7 reasons to install a security camera at home

Your house. this is where you should feel safe. But anything can happen. Intruders, vandals, thieves, even wild animals, can invade your privacy, endanger your loved ones, damage your property, and rob you of your valuables. Even some potentially traumatic events can be prevented by installing CCTV cameras in your home.

Having CCTV cameras on your property has many benefits. They can record activities in and around your home, whether you are present or not.

Here are 7 main reasons to install a video surveillance system on your property:

Keeping an eye on the inhabitants of the house

When your kids are at home without you, you can easily make sure they are safe and do what you expect. You will know if your child is doing household chores or work without getting into trouble.

If you have elderly relatives, they can be prone to injury and accidents when they are alone at home. CCTV cameras can be used to monitor their actions so you can make sure they are ok.

You can also keep track of your pets’ activities. It is easy to see what they are up to so you can step in and stop them from ruining the situation.

Increases the value of your home

If a video camera is already installed in your premises, potential buyers see it as an asset. Who wouldn’t want a security system to protect their new home?

Protect and secure

Protecting your valuables and loved ones. this is the main reason to install CCTV cameras. Setting up the safety of your loved ones from intruders is priceless. Cameras are a deterrent for burglars looking for your valuables.

Even if you think you live in a relatively “safe” area, you are at risk. According to burglary rates, one in three homes without a security system will fall victim to theft, compared with one in 250 homes that have a security system. You can significantly reduce the chances of being hacked with security cameras.

Remote access

Your CCTV system can be viewed on your smartphone, tablet or computer anywhere you have Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. It includes simple and user-friendly software that allows you to remotely view your cameras anywhere, anytime. You can install both indoor and outdoor cameras, which expands your ability to monitor activities. You can also receive instant email notifications of any kind of movement in your home. You can even be very far from home, but completely monitor its condition.

Crime containment function

Visible CCTV cameras can prevent potential burglars and vandals from entering your home. Most likely, they will go looking for a house without cameras. Where something will go wrong. Publicity about the presence of cameras may help you. it is better to tell all the neighbors that you have cameras. If a crime happened, video surveillance is evidence in court.

Lack of the unexpected

If you have home, auto, medical, or other insurance, you already know that these are ways to protect you from the unexpected. The presence of a home video surveillance camera. also a way to prepare for the unexpected. If and when this unpleasant moment comes, you will be ready to handle.

Errors in the organization of video surveillance

Consider the typical mistakes when installing video surveillance in a private house:

• Incorrect video transmission and power calculations. It is important to correctly measure the distance from the cameras to the DVR. And depending on the results obtained, select one or another type of cable, while not exceeding the maximum allowable transmission distances (it is necessary to specify for each camera and cable model). With correct calculations, the image will be transmitted clearly, quickly and without interference.
• Lack of power for the camcorder. This factor affects the stable operation of cameras and image quality (especially at night). over, choosing the wrong power source can ruin the camera. Separate power supplies are usually used to power the camera and recorder.
• Choosing a way to store video information. The more video you need to save, the more the hard disk capacity needs to be.
  For example, at a frame rate of 25 frames per second (“live video”), about 600-650 GB of information will be captured from 4 cameras at 500-700 TVL in 7 days with continuous recording. Modern hard drives for 1000, 2000 and 3000 GB of memory can easily save video captured for 10-30 days or more.

The listed factors are extremely important, since the wrong choice of components of the video surveillance system, their quantity, as well as an illiterate installation will not be able to provide the desired result. To ensure reliable surveillance, it is better to use off-the-shelf video surveillance systems.

Popular ways to organize video surveillance in a private house

The most common video surveillance systems are divided into several types:

• Video surveillance systems with analog or AHD cameras are the best option for those who, first of all, are interested in the very presence of surveillance in order to understand what is happening at the shooting object. The image clarity and picture quality of analog or AHD cameras is usually lower than that of digital ones, but this is compensated by the lower cost (about 2-5 times cheaper).
  Such systems can be installed and configured by an ordinary owner of a private house, since the scheme of their construction is extremely simple and resembles a designer (cameras. cords, recorder).
• Digital IP and HD-SDI systems. When using equipment from well-known manufacturers (not unnamed fakes), the image quality is better than that of systems with analog or AHD cameras, but the costs are significantly higher.
  The scheme for constructing digital HD-SDI systems is simple (the same as for analog or AHD) and can be done by hand.
  Digital IP systems are used when you need to create a complex scalable video surveillance system, often with a complex and extensive communication system. The installation and configuration of such systems will be properly entrusted to professionals.

