FBI statistics indicate that some 2 million American homes are burglarized every year, leading increasing numbers of property owners to invest in video surveillance systems. Buying a security camera system is a smart decision when it comes to safeguarding your property and assets (or monitoring a mischievous pet), but there are some important things to know before making a purchase.
Maryland Security Professionals offers some practical advice about surveillance systems that can help you save time, money and buyer’s remorse down the road. Our team is experienced in installing custom surveillance systems for commercial and residential use throughout Baltimore County, helping homeowner’s associations, schools, businesses and private households deter theft, break-ins and vandalism.
Quality matters
The adage “you get what you pay for” is very applicable to camera security systems, so it makes to do your homework when making your decision. In addition to the brand and style of surveillance cameras, you want to consider the image quality (high definition and resolution are best) and range of view. High-quality infrared cameras will capture important details that prove useful for law enforcement when trying to identify suspects.
DIY installation pitfalls
Trying to save costs with a DIY security system may work for some people, but if you’re looking to secure a larger property and aren’t certain about optimal camera locations and wiring, it’s best to ask for help from trustworthy security camera installation professionals who can explain the pros and cons of wireless systems, cameras with live feed and design a custom solution that meets your needs.
Consider power outages
What happens if your property loses power? Will the security camera system come with a battery back-up and how long will this provide coverage for continued monitoring? You may want to consider investing in a video surveillance system that can be hardwired or run off solar panels. Thanks to recent advances in green technology, today’s solar-powered security camera systems are more affordable than ever.
Live feed versus recorded footage
There are some video cameras that provide instant access to live feed (known as live streaming), which may or may not be important to you. When connected to your router, the footage can be accessed remotely, on your smartphone or tablet. Other camera systems will record the footage to a DVR or NVR and store it for 14-21 days.
Indoor versus outdoor cameras
In addition to pan, tilt and zoom capabilities, you want to ensure your cameras are designed for their intended location. Outdoor cameras are engineered to withstand the rigors of inclement weather and are less likely to malfunction or be damaged in a heavy rain storm. Look at IP and IK protection ratings which denote the camera’s resistance to dust, water, humidity, impact and other conditions.
Security Camera Installation Baltimore
Serving the Mid-Atlantic region for over a decade, Maryland Security Professionals can help you protect your home, personal property and family. Our flexible service contracts include system recommendations, camera installation and configuration, maintenance and ongoing support. Call us today to request a free security audit for Baltimore security camera installation.
Additional Resources:
- Huffington Post, Buying a Home Security Camera? 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid https://www.huffpost.com/entry/buying-a-home-security-ca_b_9617422
- FreshHome, What You Should Know Before Buying a Home Security System https://freshome.com/what-you-should-know-before-buying-a-home-security-system/