Security With CCTV Cameras

Security With CCTV Cameras

Whether security cameras work depends on what you're using them for. For home security purposes, security cameras have been shown to deter opportunistic thieves, who may go elsewhere if they spot one. A study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte shows that security cameras were the most effective deterrents to break-ins, with 50% saying they would abandon their attempts if they saw a camera. However, a security camera by and large isn't as effective as you might think for catching criminals, because they're usually wearing some kind of mask or hoodie. “Burglars know a lot of people have cameras now, as they're becoming very affordable,” says Jordan Frankel, vice president of security consulting firm Global Security Experts Inc. "So for identification purposes, security cameras don't work all that well. They help a little bit, but not to the extent most people think.”

Outside of security, peace of mind extends to knowing what's going on in your home when you’re not there. Security cameras work extremely well for this purpose. With features such as two-way audio, person detection, and night vision, you can see and speak to anyone in your home while you’re away or in another part of the house. An indoor camera can act as a pet monitor for keeping an eye on your dog while you’re at work, whereas a camera built into a doorbell (otherwise known as a video doorbell) can let you know your child made it home from school.

This doesn’t mean that security footage is useless. Jeff Welch, a former corrections officer and founder of Grab The Axe Security Consultants LLC, explains that having video evidence your home was broken into can help expedite insurance claims. Plus, an increasing number of police departments partnering with home security companies like Ring. This means you can transmit your footage to the police in minutes through the app. “You can just send that footage directly to an officer, and they automatically get a police report number in the works,” he says.

For more on the different uses for home security cameras, see Best CCTV Services In Pakistan.

Evolving Uses of CCTV Surveillance Systems

• As recording and storing technologies and software such as video analytics have became more efficient, CCTV surveillance systems have evolved into a forensic tool — that is, collecting evidence after an event has occurred.
• But as CCTV surveillance systems become more easily integrated with monitoring devices, alarm systems and access control devices, a third use of CCTV is gaining momentum: Helping security personnel to identify and interrupt security breaches as they’re occurring, or even before they take place.
• Intelligent video algorithms, such as sophisticated motion detection, can identify unusual walking patterns and alert a guard to watch a particular video screen. Object-recognition algorithms can identify someone who might simply be loitering, or even a briefcase or other suspicious object that is left somewhere it shouldn’t be. Again, the system can alert a monitoring guard so that appropriate action can be taken.
• The most advanced intelligent video algorithm is facial recognition. However, most experts agree that use of this technology as an efficient tool in the private sector is still several years down the road.
• Traditionally, intelligent video algorithms are components of a computer system in a security room to which video captured by an array of CCTV cameras is fed. But on the horizon, manufacturers will be making cameras that can process the intelligent video algorithm right inside the camera.
• Wide dynamic range is another technology that is becoming more prevalent on CCTV cameras. Wide dynamic range means cameras can resolve details when there’s a tremendous amount of both light and dark areas in the same scene.  Traditional cameras can’t do that.

How Much Do Home Security Cameras Cost?

A good home security camera with essential features such as sufficient video quality (at least 1080p or HD video), motion detection, night vision, two-way audio, and a wide field of view starts as low as $59 for an indoor model and $100 for an outdoor model from Ring, one of our top-rated security camera companies.

When it comes to cost, it's important to consider ongoing fees for video storage. “With most home security systems that are cloud-based, you usually get 24 hours of free cloud storage,” Frankel says. “But beyond that, there's typically a monthly fee per camera. So it can add up very quickly.” The Pro 2 cameras from Arlo (one of our top-rated options) give you seven days of free storage to view recorded footage; the company requires a monthly video storage subscription for the Arlo Pro 3 and Arlo Ultra cameras, starting at $2.99 a month. Nest and Ring also require a monthly subscription to see recorded video, starting at $6 a month and $3 a month, respectively. Get more details at Best CCTV Services In Pakistan.

For more features, including a built-in siren and light to help with scaring away potential intruders, some cameras can use facial recognition to detect people and recognize if a package was dropped off, and some provide software features such as digital zooming and tracking. You’ll pay more for features like these – $200 to $400 per camera from Nest and Arlo. Arlo’s top-of-the-line cameras, the Pro 3 and Ultra, offer 2K and 4K resolution, respectively. While 1080p will be sufficient for most uses, if you want to be able to zoom in on license plates or check the furthest corners of a large piece of property, 2K or 4K is preferable.

Cons of Pro Installation

Adds to system cost

Requires strangers to come to your home

Whether you purchase wired or wireless home security cameras, you can have them professionally installed. However, Nest is the only company in our ratings that offers this service directly. For outdoor cameras, most experts recommend you hire a professional to make sure the camera is positioned effectively, is installed correctly, and can connect to your Wi-Fi.

However, most wire-free cameras are very simple to set up and install and are often called DIY security cameras for this reason. Many cameras can be installed with just a ladder and a drill. Remember that most wireless cameras have power cord, so there will need to be an outlet nearby. This may require drilling through your walls to reach an inside outlet. Just visit Best CCTV Services for more details.

If you're installing a wired system, professional installation is highly recommended, as you'll need to route multiple wires through your walls and ceilings and probably need to do some plaster and paint repair work following the installation. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the cameras themselves are secure. “If you have a professional install those wires, they'll actually disappear into locking plates behind the cameras, so there’s no worry about someone cutting them,” Welch says. “If you do it yourself, I've seen a lot of really mismatched setups where 7 feet of cable is just left exposed.” Keep in mind, professional installation does add to the cost of the system.

Professional security camera installation generally starts at $99 per camera and goes up to several thousands of dollars for a large, wired system. Typically home security and alarm companies will install wired systems for you at a cost of around $100 per camera. It will take approximately a day to have a complete system installed, which includes routing wires through your walls and ceiling, and may not include cosmetic work to repair drywall and touch up paint. Wireless home security camera installation will take less time but costs about the same amount per camera, often with a discount for multiple cameras. In addition to home security and alarm companies, audio/video companies and electricians familiar with home security systems will be able to install security cameras for you.

Courtesy: Best CCTV Services In Pakistan.