What Makes for Good Home Surveillance Cameras?

There are typically three hallmarks of a standard security system: locks, cameras, and alarms. To get the ultimate protection, you need to get the best available option for all of these components. No smart security system can make up for having the wrong foundation. Today we're focusing on home surveillance cameras and the features you need to look out for when installing them on your property in San Antonio or Texas Hill Country.

SEE MORE: How to Find the Right Security System for Your Home

Image Resolution

Many people still associate surveillance systems with grainy footage, but that doesn't have to be the case. Most companies now offer high-definition cameras, though they can be difficult to install due to the large bandwidths associated with them. Since most cameras connect to your Wi-Fi network, we can strengthen your signal to make sure it can deal with those big files.

Remote Access & Control

One of the reasons that surveillance cameras connect to your network is so you can access them remotely. Through a mobile app—whether one associated with your camera, security system, or smart home—you can view live footage no matter where you are. For added control, you can even purchase cameras that let you pan, tilt, and zoom through your app so you can get a better view of your home.

Personalized Alerts

These days it’s important to differentiate between DIY webcams and surveillance cameras. The former will let you look in throughout the day, but they won’t proactively protect you. Surveillance cameras, on the other hand, will alert you when something is wrong. Based on motion sensors or video analytics, your cameras can send you security alerts whenever there’s suspicious activity on your property.

Video Storage

You also need to consider your camera's video storage capabilities. Another drawback of going with webcams is that many don't offer the option of recording footage. For cameras that do record, you want to choose if you want to have the data saved in the cloud, on a physical DVR, or both. If you go with the cloud, you should work with a professional to install your cameras and strengthen your network security so no third parties can access that footage.

Integration

As we mentioned at the start of this blog, home surveillance cameras are only one part of a comprehensive security system. You need to invest in equipment that plays well with others. We work with the top surveillance cameras in the industry that will not only communicate with your locks and alarms but other technology as well. We integrate your cameras with the rest of your smart home for better protection. For example, if there's unusual activity in your backyard, your lights automatically turn on, and your cameras begin recording, so you get the best footage possible.

Want to make sure that you’re using the right technology to protect your home? Contact us online to learn more about our security and surveillance solutions.