Security camera Archives - Page 6 of 6

Consider What You Need In A Video Surveillance System

When considering installing a video surveillance system in your home, it can be easy to get caught up in the number of available options. You can end up spending thousands of dollars on a state-of-the-art system, but do you need all available options or a basic system? Two of the most important things to consider are your options for video surveillance cameras and how you will capture the camera’s feed.

Considering options for video surveillance cameras

Video surveillance is what allows you to see what is going on around your home, even when you are not there. Cameras come with a number of options and upgrades that can enhance the details of what you can see.

Video quality is one important factor to consider when choosing a camera for your video surveillance system. Surveillance cameras don’t take the same quality video that you see on television or at the movies. A typical camera used for home security captures between 8 and 15 frames per second (fps). Casinos and police video surveillance systems use cameras that capture 30 fps. There is no need to choose cameras with the highest fps rate on the market. A camera with a 15 fps rate will capture enough detail to identify most people who come within its range.

Do you need movement capabilities like tilt, zoom, or panning for your surveillance cameras? When you add movement to a camera, you are adding a lot of cost as well. Most home security cameras are fixed in one position, pointing at a specific view (front door, driveway, back door, etc.). In most cases, you are not going to be actively monitoring the surveillance camera. Not being at home to monitor the camera defeats the purpose of being able to actively move and adjust the camera’s angle.

Consider if you would like your cameras to see clearly at night. Intruders often use the cover of darkness to mask their approach, so having cameras equipped with some form of night vision can be useful. Infrared cameras use LEDs to create the infrared light the camera can see.

You can also consider whether you would like color or black and white camera footage. Having color cameras in a home security system may seem logical. However, color footage can actually be a detriment. Color cameras do not get the best resolution in low light conditions, while black and white cameras have good resolution in low light. In addition, color cameras are more expensive than black and white cameras.

Capturing the video surveillance camera feed

Besides cameras, you will need a device that captures what the cameras are seeing. In the past, capturing video surveillance was done with a VCR and an endless amount of video tape. Today, DVRs are the standard recording devices for video surveillance systems.

DVRs connect to cameras using cables or through a wireless connection. A DVR can only handle a certain number of cameras or wireless channels. Most DVRs can handle four or eight channels, so if your home has four cameras, you can use a single four-channel DVR. If you have five or more cameras, you will need to choose whether to use a single eight-channel DVR or two four-channel DVRs.

You also need to consider how much storage a DVR has. An older DVR might offer 30 gigabytes that can capture 30 hours of black and white footage. Modern DVRs have 500 gigabytes (0.5 terabyte) and are considered sufficient for video surveillance systems that monitor 24/7. Of course, you can add more storage space if needed, but that is an additional cost to your video surveillance system.

The best way to address your home’s security needs is to have a professional assess your situation and provide recommendations. The experts at 1st Alarm can help you choose a home security system or video surveillance system for your home. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Should Video Surveillance Be Used In Care Homes?

The question of whether or not video surveillance should be used in care homes is based upon the safety concerns of residents, family, and staff. Care homes, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and residential care homes, have a great responsibility to residents and their families. Both clients and family members trust that the staff within a care home will treat their residents with dignity and keep them safe. However, trust is often broken by staff who neglect or abuse a care home resident.

These breaches of trust have brought up the subject of placing video surveillance cameras in care homes, to monitor staff and ensure resident safety and well being. It is good to understand arguments that are for and against video surveillance in these facilities, as well as the reality of running care homes. Understanding these factors can help you understand why using video surveillance can help protect both staff and clients.

Arguments for and against using video surveillance in care homes

Those that support the installation of cameras in care facilities believe it would help end resident neglect and abuse. Video surveillance would also improve the quality of care available and keep vulnerable patients safe. This type of security would keep staff members from abusing or neglecting residents because they know their actions are being monitored. Theft of personal items, along with other petty crimes that occur in some care homes, would also be reduced. Some patients suffer with nursing home abuse while in the hands of people they thought they could trust. Abuse in care homes such as assisted living facilities happens all over the world. Luckily, you can get a lawyer involved who can help you with assisted living abuse (or as the Spanish would say “abuso de vida asistida“). It doesn’t matter where in the world you are, there is always someone who can help you.

