Future-Proofing Your Surveillance System

When searching for the right surveillance system, it’s obvious to want to go the cost-effective route, no matter if the application is residential or business.  But what if you spent the money in the present in order to save the money in the future? Future-proofing your surveillance system is getting more and more popular in the security industry. Following are three helpful tips to preparing your system for the future.

• PC-Based DVRs – A PC-Based DVR provides you the ability to utilize both analog and IP cameras. They are used in larger installation projects that may require maximum performance and flexibility. They contain upgradeable DVR cards that allow you to utilize the necessary software to incorporate IP cameras to your system at any point. So the next time you think about using a standalone DVR, think about if you will want to have features like facial recognition or object detection as part of your surveillance system. If that’s the case, future-proof your system with a PC-Based DVR, and use both analog and IP cameras to enjoy the best of both worlds.

• Use Cat5 instead of coaxial cable – So here’s an idea for the cost-effective buyer who still decides to purchase a standalone DVR instead of a PC-Based DVR. Go ahead and run Cat5 (Category 5) wire instead of coaxial cable. This way, if it comes time to upgrade your system to a PC-Based DVR with IP cameras, at least you don’t have to rewire your location. This will also save you money on installation because Cat5e is cheaper to run. Installs are also made more manageable because you can run power to one central location, rather than having it in several different locations.  Cat5e is also about 10-20% cheaper than coax wire, with installs sometimes being over 50% more cost-effective as well.

• Video Balun technology- Most video baluns provide a solid solution to extending your cable runs by using Cat5e/ Cat6 cable. By using this type of cable, you can upgrade your security system in the future by utilizing IP cameras (pending you have a hybrid PC-Based DVR). Also, video signal is stronger when using Cat5e, and since the wire contains 4 pairs, you can use one for video transmission, while the extra pairs can be used for power (or even PTZ control function for cameras using RS422 or RS485 protocol).

Amazing Possibility with the Right PoE

So much can be said about the evolution of the Surveillance industry and probably the number one topic these days is the transition to IP Networks, PC Based DVRs, NVRs, and IP Cameras. Much goes into finding out how many Mega Pixels a Camera has. How powerful is the network or software. But one minor detail that plays a vital role in this new age of CCTV is the PoE (Power over Ethernet).

A PoE switch is an Ethernet switch that sends power as well as data through the Ethernet Cable. Standard PoE requires CAT5 cable. So when a Complete IP system is being considered it’s also important that as much research is done on the PoE switch as the cameras themselves. Most advocates expect PoE to become a global long-term DC power cabling standard and replace “wall wart” converters, which cannot be easily centrally managed, waste energy, are often poorly designed, and also easily vulnerable to damage from surges and brownouts.

It’s important to pay close attention to the Power being distributed from the PoE switch to accommodate all of your IP cameras.  It makes no sense to invest as much as possible in quality IP Cameras and fall short on supplying the cameras with the proper PoE switch.

Are you Proactive or Reactive?

When is it that most businesses decide to get a security system? Why does it take a break in, robbery, missing inventory, or vandalism for business owners to decide they need something other than a yard dog?

I think most business owners understand that it is not a matter of if something nefarious will happen, but a matter of when. In this day in age there is absolutely no reason to be reactive instead of proactive. According to the NCVC (National Center for Victims of Crimes) the average cost of a robbery or break in to a business is $19,200 and that monetary loss does not speak about the emotional costs that are added.

Last year the average cost per security camera was $1,200, installed. So in essence, you can have 8 cameras professionally installed for $9,600, and save almost $10,000 not to mention the feeling of security and protection. You can also add a control access system to three doors for $4,200 (national average). So, with a little forward thinking, you can save $5,000 by avoiding a break in. With the control access system and a security camera system you can not only see who is trying to break in but stop that person from getting in. Also, don’t forget about the other perks of a complete security system that can save you money like: inventory control, keeping employees honest and productive, always having control of who is in the building and what time they are allowed access.

