Pan/Tilt/Zoom Cameras - A Worthwhile Part of Your Security System?

It can be difficult to know what level to go to with your home security system. There are so many different factors to consider: is there really a price you can put on your family's safety -- wouldn’t you prefer to spend a little extra to deter anyone coming near the house than risk harm to them? Then again, what are the real chances of suffering a break-in, and would all that cash be better spent simply on day-to-day living? From James Bond-like devices down to simple locks and bolts, there is a lot in-between that can help you reach a level of home security you are comfortable with. One of those in-between items is the pan-tilt-zoom camera. Today we are looking at whether it is a worthwhile addition to your home security.

Price factor

Yes, pan/tilt/zoom cameras are the most expensive available on the market. They can rotate a full 360 degrees, including below the camera, and the zoom function means that any footage they get will be as useable as the camera resolution allows. If your house is robbed, the police are much more likely to be able to make a positive identification from the picture of a pan/tilt/zoom camera than from any other surveillance camera on the market.

Deterrence factor

A big part of creating a home security system is ensuring burglars will be deterred from trying to enter your house upon seeing it. Putting your family in danger and creating a hassle for yourself probably isn’t worth the righteous feeling of almost catching a crook. Pan/tilt/zoom cameras are housed within one way reflective domes, so from the outside people cannot tell where they are pointing -- a major deterrent.

Programming

The movements of a pan/tilt/zoom camera are typically controlled by keyboard. You may be able to have your camera monitored centrally through an alarm monitoring system -- if not, then you need a top of the line model that is programmed to move by itself. Connecting devices like motion detectors, magnetic door locks and panic buttons will allow the camera to function on its own, although the effectiveness is more limited than having a human behind the desk.

Cost effectiveness

We believe that pan/tilt/zoom cameras are not usually the ideal home security solution for the average family. Large houses with expensive equipment may find them useful -- but a combination of sensible maintenance of your house, and alarm system, and other low-tech devices like window films and deadbolts is generally a better option.

4 Unconventional Fence Types As Home Security Systems

Strangely enough, there is a lot of debate in the home security world as to whether fences make for a desirable part of your security system, or not. The main controversy centers around whether they provide cover for burglars to work undetected from the street, or whether the deterrent of actually having to climb a fence (and possibly be seen doing so) is stronger for potential burglars. Today we are looking at several alternatives to the traditional wood fence that could be better suited to your security needs, depending on your particular situation.

1. Rose bushes

Rose bushes don't seem very scary, and hardly seem like a deterrent to potential burglars. They just have pretty smelling flowers, after all! In fact, even quite thick pants are subject to being ripped by rose bushes, and those thorns do more than tickle! If people have to either go through somebody else's yard to get to yours (doubling their risk of being caught), use a ladder to get over the bushes, or pick the lock on a gate, it makes it much more difficult for them to get into your home -- and increases your home security.

2. Concrete fences

In order to provide home security benefits over and above a traditional wooden fence, a concrete fence must be much higher. One benefit of this is that it is much harder for people to see into your home from the street, even if you accidentally leave the blinds open at night; a second benefit is that unless you have an army cadet burglar on your hands, they will probably need a ladder to scale the fence.

3. Invisible dog fences

This is quite an unconventional approach to creating a security system -- but if you simply keep your dog in the yard by means of an invisible fence, any intruders can see that big, mean doggie much more easily -- and he can see them approaching more easily too, either warning you or chasing unwanted visitors away.

4. Alarm System Monitoring

This fence is situated inside your house, and consists of a barrier which cannot be crossed without alerting the security company. There aren’t many fences that will give you that sort of guarantee!