Those that argue against video surveillance in care homes believe it is an invasion of privacy for both the residents and the staff. Even those that might consider this type of security want to know who would have access to the video footage. Other concerns include if the system would be monitored through an internet connection and if the video could be turned off during private moments.

The reality of running care homes and using video surveillance

Care homes serve vulnerable populations, but sometimes staff members may get frustrated and act out against a resident. Neglect becomes a possibility due to high stress levels. Without video surveillance to monitor staff and residents, small problems can turn into large problems.

Video surveillance offers a way to keep monitor care homes, without the need to hire additional staff. This type of security lets facility managers see how staff members treat residents or if a resident is not being cared for within prescribed guidelines. If issues do occur in a care home, video surveillance can stand as evidence in a court of law.

Although there are concerns about using video surveillance in care homes, more and more are choosing to use them as part of their security systems.

Using video surveillance in care homes can protect staff and residents

There are certain measures that a care facility should take to balance privacy concerns and safety when installing and using a video surveillance system.

Personal privacy for residents must be a priority for care homes. Video cameras in common areas should be clearly marked with visible signs, which alert both staff and residents to the presence of cameras. Cameras should not be used in private areas like restrooms, changing rooms, or shower areas.

If the care facility decides to add video cameras to resident rooms, there are a few things that need to addressed before installation. First, staff and residents should be able to turn off, and even lock, cameras in individual rooms. This feature allows monitoring to be turned on and off based on the resident’s wishes, or those of his or her family members. Second, cameras in resident rooms should never be turned on without clear consent from either the resident, if capable, or the resident’s family members. Third, surveillance footage of resident rooms should be strictly private and only accessible to appropriate staff when needed.

If a care home fails to embrace video surveillance as part of its operations, family members often will. Cameras in a resident’s room can capture evidence of abuse and neglect. It is better for staff, residents, and family members that video surveillance is used in care homes to protect everyone.

Would you like more information about video surveillance and security systems for care homes? 1st Alarm can help your facility with any security needs you might have. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559 to learn more about our commercial and residential products and services. You can also email us with your questions or to get a quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Video Surveillance For Businesses

Video surveillance can be seen all over local and national news casts. It is not uncommon for someone to rob a convenience store or gas station while the store’s video surveillance cameras catch them in the act. Video from these security systems helps capture thieves and deter criminals at the same time. If you have a business, especially a store that is open to the public, you should consider installing video surveillance for your commercial security system. It is important for business owners to understand how criminals react to video surveillance and how to protect their property with video surveillance.

How criminals react to video surveillance

The truth is that most crime is a matter of opportunity. Criminals often feel like the potential payoff is greater than the chances of being caught. However, researchers have asked criminals if they would have committed a crime if they had known they were being monitored with video surveillance. The vast majority of criminals asked this question said that they would not have committed their crime if they knew a camera was watching them.

Criminals are going to choose the easiest targets. If your business has no visible video surveillance, you are a prime target. The neighborhood you live in does not matter to criminals that are looking for unprotected businesses. Video surveillance can protect you and your business simply by making you less of a target.

How to protect your business with video surveillance

You can secure your business without spending a great deal of money, which is good news for small businesses. Wireless commercial security systems have made cheaper security possible. You can place wireless cameras at strategic locations to capture most of your store. The video cameras feed back to a digital recording device, which records the footage. The footage allows you to see what is happening, even when you or your employees are not looking. Video surveillance can capture any criminal activities that might be going on indoors or outdoors.

Before you purchase an off-the-shelf security system and try to install it yourself, consider having an alarm company do the installation for you. Security companies can provide all the equipment and wiring needed to get the surveillance system working quickly. The convenience of the installation allows you to keep focusing on your business and your customers.

The alarm company can also hook up an entire security system at the same time. While video surveillance is great for capturing crimes during business hours, how do you protect your store when no one is there? An alarm system, hooked to a central monitoring service, is a great choice. If someone tries to break in, the system will alert the monitoring service, who will then alert you and the police.

Don’t let your business become an easy target for criminals. Get a security system with video surveillance so you can deter criminals or capture them in action by calling the security experts at 1st Alarm today. You can reach us at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us an email with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote. We look forward to working with you.