How to organize video surveillance yourself

Despite the apparent complexity, video surveillance installation is a fairly simple process from a technical point of view. Before starting the installation, experts recommend the following points from Honor:

• Think over which areas of the house need to be monitored. It can be both internal premises and areas of the adjacent territory: courtyard, entrance and others.
• Think over the required number of cameras, and their subsequent placement in and around the house.
• Decide on the quality of the image. The ability to distinguish the details of objects in the frame is influenced by: type of camera (analog, AHD, digital) and its shooting resolution, recording resolution of the recorder, camera angle of view, recording rate (frame rate).
• At Honor, the time of day to be monitored. For night shooting, it is necessary to select the appropriate outdoor video surveillance systems, the cameras of which must have built-in IR illumination. And to obtain a high-quality image in the dark at long distances (more than 20-30 m from the camera), it will be necessary to organize lighting on the object, which is activated, for example, by a motion detector.
• Measure the distance from the installation site of the cameras to the recording device (recorder). At the same time, it is important for Honor for bends, elevation differences, etc., because the cable will not be laid in a straight line.

Ready-made video surveillance systems

Ready-made video surveillance systems consist of three main components:

• a recorder (a recording device with a hard disk installed inside to work with it);
• cameras (they can be used outdoors and indoors, differ in type, shooting resolution, viewing angle, presence or absence of built-in night illumination diodes);
• cords for connecting cameras to the recorder (usually ready-made cords are offered already with connectors and fixed lengths).

To work with the system at the place of its installation, usually a monitor or TV connected to the recorder is used. The recorder has its own Russian-language menu, using which you can view the current or archived video, as well as make settings. A regular USB mouse is used for control.

To work with the video surveillance system via the Internet, a laptop is suitable (no software is required, ordinary browsers are used), a smartphone or tablet (you need to download a free application to work with the system).

The final cost of ready-made systems depends on the type of equipment, on the number and parameters of cameras, as well as on the number of video inputs on the recorder. Ready-made systems are easy to install and do not require professional installation skills from the user.

Advantages of ready-made video surveillance systems:

General Tips on Where to Install Security Cameras

• Hardware compatibility guarantee.
• Easy to install. everything you need is included.
• The convenience of use.

Ready-made video surveillance systems are easy to install and use, and components are selected by experienced professionals, which guarantees full compatibility and efficient operation of the video surveillance system over a long period of time.

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Installation of video surveillance: it is possible, even if the neighbors are against?

The neighbors on the floor above, as it turned out, were also facing the camera. over, now other residents also want to write a collective letter with a request to remove video surveillance.

A video camera appeared about a week ago on the window of an apartment located on the first floor. The owners of the camera explain this by the fact that neighbors constantly make noise and interfere with life.

The woman is worried, because soon a child will appear in the family. According to her, she and her husband repeatedly asked the neighbors to be quieter, even appealed to the police, but all to no avail. They say that there is no evidence that an offense has been committed. So we decided to put a video camera.

Ekaterina said that the equipment records everything that happens in automatic mode, the picture is displayed on a laptop and recorded on a flash card. This record is kept for 24 hours. The camera can be directed in any direction, it is equipped with an infrared beam, so it can shoot even at night at a distance of 10-20 meters.

“She only removes the blind area under the neighboring windows so that you can see who comes and makes noise,” says Ekaterina, showing a picture from a video camera on the monitor. It does not even capture the road, cars or the second entrance. After we began to conduct video surveillance, the “visits” stopped, there is silence under the windows.

This interesting way of resolving conflicts turned out to be quite legal. The woman has documents: the layout of the device and the necessary approvals with the UZHREP of the Leninsky District and the Leninsky District Department of Internal Affairs.

By the way, as explained in LLC “Grodno Information Networks”, video surveillance is allowed in all public places. There are no technical standards for the installation of video cameras, the main thing is that she does not “look” directly out the window. In any case, especially when it comes to “corner” entrances, in addition to the protected area, part of the windows can get into the lens, but even panoramic cameras “will not see” what is inside the apartment, but only the curtains will be removed.

What to do to set up a camcorder

If the residents of the house decide to equip the house with a video surveillance system, the issue is decided at a general meeting by a majority vote. If this is a ZhSPK, it is necessary to agree with the chairman, if the house is on the balance sheet and serviced by the ZhSP, then with UZHREP. In addition, there must be an agreement with the police.

How to make a CCTV camera from a phone?

Of course, buying and installing a full-fledged video surveillance system could cost a pretty penny, but everything can be done much easier. for these purposes, you can use the camera of an old phone.

Additional components and system assembly

From all of the above, we conclude that the phone is central to a homemade surveillance system, but it is not limited to it alone. At a minimum, you must solve the problem with the power supply of the unit, therefore, the connection with other nodes of the system is often carried out through a cable. it not only transmits video, but also powers the cellular.

However, if the entire system is located at home, you can organize wireless signal transmission, for which the phone is simply plugged into a power outlet with a charger. In this case, it is important to use a wireless Wi-Fi connection as the main communication channel, the speed of which is much higher than that of a regular mobile Internet.

