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CCTV security systems were once an expensive commodity only purchased by those with high security requirements due to high value personal possessions and belongings. It is now possible for everyone to buy a cost effective home security solution.
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) is now affordable for everyone and not only meant for businesses and well-off individuals. Technology has improved and costs have come down so the ordinary person can purchase security cameras for the home.
In real world terms 600 to 800 dollars will buy you a decent spec DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to record video images and around 4 security cameras which could be mounted internally or externally using infrared.
When embarking on a project to install CCTV you need to decide how many cameras you need. Do you want the cameras to be external or internal and do you require the ability to be able to record in the dark? If so, an infrared camera will be needed. However, most external cameras come with infrared capability as standard. There are many cheap security camera starter kits available bundled with 2, 4 or 6 cameras and a DVR in the package too.
When choosing a DVR go for a uncomplicated, simple device as this will keep the cost down. A straightforward 80GB hard drive model would be fine for most home security applications. This will offer around 7 days of continuous image capture recording but is dependant on the resolution and quality of picture that is selected. Check out the additional options as some allow backup onto CD burner, USB ports or a network link into your PC.
There are DVR devices that have a built in CD burner – but this will come at additional cost. But in reality, the home user wouldn't need to look over several months of video recording so they would generally configure their DVR to record on a continuous 7 to 30 day loop. A continuous loop is when the hard disk is full to capacity it will start to overwrite the oldest video recording. Unless you want to keep every single minute of all of your recordings this is the easiest and simplest approach.
Be sure when you are spec'ing your CCTV system that you purchase suitable required lengths of cabling to connect the cameras (unless of course you opt for wireless security cameras). Be sure that all cameras come with the necessary power adaptors and suitable wall mounting kits.
Finally choose a DVR that ha a VGA output connector. This is so the video output can be viewed through a regular PC monitor – which can be sourced inexpensively these days.
Learn more about home security and for more great advice on cheap security cameras go to Secure Home Advice. |
