{"id":11323,"date":"2012-09-18T02:50:44","date_gmt":"2012-09-18T09:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.backwoodshome.com\/blogs\/ClaireWolfe\/?p=11323"},"modified":"2012-09-18T02:50:44","modified_gmt":"2012-09-18T09:50:44","slug":"more-on-security-cameras","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clairewolfe.com\/blog\/2012\/09\/18\/more-on-security-cameras\/","title":{"rendered":"More on security cameras"},"content":{"rendered":"

Couple of weeks ago, I blogged about security cameras<\/a>. Rather, I blogged to ask about them because I know nothing. I got some very good info, including the chance to look through the “eyes” of several security cameras. (Thank you, S and D — and D, I just love the doormat that says “Leave.”)<\/p>\n

MJR, who knows a thing or three about security systems, posted a link to a company called 2MCCTV<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Somebody at 2MCCTV was watching their Web traffic. That quick, I heard from a friendly 2MCCTV rep named Clint Henderson, offering guest blogging. Who am I to turn down an offer to do my work for me? Especially when I might also learn something.<\/p>\n

I asked Clint a few questions, and here are his answers:<\/p>\n

Q: Until recently, I’d have thought of security camera systems as being only for rich people, businesses, or perhaps homeowners with high-crime problems. Suddenly it seems that lots of ordinary homeowners and renters are getting them. Who is your typical customer and why are they buying your equipment?<\/b><\/p>\n

A: Our client\u00e8le includes corporate and enterprise-level businesses as well as individual homeowners looking for complete security camera systems. <\/p>\n

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Our typical homeowner clients are middle-class, not overly wealthy, who are primarily using the equipment for live monitoring inside and outside their homes. <\/p>\n

Many have recently been robbed. By buying a security system, they hope to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. Other customers just like to know what’s going on at their home at all times. <\/p>\n

Q: What is a realistic minimum cost for setting up a security-camera system in a typical home?<\/b><\/p>\n

A: For a small 4-camera system, they typically start out at $500. That would include cameras, DVR recorder, and CCTV cables. This would of course not include the installation. <\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve looked around the web and seen these $150 pre-packaged systems on Amazon<\/a> or eBay, remember that you get what you pay for. The quality is very low, but more than that, surveillance systems are not one size fits all. I would never recommend getting any sort of low-cost pre-packaged system, as you\u2019d more than likely find yourself getting frustrated and look to something else anyway. <\/p>\n

PRO TIP:<\/b> You can lower your overall cost by using an old monitor you already have, instead of purchasing one included in a system. <\/p>\n

Q: Backwoods Home people tend to be do-it-yourselfers and my readers tend to be tech-savvy. Is it reasonable for people to set up their own systems or do you think this should be done by a professional?<\/b><\/p>\n

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A. With a standard analog security surveillance system, running wire, mounting, and connecting cameras is very straight-forward. There are plenty of how-to guide videos on the internet (for example, here is a video on how to run wire<\/a> by eHowTech). It is my belief that a person with any type of intermediate DIY skill-set would be able to figure it out. Here is a basic guide for powering your cctv equipment<\/a> you may want to check out. <\/p>\n

But like any DIY project, speak with a professional before committing yourself fully. <\/p>\n

PRO TIP:<\/b> Connectors are inexpensive, but rare. You won\u2019t be able to find them at Home Depot or Wal-Mart, so make sure you order more than enough when buying your system. <\/p>\n

Q: What are the advantages\/disadvantages of wireless (wifi) systems vs wired systems?<\/b><\/p>\n

A. We almost always recommend getting a hard-wired system. Here are just some of the advantages of wireless security cameras:<\/p>\n