Accordingly, with a wireless connection, there is almost always a need for a constantly switched on router somewhere nearby to distribute the Internet.

When building a homemade video surveillance system from your phone, you are unlikely to plan to look at the screen around the clock, and you can even miss the moment of committing a crime. If this is what you are doing, then you need to solve the problem of how to store the video. Even if you are ready to check your phone every day, which writes all videos to its own memory, it will be extremely inconvenient, and memory may simply not be enough.

Many applications offer their own servers, where video from a cell camera is loaded on the principle of a car DVR. a certain file is simply constantly overwritten until you decide to leave a certain piece for good.

Finally, it is desirable to have remote access to the surveillance system. Today’s software allows you to do this from almost any gadget, be it a computer, tablet, or even another smartphone. It is possible that for this, the program with which you track events will have to be installed there too, so for remote access you need to select an aggregate no worse than the one used as video surveillance.

Minimum device requirements

The phone itself is not created in order to later become a surveillance camera, and we are planning to use not even a new unit, but an old one. To use its capabilities with the expected effect, you should not choose any cellular, but only the one that suits our purposes.

First of all, a mobile phone camera should shoot more or less decently. The choice of specific characteristics depends on what and for what purpose you plan to observe: for an alternative view of the surroundings, purely for the sake of pleasure, a simple camera of up to 2 megapixels is enough, the same can be said about home surveillance, where all the most interesting happens in the immediate vicinity of the camera. so you can clearly see.

If you want to use a smartphone as a monitoring system for a car, which is located several floors below and a little to the side of the building, and expect that the camera will be able to capture the face of a possible intruder, options below 5 megapixels may not even be considered, and 5 is unlikely is it enough.

The best thing in this situation is to take the smartphone in hand, go to the place where you planned to mount it, and start the camera to assess how it is capable of coping with the task.

In fact, almost the only way to design a video surveillance system with your own hands is to use a relatively modern smartphone. The fact is that in order for a gadget to acquire the functions of a webcam, you need to install third-party applications on it. They usually do not differ in impressive weight and loading of the main resources of the device, but too old versions of Android are no longer supported.

You, of course, may be lucky with the software, but it is better not to use a version of the operating system lower than Android 4 for such purposes. there will be fewer glitches and unexpected crashes.

Among other things, you need to assess the functional state of the phone at the moment.

• Firstly, being in constant operation mode, it will use the battery. practice shows that if it is completely worn out, even a direct connection to the mains does not always make the unit work.
• Secondly, you need to check the ability of the device to communicate with the computer in order to ensure proper observation from the outside. The connection is usually used either wireless. then you need to check the functionality of the module, or wired. then you should evaluate the functionality of the connectors and make sure in advance that the opportunity to establish contact is present.

In addition, the phone should be prepared for new functions. If you no longer plan to use it in any other way, it makes sense to reset the system to factory settings. this will delete all applications and other information as if you turned on the unit for the first time, and due to this, it should work flawlessly. After that, you should install the programs responsible for video recording and transmission, which we will talk about separately. In addition, you should also password-protect your mobile phone, otherwise anyone who wants to either get access to the captured video, or can turn off surveillance at their own discretion.

Observation programs

The developers are constantly releasing something new, so it is possible that you have seen somewhere a program that will seem to you better than those offered by us. In this article, we will consider only two options for monitoring programs, but they have been tested many times and are very popular, which speaks for itself.

The first option is called unpretentious, but logical. IP Webcam. The program’s interface is intuitive, its main window looks like a set of settings that you choose to your liking. The “Start” button allows you to start broadcasting from the device camera to the paired one using a direct link that opens in the browser. Transmission priority. within the same Wi-Fi network, but there is an exit to the entire Internet.

The standard set of functions is just as good, if not better, than that of a conventional camera. In the browser window, you will see the image from the smartphone’s camera, and if everything is in order with the microphone, then you will hear sounds. The program does not limit you only to the main camera of the device. if there is also a front camera, you can switch to it at any time.

You practically have all the same capabilities as if you were holding a smartphone taking pictures in your hands. you can play with the zoom in, set the quality of the transmitted video, turn on the flash, even use filters for the picture, not to mention saving photos and videos.

Additional functions are even more impressive: the system can detect motion and start filming only upon its fact, it is also possible to send a message about the detected movement to the mail. In some situations, the function of taking pictures at regular intervals may be useful.

Contrary to expectations, such a functional software is undemanding to resources, and is also completely Russified, but most importantly, it works for free.

Manything is a decent alternative program. This application does not have Russification, but there is another advantage: all the collected information is immediately sent to the cloud and stored there, so that if the camera is lost or broken, the collected photo and video materials will not go anywhere. This program also works for free, but there is also a paid mode. it will come in handy in case you like the experience and you want to connect several phones at once by creating a network.

