Home surveillance systems are used to monitor and/or record video to protect and observe activities in and around the home. The surveillance is performed by hardwired, carrier current, wireless and stand alone camera systems. Alarm systems and surveillance camera systems perform two different functions. The same systems also have a business application as well. The feature of email or cell phone notification is available with some motion activated cameras. Any one of these systems could be used for the remote surveillance of a vacation home.
Alarm Systems
Camera systems should not be confused with alarm systems. Alarm systems protect a home from intrusions. One way this is accomplished is with contacts within the openings of the home located on the doors and windows. Alarm systems also use cameras as part of their system. When the system is activated and there is a breach of the system an alarm is sent out. The alarm is sent to a speaker in the house making a loud noise or sent to a central location. From this location Law Enforcement is notified and dispatched to the home. Alarm systems have an option to provide fire alarm service in addition to the security system. Alarm companies also provide surveillance cameras that are used to monitor the property in connection with an alarm system. Payment is invoiced monthly to the homeowner from the alarm company.
Hardwired Systems
Hardwired systems are cameras connected to a DVR then to a monitoring system. Hardwired camera systems normally use Cat 5 cable. The signal is sent from the camera to the DVR. The DVR sends power through the cable to provide power to the camera. Hardwired systems are installed by electricians or you can do it yourself and save money. Without the DVR no video or activities are recorded.
Wireless Systems
Wireless systems are of two types wireless receiver or wireless IP. Wireless represents the transmission of a signal just as the signal of a cell phone is transmitted. The transmission speed is 900MHZ to 5.8GHZ to a receiver, a receiver inside the monitor or a DVR.
A Wireless IP Camera has an on board computer and transmits a signal to a router. The signal is then picked up by computers in the wireless network. Often defined as a WIFI connection. The camera may also be connected directly to a high speed internet connection. The router picks up the signal. Software is installed to the computer used to monitor the activities and manage the recorded files. Wireless home surveillance systems require less work to install than hardwired systems. Often as easy as plugging the camera in to an outlet or adding software.
Carrier Current Systems
Carrier current systems appear to function as a wireless home surveillance system but they are not. Wireless, wireless IP and current carrier have in common the requirement of a power source. When this power source is alternating current all three of these systems appear to operate in the same manner. Plug them into a wall outlet and they transmit a signal to a receiver or a router. A carrier current system uses the electrical wire to transmit the signal to the receiver near the computer. In this way it is not a wireless system.
Carrier current contains a small camera within a housing and is plugged into a wall outlet. The signal is transmitted through the electrical current to a receiver plugged in near the computer. The receiver is then connected to the desk top through a USB port. Software is installed and you have a system. Best Buy and other electronic stores handle carrier current systems. Logitech is a manufacturer of several different cameras fitting easily into the surroundings.
Stand Alone Systems
A stand alone camera records video and/or sound to a USB flash drive and SD cards, in this respect they are not wireless since no signal is transmitted. USB flash drive cameras record video onto the flash drive that is placed in the USB port on your computer to view the video. USB and SD card cameras are not wireless in the sense transmission is done from the storage device directly to the monitor through a wire. Flash drive cameras have a chargeable battery located inside of the flash drive allowing video recording for two to three hours. The drives are available in 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB storage capability. Many hidden cameras use SD cards to record the video. The video is recovered periodically to view it contents on a monitor. This type of system is commonly set to record upon motion activation or at a specific time each day. SD represents (Secure Digital) a memory card for use in portable devices.
Home surveillance systems are limited only by ones imagination.
[ad_2]Source by Dave Norton