat tech savvy and handy with tools.
My husband and I have been thinking of getting a home security system, so I really appreciate this advice! I think that, as a start, we should decide on where we’d want the cameras to point. I think we’ll have to get a few options for cameras, but I’ll be sure to choose one that is easy to install. Thanks for this help!
I like your advice to choose a camera that fits your needs and wants. Some people can afford to buy a complex security system with alarms and multiple cameras, while others can only afford the bare minimum. Personally, I’d opt for outside cameras that are easily seen, because knowing you’re being watched can deter bad behavior. Thanks for the article.
A wrong decision can really ruin your all efforts. The above advice is nice to consider before buying an camera system because you don’t want to get hacked while using a low quality system.
Helpful content for security camera seekers.
Easy installation seems to be the key for sure. If you read the reviews on Amazon, you see a ton of frustration with the installation process and some people even end up giving up.
I have recently installed a PC based monitoring camera in my house and the coolest thing about this special type of security software is that we can actually view our home from anywhere in the world.
What else anyone needs? 😀 😀
Thanks for being sharing such a valuable post.
Home security cameras are really awesome!! This would be awesome to check on our dogs when we are gone from the home.
Investing in a home camera system is the latest security trend for homes these days. I would love to have a home security camera. it would make me feel much more secure about my home!
Regards
Salvador V. Sherman
Hey Peter,
Home security camera system is indeed a good tool to have to help protect our homes. Some of the security systems we’ve checked need a technician or an expert to be installed.
Thank you for posting 🙂