How The Right Video Surveillance System Will Make Your Home Safer

Even if you live in a great neighborhood with little to no crime, safety is still an important issue. You need to take whatever steps you can to ensure the security of your family and your home. Adding a video surveillance system to your property can make your home safer and give you peace of mind at the same time. Having video surveillance added to your home security system allows you to monitor outdoor and indoor activity and protects against crime. The wireless capability of video surveillance within a security system allows you to monitor your home and family from almost anywhere. If you’re really serious about improving the security of your home, you may also want to click here to look at private hire security and groundstaff.

Monitor indoor activity with a video surveillance system

You can monitor the activity happening within your home with a video surveillance system. You trust your nanny to care for your children when you are at work, but is that trust placed in the right person? Most nannies are good childcare providers and do not mistreat the children they watch. However, a hidden camera can help you confirm that your nanny is trustworthy.

Video surveillance systems can let you monitor anyone within your home, not just nannies. If you have a housekeeper who comes to your home, you need to make sure that person is doing his or her job properly. A video surveillance system can help you do verify your housekeeper is legitimate. You can make the cameras visible or install hidden ones. A quick review of your home security system video surveillance feeds will tell you what is going on within your home.

Monitor outdoor activity with a video surveillance system

A video surveillance system gives you a record of what is happening on and around your property. Do you suspect the neighborhood kids of using your front yard as a playground when you’re not home? You may be wondering about other issues or strange occurrences. By adding video surveillance to your home security system, you can monitor your outdoor property, even when you are not home.

A video surveillance system can protect you against crime

Video surveillance systems offer a record in case criminal charges need to be filed. A home security system can alert the authorities if someone tries to break into your home. However, a video surveillance system can capture footage of a criminal’s face and their actions. Having security footage is priceless when it comes to prosecuting a thief or vandal.

Having a video surveillance system can act as a crime deterrent. Criminals don’t want their faces captured when committing a crime. Cameras mounted in prominent places can help deter thieves, vandals, and other criminals from targeting your home.

Wireless capability of a video surveillance system

The wireless capability of video surveillance systems allow you to see what is going on from almost anywhere. Many video surveillance systems allow you to access live feeds via the internet. You can be at work and see if your kids got home from school on time or if your family pet is getting into trouble. You can even check to see if a package was left at your front door.

If you are interested in adding video surveillance to your home security system, contact the experts at 1st Alarm. You can call us at (1-800) 276-5559. You can also send us an email to learn more about our products and services or get a price quote. We provide services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Home Alarm Systems Are Kid Friendly

There is a misconception that home alarm systems are not kid friendly. Many years ago, home security systems were often too complex for children to arm or disarm, making it very easy for them to trigger the alarm. This vulnerability made many parents hesitant to add a security system to their homes, even when their children were home alone. Today’s technological advances in home alarm systems have made them very kid-friendly. These advanced alarm systems offer kid friendly security, as well as other benefits to parents other than protection from intruders.

Home alarm systems offer kid friendly security

Many households in Lubbock, Texas have kids who are home alone on occasion. The kids get out of school before a parent gets off from work. Maybe a child does not require a babysitter, but the parents need reassurance that their child is safe. Another instance in which children are more secure with a security system is when teenagers need to stay home while their parents are away.

Modern home alarm systems offer protection to children who are home alone in Lubbock Texas. Instead of requiring a child to run to the alarm pad to enter a disarming code, they can use a keychain pad. The keychain pad drastically reduces the chances of false alarms and is more kid friendly. Door and window sensors can send an automatic notification if someone tries to get in and smoke detectors can alert the child if a fire breaks out. Cameras offer a way to view entry ways, the backyard, or the pool, without ever leaving the home.

Having a security system in place is beneficial for both parents and their kids. Parents get peace of mind knowing that their kids are safe at home. The monitoring service is just an alarm away if a problem occurs, which reassures children that they are safe until their parents get home.

Home alarm systems offer more to parents than protection from intruders

Besides protecting your kids when they are home alone, alarm systems offer many more benefits to parents. Using interior cameras tied to the alarm system, and viewable online, a parent can monitor when a child enters or exits the property in Lubbock, Texas. Video monitoring is one way to unobtrusively ensure that a kid is where he or she is supposed to be at the right time.