The fact of the matter is, you can save money by installing a Surveillance Camera system and by using professionals like Virtual Surveillance you can get a “top of the product” and beat the national average that was mentioned above. You know it’s going to happen, let be smart and be Proactive instead of Reactive.

Should Security Cameras be Hidden?

I have had many people coming to me in the recent months asking about covert cameras. If you are looking at implementing a new CCTV system into there are two ways you can go about doing it walk around your property and find the vulnerable areas that need to be more secure that could use a camera placed on or around a certain area. You want people to be able to see the cameras, there are many cameras on the market know that are small but visible and will not become a eye sore on your home. Letting people know there is a system in place can certainly play in your benefit, let’s say you spend a solid amount and have a system installed on your home. If somebody walked up to your home wanting to break in, would you prefer them see your cameras and decide maybe I should pick a different house, or would you rather them be unaware of your surveillance system, and they break in maybe your family is home or they steal valuable items. I would have to say I would have rather prevented the situation then have to be reactive of the situation and perhaps place my belongings or family in a situation. Business surveillance is a different case, most situations do not require covert cameras in businesses unless there are internal theft issues. Again typically you want your system to be seen and know, to prevent theft or other crimes from occurring. Use signage as another form of prevention to help stop unnecessary issues.

Picking the Right Access Control Locks for your Property

When looking into choosing you locks, don’t forget a very important step in the development of your access control application. You will typically find three styles of locks: Electronic Magnetic Locks, Electric Strikes, and Electric Deadbolts. These items are needed to secure the door in place until a valid badge-read releases the device to allow entry. Mag locks are typically found when the door is made of solid steel, metal or wood. The reason this is more common is due to the fact these particular doors are not pre-drilled for the device to be installed. They get surface-mounted to the door and/or to the top of the door frame.

In the event you may need to secure a gate or another small entry door, a mag-lock can be used when the door might be too thin or slim for another method. Electric strikes and bolts are more commonly used in doors that are hollow or have existing latch handles that can be removed and replaced with a bolt or strike.

As far as how long it takes to install, the typical mag-lock can be installed in about 15-20 minutes making its installation very simple and quick, while strike and bolt locks can take a little more time due to the fact they must be fitted in the door properly before installation is completed.

“Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late”

by Thomas Foster

A lot of people don’t realize their need for surveillance until an incident happens. Then, all of a sudden, surveillance becomes a huge necessity. In this day and age, surveillance is an absolute necessity.

The main reason is that no one can be in multiple places at one time watching everything, 24 hours a day. As technology progresses, so does criminal activity. Although technology allows people to prevent and solve crimes, it also helps criminals commit crimes more intelligently. One way to stay one step ahead of the modern day criminal is to have an up-to-date surveillance system.

With crime at an all time high, it’s crucial to have surveillance at your home or business. Why wait until your business is broken into, your property is vandalized or one of your loved ones is harmed before deciding to install a surveillance system? This all could be prevented by investing a small amount now.

A surveillance system could save yourself not only thousands of dollars in losses, but also lots of heartache if something happened to a loved one. Surveillance is more of an investment than an expense.

Important Accessories to Keep in Mind when Purchasing Your Surveillance System.

Aside from the obvious equipment needed when purchasing your surveillance system like a DVR,  cameras, cable and power supply, there are many other useful tools you should know about that often come at a small cost but provide a big benefit when it comes to the efficiency of your system. Here is a list of a few additional items and the reasons these items can boost your systems impact.

1.)    Signage: This is a visual aid that helps make you system known to those around, this can highly prevent unwanted crimes and theft.

2.)    Audio: For many clients looking to add both systems to residential or business applications audio can be extremely useful and can be recorded on the same unit you cameras are attached to.

3.)    DVR Lock Box: This can be used to secure your DVR to the floor or wall, this would prevent someone from getting into your property and walking off with all the data stored on your DVR.

