The benefit of home security camera system

• Insurance Discount – Most home insurance companies will offer discount because you have a security camera system.
• Protect your home – Most people think their home is their most expensive asset. Can you afford not to protect it?
• Protect your loves one – Studies have shown that security camera deters crimes. If this is true, doesn’t that mean the security camera system helps protect your loved ones?
• Remote monitoring – You can remotely monitor your home while being away. You can watch every camera in real time.
• Peace of mind – Knowing your home is being recorded 24/7 can give you a piece of mind.
• Crime deterrent – Security cameras serve as a visual deterrent to crime, signaling that the property is under surveillance. This presence can discourage potential burglars and other offenders from attempting a break-in.
• Monitoring pets – Simplified with the use of an indoor security camera, allowing pet owners to effortlessly observe their furry companions and ensure their happiness.

Where should you position your home security cameras?

Security cameras should be placed in areas where they are effective and where no one can tamper with them, 8-10′ is recommended.

Interior Location:

• High-traffic areas: such as a child’s room, house entrances, the kitchen, and the living room, are spaces where loved ones frequently spend their time.
• Areas that are off-limits: Sensitive spaces within your home, such as adult bedrooms and bathrooms, should not be monitored by cameras. This practice not only breaches the privacy of your family members but also infringes upon the privacy of any guests who use these facilities.
• Hallways: are the galleries of your home, displaying family photographs, treasured paintings, and antique furniture. It’s crucial to have surveillance in place to monitor these valuables in the event of loss or damage.
• Corners: Corners allow the lens to capture the full room, even if the camera has a small field of view.

Exterior Location:

• When installing outdoor cameras, position them in areas with minimal sunlight to avoid glare, which can obscure the image. Similarly, for darker areas, opt for cameras designed for low-light conditions to ensure clarity.
• Front and Backyard: Installing cameras to oversee the yard can help you monitor children at play or pets that need to come inside. However, it’s crucial to consider the privacy of others when using outdoor cameras. Ensure that the surveillance area is confined to your property and does not encroach on large external spaces.
• Garages and driveways: it’s crucial to ensure your vehicles are secure by installing cameras that oversee these areas. Garages serve as an additional access point that should be monitored to safeguard your home.

How many cameras should I install for my home?

Understanding the number of cameras required upfront can lead to significant cost savings over time. For instance, if you intend to install eight cameras, it would be wise to opt for a 12-channel recorder to accommodate potential future additions of up to four more cameras. This way, you only need to run cables and use the same recorder without the need for an upgrade or an additional recorder. Typically, four to five cameras are ideal for outdoor surveillance, while two to three are sufficient for indoors. To ensure an effective home security system, it’s crucial to have a sufficient number of cameras to monitor every area of your home, allowing you to keep tabs on children, pets, or to ensure house rules are followed, even in your absence. When on a budget, consider which asset is most valuable both inside and outside your home to prioritize. Alternatively, contact us at 512.257.1433 for assistance in designing an affordable surveillance camera system.

How much does a home security camera system cost me?

The choice ultimately hinges on your budget. With a vast array of options, prices can vary from as low as $200 to several thousand dollars or more. It’s crucial to determine what you need to protect, the number of cameras you require, and the specific features you’re looking for in a security camera. At BCS, we provide cost-effective packages tailored to your financial plan. An on-site survey allows us to offer our expert advice affordably. Remember, any camera system is an improvement over none at all; visible cameras can significantly deter potential burglars.

How much do you charge for installation?

BCS charges start at $109 per hour and may increase based on the property, such as whether it is a two-story home, has high ceilings, or requires a difficult cable installation due to obstructions. It is advisable to call and schedule a site survey or answer some questions over the phone for an accurate estimate.

What types of cameras should I install?

Firstly, consider what video quality you need. Factors to evaluate include video resolution, field of view, frames per second (fps), and night vision capabilities.

• Video Resolution:1080p or higher will provide enough detail to tell people apart through their facial features, clothing, and actions. Plus, 1080p resolution looks good on larger computer monitors and TV screens, so you don’t need to rely on a small phone screen.
• Field of view (FOV) is critical as it defines the extent of the area you can surveil, thereby determining the number of cameras required to ensure coverage without blind spots. A wide FOV is essential for overseeing large areas, allowing for comprehensive monitoring.
• Frames per second (fps): For smooth motion in videos, a frame rate of at least 30 frames per second (fps) is essential. Videos with smooth motion are less prone to motion blur, preserving detail even in high-resolution cameras.

What type of camera video storage do I need and how big? Local storage (micro SD card) NVR, DVR, or cloud storage?

• Micro SD Card: Surveillance cameras equipped with motion detection store videos locally on a Micro SD card via SD card recorders. This storage method is commonly referred to as local or onsite storage. Micro SD cards vary in size from 32GB to 512GB; however, recording high-resolution videos in 1080p or 4K will necessitate greater storage capacity.
• An NVR, or network video recorder, is a specialized computer system that captures video footage for storage on a hard disk, other mass storage devices, or in the cloud. Designed to work with digital IP cameras, NVRs form the backbone of a video surveillance system. Typically operational around the clock, they can be programmed to send alerts in reaction to particular activities at predetermined times.
• Cloud Storage: Cloud-based systems utilize an internet connection to capture and store video footage in cloud storage. This not only provides an extra layer of security through off-site backup of your sensitive and important data but also allows you to access your IP camera cloud storage from any location, at any time.

