Installing a Security and Monitoring System for Your Home and Family

There are many security companies that are dedicated to keeping you, your loved ones and everyone's possessions protected from those who wish to cause harm or to steal. There are a host of electronic devices that protect doors and windows from attack and motion sensors that can warn of an approaching visitor. One of the better devices to install when setting up a security and monitoring system are cameras that allow for constant surveillance.

CCTV cameras are normally installed outdoors where they can be positioned at areas of your property which may provide a hiding spot for potential intruders. When installed indoors, they can be used to monitor a particular room, such as the nursery or to monitor potential points of entry.

There are a number of different cameras, each having a unique purpose. Dome cameras are often ceiling mounted and have a wide angle view, while bullet cameras have a fixed focal length and are very small allowing for discrete installation. Many bullet cameras are activated by infra red and are good for night vision. The bullet camera is normally the first line of defense when mounted outdoors. Dome cameras on the other hand are for indoor use and can be fitted with smoked covers which will hide the recording process. Dome cameras can be fitted with LEDs for night vision and also can be activated by infrared.

The cameras are normally feeding the recorded image back to a monitor and recorder; but with today's cellular technology, it is quite popular to view your home from your cell phone while at work or even half way around the world while you are on vacation.

To be even more versatile, both dome and bullet cameras can pan, tilt and zoom. The dome cameras can rotate a full 360 degrees. The motion is controlled by a remote operator but the motion can also be pre programmed to perform various functions at prescribed intervals. The cameras can be interfaced with switches located on doors so that when the door is opened, the camera will instantly pan to the location and begin recording.

Cameras can either be hard wired for power and signal, or wireless. Wireless home security camera systems may prove to be a better fit when the installation is done some meters away from the power source. The drawback with wireless is the battery life; but when the camera is fitted with a motion sensor to turn it on, the battery life is acceptable.