Home alarm systems offer the child a way to call for emergency services in Lubbock. Accidents can happen at any time, including sudden illnesses. Being able to contact the monitoring service via the alarm system means the kids can get emergency help as quickly as possible. Home alarm systems can be set up to monitor for carbon dioxide, which protects the child from dangers that cannot be seen.

Protect your kids with a kid-friendly home alarm system. The security experts at 1st Alarm can help you set-up a security system that will protect your kids, yourself, and emergencies. You can call us at 1-800-276-5559 or send us an email with your questions or concerns, or to get a price quote. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Video Surveillance And Home Security

Adding video surveillance to your home security system in Lubbock, Texas is a great way to enhance protection. Video surveillance was once an expensive option for home security. The cost for this type of surveillance has decreased as the technology has advanced. Video surveillance home security is now an affordable option to add to your home security. It is important to consider the reasons to add video surveillance as a security measure, as well as what types of camera systems are available.

Reasons to add video to your home security system

Video surveillance serves several purposes when it comes to home security, including acting as a deterrent to would-be intruders. A visible video camera on the exterior of your home can deter some thieves and intruders from committing a crime.

Video surveillance captures evidence. If a security camera does not deter a criminal, it will capture video evidence of any crime being committed. The footage can help identify the intruder, aiding any police investigation. Video surveillance can also stand as evidence of a crime in court.

Although video surveillance is a great addition to a home security system outdoors, it can also be used to monitor the interior of a home. If you have a housekeeper or a nanny, there may be times when you need to monitor their presence within your house. Hidden surveillance cameras, also known as “Nanny Cams,” can give you eyes inside the home when you are not there. These hidden cameras also serve as additional evidence if someone breaks into your home in LUbbock, Texas.

Video surveillance enables you to see who is outside of your house, without the need to open a door. You can have the cameras feed into a central monitor that allows you to see what is going on outside your home. These options offer a safe way to identify who might be outside and if it is safe to open your door for them.

Types of camera systems for your home security

An open camera video surveillance security system displays the cameras in an obvious manner. This system includes having cameras above entry doors, on the corner of the house, and along the main walkways and driveways going towards the house. Cameras are mounted in conspicuous places to deter criminal activity.

Hidden camera surveillance systems can be used both inside and outside of the house in Lubbock, Texas. There are numerous reasons to use hidden video surveillance. Video can be recorded of anyone inside the home, whether they are supposed to be there or not. Outside the residence, video surveillance can be used to monitor who might be coming onto the property, without being conspicuous.

Fake cameras are also commonly used in home security systems. There may be one or more live working cameras in the security system, but they are supplemented with fake identical cameras. Fake cameras keep the cost of system installation down, while providing a similar level of deterrence.

Wired camera surveillance systems are those which use cable to transmit their signal back to a video capture or monitoring system. This type of video surveillance within a home security system requires running cable and power to each camera. Wireless camera systems do not use cabling, however. These cameras send their signals through a wireless network connection and often run on long-life batteries, making them completely portable. Wireless cameras are very popular for video surveillance in a home security system in Lubbock, Texas.

At 1st Alarm, we offer all types of home security systems and alarms. If you would like to know more about our services or products call us at 1 (800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

A Video Surveillance System Can Help Keep Criminals Away

Are you looking for a way to keep your home or business safe from criminals in Lubbock, Texas? When it comes to recruitment, you can follow in the footsteps of Australia with their police check victoria to make sure they don’t integrate into your ranks, and adding video surveillance to your security system will keep you and your property safer. A video surveillance system can work as a deterrent and capture footage of criminals in the act. You can also monitor your video feeds with a surveillance system for optimum safety.

Video surveillance as a crime deterrent

A video surveillance system can deter criminals before they act, because most offenders do not want to be recorded performing illegal operations. If criminals see a security camera outside a home or business, they are more likely to go on to the next building to perform their crime.

Having visible security cameras on the outside of your home or business in Lubbock, Texas can help protect your property. However, a single video camera aimed at the front door will not be enough. If a criminal finds the rest of the building is not monitored, he or she will just come through another entrance. You need security cameras covering several angles of your property in places that criminals can see.

