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In the past, those who installed security systems in their homes and businesses typically hired professional security crews to come in and install their systems. Back then, however, security camera systems were much more complicated and difficult to install than they were today. Surveillance systems that use wires have to be carefully installed in order for them to work properly and in order to combat against tampering, but today’s wireless systems are much easier to install. In fact, you can probably install your own surveillance system in just a few hours, and you can save a bundle by doing the work yourself instead of hiring a professional.
Understand Why You Need a Surveillance System
If you are still undecided as to whether or not you should install a surveillance system in your home, you should think about the importance of home security. Not only do you need to protect yourself from crime, but you also have to think about the safety of your family. Although it can be scary to think about it, there are people out there who could harm you or your family members if you do not take security seriously, but installing a home surveillance system can help you to keep an eye on suspicious activity around your property.
You also have to realize the prevalence of theft in today’s world. Unfortunately, even those who would have never thought about stealing are changing their minds because of today’s economy, and even the safest of neighborhoods really aren’t safe from burglary any more. By installing a surveillance system, however, you can deter crime away from your home. Many potential thieves who see surveillance systems in place head to another house because they don’t want to get caught, so a surveillance system could save you from having to deal with a crime in the first place. It can also help you to watch out for suspicious behavior around your home, and you can call the local authorities and let them know what is going on before anything bad actually happens.
Even in the unfortunate event that someone does rob you or otherwise commit a crime against you and your home, having a surveillance system in place can help you to seek justice. By having a surveillance system, you can contact local authorities and give them solid evidence against the person who committed the crime.
Purchase a Surveillance System
The first step in installing a surveillance system is obviously purchasing your system. If you have never purchased a surveillance system before, you might find all of the options that are out there to be overwhelming. However, you are sure to find a surveillance system that fits your needs and your budget if you do a bit of careful research.
Consider Shopping Online
One thing that you should consider when purchasing your surveillance system is purchasing it online. By shopping online, you can find a much larger selection of security cameras and other security equipment, which will make it easier for you to find the right system for your needs. You can also typically save a lot of money by shopping online, and you can do it all from the convenience of your own home.
Check Out Your Options
There are plenty of options out there for those who are shopping for surveillance systems, and it can be easy to choose one of the first systems that you come across. However, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing your surveillance system.
Choose the right type of recording device. There are several devices that you can choose from: For instance, you can use a standalone digital video recorder to record, store and watch your footage, or you can purchase a system that works with your existing computer. Make sure to weight the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system before making a final decision.
Make sure that you purchase all of the components that you need. For instance, you will need to purchase a standalone digital video recorder that comes with a monitor, or you will have to purchase a monitor separately
Make sure that you have enough security cameras to properly secure your property. Simply installing one security camera typically isn’t enough. For most properties, you will need at least four cameras in order to keep an eye on everything.
Make sure that your potential system has enough channels for the number of cameras that you need. For instance, a four-channel digital video recorder can only record, store and display footage from four different security cameras at a time. There are various systems out there, so make sure to choose one that you can use with all of your cameras.
Before making your final purchase, check the list of items that are included with your system and your cameras. For instance, you will want to make sure that you have what you need in order to mount your cameras to your wall or the side of your home.
Purchase a Wireless System
When you are choosing your surveillance system, you might be faced with the decision of purchasing either a wireless system or a system that has wires. Although systems that have wires can be used for effective security purposes, they are much more difficult to install. They are also more difficult to move around if the need arises, and the wires can be cut by crafty thieves in some cases. It is often best to have a professional install a system with wires in order to ensure that your system is secure, so you should consider purchasing a wireless system if you are doing your own installation. Not only will it make installation easier for you, but it will also cut down on the risk of tampering because there won’t be wires running all over your home.
How to Install a Surveillance System
Once you have purchased your surveillance system, it is time to learn how to install it. Although the idea of doing so yourself might seem intimidating, you are sure to find that it is quite simple. By doing a bit of careful planning before you get started, you can make the process much easier for yourself. To make the process even easier, consider enlisting the assistance of a friend or family member.
Make Sure That You Have the Tools That You Need
Before getting started, you should make sure that you have all the tools that you need. You will probably need a drill in order to mount your security cameras to the wall or to the exterior of your home, and you also might need a ladder so that you can hang your security cameras up high enough that they can’t be easily tampered with. By carefully gathering your tools before you get started, you can cut down on the chances of having to quit in the middle of what you are doing to borrow a tool from a friend or to fetch it from your garage.
Choose the Best Spots for Your Security Cameras
The first step to installing your security cameras is choosing the right location for each one. It is worth your while to take a few minutes to determine the best spots before you get started. If you are installing your cameras outdoors, consider pointing them at the entrances to your home, your garage or tool shed and the sides of your home. If you are installing them indoors, you might want to point them at your baby’s crib or at your valuable items.
Mount Camera Stands
When you get ready to mount your camera stands to your wall or the exterior of your home, grab a pencil and use the stand as a template for where you will need to drill your holes. After carefully marking the spots for the holes, use a drill to mount your camera stands. Make sure that you do not drill through any wires or cables that might be hidden behind your walls.
Plug in Camera
After you have mounted your camera stands, it should be a cinch to carefully install your cameras. After you have done so, you will need to plug your camera into a nearby power outlet. Make sure that the plug is secure in both your electrical outlet and the back of your camera to ensure a good, strong connection.
Adjust Camera
Once your cameras are securely mounted to the wall, ceiling or side of your home, you should carefully position each camera so that it is pointed in the direction that you would like to keep an eye on. Remember that even the slightest movement can greatly impact the view of your camera, so take a few minutes to position your camera as carefully as possible. Also, move any tree limbs or other items that might be in the way of your camera’s view.
Set Up Your Recording Device and System
After your cameras have been properly mounted and positioned, it is time to set up your recording device. Every recording device is a little different, so you should read the instruction manual that came with it in order to learn how to set it up.
Program Your System
Once you have set up your recording and monitoring system, you will need to program it to your needs. Make sure that everything is properly plugged in, and turn the device on. You should be able to see the footage that your security cameras are filming. You may need to program your cameras.
If your system allows you to stream your surveillance footage via the Internet, take the time to set up this feature. It can be easy to put it off, but you will be glad that you did when you want to watch your surveillance footage from your office or while you are on vacation. You typically have to set up your home network in order to do so, and this step should be relatively simple.
Test Your System
After you can view your surveillance footage on your camera and after everything is set up, you will want to test and critique your system. First of all, make sure that your cameras are pointing in the right direction and recording what you want them to record. Also, take a few minutes to tinker with your recording system. It is important to learn how to program and use it correctly; you may need to read the manual and tinker with different settings in order to get a good feel for how your system works.
Make Necessary Adjustments
Although you might be a little tired after setting up your system, take the time to make any adjustments that need to be made to your cameras or the rest of your system. For instance, consider adjusting your cameras a little bit so that you can get a better view. By doing so, you can get the fullest use out of your system.
You may also find the need to make adjustments to your system after you have been using it for a few days. Over time, you will get a feel for what you are missing with your video surveillance, and you might feel the need to change things around every now and then. With a wireless system, it is incredibly easy to do so.
Once you have installed your first surveillance system and realized just how much better it can make you feel about the safety of your home and family, you are sure to wonder why you waited so long to purchase a system. Not only is it a relatively quick and simple process, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to add a system to your home, and you can provide yourself and your family with a higher level of security by doing so.