5 Top Types of CCTV Cameras for Home Security

CCTV cameras aren't needed in every home - but when they are recommended, there really is nothing that can replace them as a home security tool. Top level businesses and homes across the world still rely on CCTV monitoring to both identify dangerous situations and catch criminals after the fact ... and they are just as useful in private homes! There are 5 major categories of CCTV cameras used as part of Houston home security systems - today we look at which type is most appropriate for you.

Outdoor cameras

CCTV camera systems made for outdoor placement can be high resolution, infra-red capable and able to record in colour - but they are also constructed to best deal with the pressures of outdoor living. They are dustproof, water-resistant, and have very discreet designs to help deter and prevent vandalism. They cannot be removed from their mounting without triggering an alarm system monitoring call.

Indoor cameras

Indoor cameras can have all the same technological features as outdoor ones, offering very high quality colour recording for some models - but are much cheaper because they don't need the extra environmental reinforcement.

Infra-red cameras

If your indoor or outdoor camera is infra-red capable, it will pick up movement of people even in zero-light conditions - although lower-end systems will still need at least 1 lux of light (about the strength of half a moon) to work. Given that recording quality isn’t always the best, you'll probably want this type of camera system hooked up to your alarm system monitoring contract to avoid being burgled with no recourse.

High resolution cameras

The highest resolution available with most CCTV camera systems is about 750 pixels horizontally. They can pick up motion up to 240 feet away - although of curse, this capability would only be needed in non-standard properties!

Micro lens cameras

These are an excellent alternative to using 'nanny cams'. They are unobtrusive, and not prone to being tampered with, since in most cases an intruder won’t even notice them. They don't always provide the highest resolution, though - have these hooked into your alarm monitoring system, also.

Should I Get a Wired or Wireless Houston Home Security System?

The 'wired versus wireless' debate is actually becoming fairly ubiquitous in our lives now! It wasn't that many years ago that the only product you could reliably buy in a cordless version was a home telephone. That has all changed, with the wireless home security systems of today offering quite a few advantages over the wired ones. Today we check out whether a wired or wireless Houston home security system will suit you best.

Understanding Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless house alarms are pretty much like the wired ones - the main difference is in ease and cost of installation, as construction professional involvement can be needed to install wired systems, whereas wireless systems are easy for the security company to pop in. Their main components are much the same, though, and include:

• Control unit: This is the central part of a wireless alarm, receiving signals form the switches and triggering the alarm if necessary. It can be powered by mains with battery backup, or entirely by battery.
• Switches:These are the parts of your security system that tell the control center if there has been an unauthorised entry. They are magnetic devices fitted to all windows and doors, and send a signal if the circuit breaks. It is the switches and control center that are connected wirelessly.
• Alarm:The alarm can be either a silent model, designed to call your Houston alarm monitoring company,or a noisy model designed to wake you up and attract attention. Monitored alarms are always recommended, for the safety of your neighbours and passers-by as well as the security of your belongings.
• Panic button:This will either activate the alarm or call the security company when pressed , even if the alarm isn’t armed.

Advantages of wireless security systems

Wireless security systems are ideal when:

• You are fitting to an existing house
• You can't do the DIY work to hide the wires
• You are happy to pay for a top-quality system that offers maximum reliability

Advantages of a wired security system

Wired security systems have their own well-defined 'specialities', however! These include:

• Pricing - wired security systems are much cheaper than wireless ones
• They offer maximum reliability - if wires are damaged or cut the alarm goes off or security company is notified

If you are fitting a security system in conjunction with a home build or renovation, wired systems would be recommended.