Video surveillance footage of criminals

Even with the best video surveillance system, there are some criminals who will take the chance of entering your home or business in Lubbock. These criminals will take evasive action or wear disguises to avoid detection or identification from the visible cameras outside. Hidden security cameras on the inside and outside play a critical role in video surveillance security when criminals try to avoid detection.

If criminals are bold enough to enter your home or business after seeing surveillance cameras, hidden security cameras can provide a secondary line of defense. Hidden surveillance cameras can capture footage of crimes in action. If security cameras are not visible, criminals are more likely to show their faces, allowing for easier identification by the Lubbock police.

Monitoring video surveillance feeds to deter crime

Having a video surveillance system is a great deterrent against criminals. However, video surveillance can only be effective if someone can see what is going on. Combining motion detectors, silent alarms, and video surveillance, then adding twenty-four hour monitoring, will give you the best security system available. If the monitoring service receives an alarm from the security system in Lubbock, Texas, the company can use the feed to see what is occurring. Live video surveillance system feeds are helpful in determining if a criminal is on the premises or just a member of the household or business. Many security companies allow clients to see their video feeds with a mobile device, offering real time control over what is happening inside a home or business.

Are you interested in adding video surveillance to your residential or commercial security system? If so, call the experts at 1st Alarm today at 1 (800) 276-5559 for more information or to get a price quote. You can also connect with us via email through our Contact Us page, or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

5 Benefits Companies Gain By Installing A Video Surveillance System

You rely on your employees to keep your business running and profitable, but what happens if your employees are actually hurting your business? Dishonest employees can cost your company valuable money and time. Installing a video surveillance system at your premises can help minimize losses and keep employees honest.

A video surveillance system can prevent employee theft, keep your employees on task, and secure restricted areas. Video surveillance can also protect you as a business owner from false workers’ compensation as well as ensure your employees are treating your customers well. However, certain employee schemes, such as fraud or embezzlement, are best left to a forensic accountant chicago who can use their financial know-how and investigative skills to detect any financial wrongdoing in the workplace.

Prevent employee theft by installing a video surveillance system

Companies lose over 50 billion dollars every year due to employee theft and the number increases each year. Thousands of companies shut down every year due directly to this type of theft. Adding video surveillance to your current security system can help stop this crime. Obvious surveillance cameras will alert employees that someone is watching, while hidden cameras in key locations can catch employees being dishonest.

Keep your employees on task with a video surveillance system

A video surveillance system will let you see exactly what your employees are doing when you are gone. This security system can also allow you to view live feed remotely using a mobile device. If you see an issue, you can take action immediately to correct the problem. Knowing someone is watching will keep the rest of your team doing their job.

Keep restricted areas secure by installing a video surveillance system

Some areas of your business may be off-limits to most of your employees, like your personal office or a room where cash is stored. A video surveillance system allows you to see if anyone is accessing this area without authorization. If an employee does act dishonestly, you will have recorded video evidence.

Protect yourself from false workers’ compensation claims with a video surveillance system

Some people try to take advantage of their employers by making false workers’ compensation claims. Video surveillance is one way to protect yourself from this kind of fraud. It is critical to keep footage from each camera for at least one year. If a worker waits weeks or months before making a claim, you do not want to lose the evidence of what really happened. With a video surveillance system installed in your business, it is easy to verify or dispute a claim.

Ensure your employees are treating your customers well with a video surveillance system

To remain profitable, you depend on your customer satisfaction level. It is important that your employees treat every customer well for repeat business. Adding video surveillance to your security system helps ensure your employees are making each customer feel welcome and appreciated.

Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. If you want to learn more about how video surveillance can help secure your business, call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

Video Surveillance Camera Placement Guide

After purchasing a video surveillance system, an installation technician is going to ask you where to place your video surveillance cameras. This is a question you should start thinking about before the technician arrives to do the installation. Common types of video surveillance cameras include outdoor and indoor cameras, built-in cameras, cameras for entryways, garages or warehouse entrances as well as other areas.