What security camera features do i need?

Security cameras come with a variety of features, but it’s important to note that the more features they have, the higher the cost tends to be. While not all features are essential for everyone, some may find certain features critical. Not every feature is utilized daily, making them unnecessary for some, while others may use them constantly. A list of security camera features is listed below:

What kind of features?

• Two-Way Audio: Enables users to engage in direct communication (speaking and listening) through HD video cameras equipped with built-in microphones and speakers.
• Night Vision with Low Light Recording: The significance of equipping security cameras with night vision or low light capabilities is highlighted when incidents or crimes occur at night. Such cameras are invaluable as they ensure the capture of images or events with perfect clarity, even in the absence of light.
• Motion Activated: A primary advantage is the protection against burglaries. The quicker a thief is detected; the faster police can be dispatched to your location
• Remote Access: Numerous contemporary models feature remote access capabilities, allowing you to view live footage directly from your mobile or computer device. This is especially useful when you are away, providing peace of mind about the safety and security of your property.
• Active Deterrence: Employs multiple features such as a built-in microphone, siren alerts, flashing red and blue lights, and LED or white lights that flash to actively warn off or intimidate potential intruders.
• High Resolution and Wide Angle: The primary function of a security camera is to capture images for future reference and examination. If the video quality is subpar, it defeats the purpose of having a security camera. A high-definition camera ensures superior image quality, while a wide-angle lens allows for a broader coverage area.
• Weatherproof Design: A weatherproof security camera is a surveillance device usually outfitted with a protective housing or cover to shield it from environmental elements. This design minimizes the usual wear and tear on the camera’s components and protects the internal parts from damage caused by dust, snow, or rain.
• Field of View (FOV) refers to the extent of the observable area captured by a camera. Wide-angle or smaller lenses yield a larger field of view, enabling the capture of more objects within a scene and facilitating coverage of expansive areas like foyers, parking lots, or warehouses. Conversely, narrow-angle or larger lenses result in a reduced field of view, limiting the scope but enhancing the image quality with finer detail. Such configurations are optimal for focused monitoring of particular items or locations, including cash registers, entryways, corridors, or valuable objects.
• Controllable Cameras with Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ): Capabilities provide users with enhanced situational awareness and the ability to respond quickly to potential security threats by allowing remote operation and adjustment of the camera’s position, angle, and zoom level. PTZ cameras can range from zero pan/tilt to a complete 360-degree pan and 180-degree tilt.
• Wireless Cameras: The convenience of adjusting the camera and mounting it in high places without worrying about power outlets is significant. They offer wireless installation, Wi-Fi connectivity, cost efficiency, flexibility, and a quick and easy setup.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Systems automatically detect threats, filter out false alarms, and alert operators to real dangers, facilitating an appropriate response. These AI-powered threat detection systems are efficient around the clock, capable of identifying objects from significant distances, processing large volumes of video feeds in seconds, and instantly applying advanced analytics.

Should I have a security camera for my swimming pool?

Children frequently run around on the deck, which can lead to slips, falls, and serious injuries. They may not be proficient swimmers and are at risk of drowning in deep water. Additionally, engaging in rough play can result in them harming one another. Installing a security camera by your pool is not a substitute for adult supervision, but it does provide extra monitoring assistance and an increased sense of security. Live monitoring becomes particularly useful when you are away from home. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or on vacation, you have the ability to monitor your pool and get push notifications for any detected activity or motion.

Backyard crimes like theft, vandalism, or trespassing in pool areas do occur from time to time. Installing a security camera can help you stay alert to trespassers and provide recorded evidence of any incidents, if necessary. Often, the mere presence of security cameras is enough to deter criminals, prompting them to seek a different target. Those who are daring enough to proceed are likely to be captured on camera, providing law enforcement with documented evidence of their crimes.

Another significant risk associated with swimming pools is premises liability. Pools can be quite dangerous, leading to frequent injuries. In such instances, the injured party might pursue damages through your property insurance. Installing security cameras can assist your insurance provider and lawyer in comprehending the incident’s specifics and offer proof of who was at fault.

Do you need assistance installing security cameras for your swimming pool? Give us a call today for an estimate 512.257.1433.

Should I add lighting for my home security cameras?

Proper lighting is crucial for capturing clear footage, enhancing security patrols, and deterring criminal activity. However, overly bright lights may overexpose the footage, while insufficient lighting can lead to grainy images. Cameras require a light source to capture images in the dark, but the built-in night vision illuminators of consumer cameras are typically designed for short-range use and have a fixed brightness level. Lighting not only enhances the video quality captured by your camera in low-light conditions but also serves as a deterrent, making an area less appealing and riskier for potential intruders.

There are solutions for adding light to dim areas or spaces without lights that do not require an electrician to install an outlet, which could be more costly. Installing a Reolink Bright Motion-Activated Security Floodlight can significantly enhance image quality and deter intruders with its illumination of 2000 lumens and 4200K. With this flood light you could use an existing outlet using PoE connection without the need to install additional outlet. Call us to help you illuminate your dark spot around your home.