4.)    Access Control: This can be one of the most beneficial additions to your CCTV it is often overlooked if you use keyed entry to secured areas in you building this is the most effective way to monitor the flow of traffic through a given area, as well as any passage can often sometimes be integrated in to work with your CCTV directly.

5.)    Extended Warranties: When finishing your system always ask about the warranties. Often if a company offers a extended warranty it typically comes at a fraction of the price of the equipment. In my history within this industry if a company offers this it can really show the dependability behind the products they sell, this kind of an option is a win-win opportunity for you.

There are some things that companies offer alongside with the purchase of equipment you should look for, this is called service, it may come in customer service or more importantly technical support, this is a lifetime obligation from the company to make sure you get what you need, when you need it, and make sure it works how it should, this support can really show the services all companies should have but don’t.

Pick The Right Installer

When trying to find someone to install your equipment it is important to make sure that they can care for all your needs. Are you looking for a camera surveillance system, are you looking for an access control system, maybe both. Dependable reliable companies can be hard to come by. Number one think I would be made aware of is the size of the company, you do not want to pick a small company if your application is going to be a large one, the prices with this company may be lower than some other companies you talk to but service goes farther than just the finishing up of the installation.

You need to be able to make sure that the company can carry the workload your project may put on them as well as making sure they can follow through with any after the fact needs. Most people like make sure that the company they work with is insured whether they are working in your home or business. Make sure you ask what the warranty is on not only the equipment being installed but the installation itself. Some companies will warranty their install for up to 30 days, this does vary but some companies don’t guarantee their work at all and if you don’t ask you won’t know.

CCTV Equipment Placement

Many people always ask where they should place certain items when installing their own system in a home or business. So we will start with the DVR and work our way out to the cameras. The DVR is the brain it needs to be somewhere where it can be protected and secure from any damages and or theft. I always typically landed the DVR in a desk or closet, somewhere out of sight, out of mind. If theft is a big issue I would highly suggest the use of a lock box for the DVR. Go to Home Depot purchase some Concrete Anchors, bolt the lock box to a floor, this will make it very difficult and time consuming for any thief to steal or damage your DVR. I would always have a monitor with the DVR, it makes it easy to service. Place the power supply nearby so if issues come up with blown fuses or bad outputs they can be checked easily. Cameras are completely up to user as far as placement. I like to see cameras used as perimeter protection in both businesses and homes. If you can cover the surroundings of the building, all doors and windows then you can assure yourself there are no blind spots.

Some people ask me about hidden or covert cameras, this is fine for interior use. I do not like them on the outside for protection the reason you would invest in a system is to protect your family, your home or business. My personal opinion as an installer for 10 years is I would rather let them know I have a surveillance system, let them see the cameras and know I can see them. I would rather them know and hopefully go pick another house or business than hide it and yes perhaps be able to catch them in act but risk them still damaging my business or home and family. Like I said if you want to watch the nanny or a cash register I thing covert is fine but not as you main defense.

Taking Care of Your Investment

Well you finally decided to go ahead and make that investment and have that new CCTV system installed, now what.

Well, there are a lot of people that think once it is installed, that is all you have to do. And for the most part, it is. There are a few things that I would suggest so that things don’t get out of hand all at one time.  If any of your cameras are located near trees or any other kind of landscaping that might still be growing, be sure to set a schedule and keep them trimmed back ahead of time. It would be a shame to need to go back and find a piece of video only to find out that a tree branch had finally gotten big enough to block the camera view that you need to see.  The best way that I have found to make sure this kind of thing does not happen is to set a day once a quarter and check for this sort of thing. Other good things to do and look for at this time include cleaning and lenses, check to make sure any camera housings are still weatherproof by opening them up and making sure there is no water or condensation in the bottom of the housings. Also check any exposed wiring to make sure the insulation is still in place and in good condition. If the wire is in conduit, make sure all the connections are still connected and all boxes still have covers on them. These are just a few things I would suggest you put on that schedule. I’m sure if you set down to make a list, there are other things you can add to the list to help protect your investment.