Outdoor video surveillance cameras

People are more likely to be dishonest if they think they are alone and unobserved. When you are putting video surveillance equipment outside, you should make some of them obvious. This obvious placement will act as a deterrent for would-be burglars, thieves, and vandals.

Hiding video surveillance equipment in inconspicuous places is also a good idea. Some criminals will take extra steps to avoid a video surveillance camera or may damage equipment to hide their identities. With a few hidden cameras, there is a better chance of recording activities and identifying suspects.

Indoor video surveillance cameras

How you use an indoor video surveillance camera depends upon what you need to secure. If you are trying to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away, a hidden camera is the best option. This indoor placement will allow you to capture footage and review it when that person is not in the house.

For retail establishments, a combination of hidden and obvious equipment may be the best choice. Obvious cameras are good for deterring thefts, while hidden cameras can capture shoplifters and employees doing dishonest things.

Built-in video surveillance cameras

When you are remodeling, consider adding equipment into the walls. Instead of trying to mount a video surveillance camera in an inconspicuous location, you can hide everything but the lens. With the proper decoration on the wall surrounding the lens opening, no one will be able to tell that the equipment is even there.

Video surveillance cameras for entryways, garages, or warehouse access doors as well as other areas

All entry points to your business need to have a video surveillance camera. This placement allows you to track who is entering and exiting the business, and at what times. Ideally, you should have a video surveillance camera on both the inside and the outside of the door, especially if it is a solid door.

If your office or business is attached to a warehouse or garage, make sure the door in between is monitored by a video surveillance camera. You may not want customers in the warehouse or warehouse employees in the office. The video surveillance camera can tell you who is coming and going through the door.

If your office has windows on a side of the building that is not easily seen from the street, you need surveillance on those windows. This video surveillance will allow you to see if someone is trying to access the premises from a hidden spot. You can add the security equipment inside or outside of the building.

You may also have ongoing issues with vandals spray painting your back wall, or someone burglarizing employee cars in the parking lot. If you have one area where problems keep occurring, you should place a video surveillance camera in that area.

Keep your business and home secure by adding video surveillance equipment in the right spots. Let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

5 Questions You Must Answer Before Choosing A Security Camera

Having a home security system is great for keeping your family safe and adding video surveillance can increase your level of protection. However, you must consider these five questions before you choose your security cameras: Where do you want to install security cameras and what level of video quality do you need? Do you need night vision and do you want hidden or visible security cameras? Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere or just from one location? Answering these questions can help you decide what type of security cameras you need for your home video surveillance system.

Where do you want to install security cameras?

Consider where you need the protection of home video surveillance the most. Exterior security cameras are a good option for monitoring people who are on your property and can allow you to identify possible thieves and criminals. If outdoor cameras do not deter a break in, interior security cameras can record the criminal activities. Hidden interior cameras are also an option for your surveillance system. These security cameras can monitor nannies and other household employees as well as unwelcome guests.

What level of video quality do you need?

Video quality for home video surveillance improves each year. Today, you can choose from three levels in home security video quality: General, forensic and high detail.

General detail video is very low resolution and can only give you shapes and colors. Forensic detail video offers higher quality and can help identify faces and license plates. High detail video has very high quality resolution, offering the ability to see fine printing and logos on shirts.

Do you need night vision security cameras?

Night vision security cameras are more expensive than their daylight only counterparts, but they offer the assurance of recording events even during the nighttime. If you have proper lighting around your home, night vision is usually not needed.

Do you want hidden or visible security cameras?

Most people want visible security cameras on the exterior of their home. These cameras act as a deterrent to criminals and make it obvious to everyone that they are being observed.

Inside the home, hidden cameras are often chosen. You probably do not want your guests in your home knowing that you have security cameras. Plus, if you want to monitor the nanny or the housekeeper, you want to do it in secret.

Do you want to be able to see video footage from anywhere?

With modern home video surveillance cameras, you have the option of being able to see footage through your cell phone. You can monitor when the kids get home or if a package is dropped off at the door by having an internet connection to the feed. However, adding an internet video feed may increase costs to your monthly monitoring charges from the security company.

If you are looking for home video surveillance or a home security system, let the experts at 1st Alarm guide you to the right system for your needs. Call us today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also connect with us via email or visit us in person. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.