Otherwise, the available functions are practically the same, although the interface looks a little different. First, you register in the system, and when you log into your account, it will ask how to use this device. as a camera or to watch videos from other devices.

If you want to watch, the program will display for you a list of all gadgets working in camera mode and connected to this account. Since when transferring information over mobile networks, the problem may be excessive traffic that is not provided for by the tariff plan, in the program settings you can set restrictions for this parameter to reduce the quality of shooting.

To learn how to make a CCTV camera yourself from a phone, see below.

DIY camcorder connections

There are two types of connection: to the power source and to the information receiver. Each camera is supplied with an adapter. An undervoltage is supplied through it. Therefore, the socket is important in the connection process. Just plug the adapter into an outlet on the wall of the house, and the other end is inserted into the camera, it is in the form of a plug that is inserted into a special socket located on the back of the cctv camera body.

The second type of camera connection requires a special BNC wire. Its installation is also simple, it has two identical ends, so it’s just not possible to mix something up. On the camera, it must close the output, on the receiver, the input.

If wireless security cameras are installed in a residential building with your own hands, then you need to read the instructions for connecting them. As mentioned above, along with the cameras, a disc comes with the program recorded on it. It must be installed on the computer. With its help, access to security cameras will be established.

Now it is imperative to check how the entire video surveillance system works. Connect the cameras to a power source, turn on the monitor and receiver. See if all camcorders work, if a picture is displayed from them.

Preparatory stage

It all starts with planning the installation scheme, for which it will be necessary to prepare an action plan. First of all, you need to decide exactly what territory to track. There is no need to install CCTV cameras everywhere. A large number of them will cost you dearly. Therefore, it is recommended to install them in the most vulnerable places. For example, at the front and back doors, under windows, on the path to the house, gates, open areas of the yard. Therefore, these places must be marked on the site plan. After that, be sure to check these places for review. That is, nothing should interfere with the installed camera.

Now, regarding the acquisition of video surveillance equipment. What is needed for this.

• Cameras.
• Recorder.
• Set of cables of different brands.

There is one good option, how to organize a video surveillance system on the site and inside the house. To do this, you need to purchase one to three wired cameras to monitor areas on the street, and one to three wireless cameras to monitor households. The former will connect to the storage medium, the latter can be connected to the computer.

Let’s move on to the issue of choosing the right type of CCTV cameras. Here it is required to determine their technical characteristics, it is from them that the budget of the work carried out will depend.

• Priority: wired or wireless cameras. Let’s just say that wireless is easy to install because there is no need to go into cabling. That is, you mount them according to the developed scheme, install the program on your computer (it usually comes on a disk complete with cameras) and do tracking. If you need to monitor a large area on the street, then it is better to install wired devices. By the way, wireless analogs have one drawback, the farther it is installed from the signal receiver, the worse the picture on the monitor is in terms of quality.
• What to choose: internal or external cameras. Everything is clear here because indoor cameras are not designed to work in wet conditions. They just go out of order quickly on the street.
• I would like to draw your attention to this type of cameras, as with a motion sensor. Why are they good? They only turn on when a large moving object enters the field of their lens. For example, a person or a machine. Thus, space is saved in the computer’s memory, plus a good energy saving (relative). It should be added that the motion sensor must be set up, because it can be triggered by a running dog or cat.
• The so-called premium CCTV cameras are controlled over the Internet. All you need is a laptop or smartphone, through which you can, sitting anywhere in the world, keep track of what is happening in your house. You will have to download a special application on your smartphone, and you can install the program on your laptop.

Assembly stage

So, the installation of a video surveillance system with your own hands begins. First of all, you need to decide where the observation point will be organized. This room will not be of fundamental importance, because only the receiving device and the monitor will have to be installed in it. This could be an office with a computer.

Next, the video cameras themselves are installed. If the installation is carried out inside the house, then the cameras should be installed under the ceiling, it is from there that the best view of the premises is. It is a prerequisite for the camera to be located near the outlet from which it will be powered. It is important that windows and doors are included in the lens. Outdoor cameras are mounted higher, the goal is not to steal.

Currently, camera manufacturers offer different options for mounting video devices. They are attached with Velcro, suction cups, but the best option is self-tapping screws. How to install a camcorder to the ceiling or wall with your own hands.

• Remove the mounting cover.
• Apply it to the surface to be attached.
• Through the through holes, notes are made with a pencil.
• Holes are drilled into them with a perforator, where plastic dowels are inserted.
• Attach the cover so that its mounting holes line up with the holes in the ceiling or wall.
• Self-tapping screws.
• Mounted lens.
• The required angle of view of the camera must be set.

DIY CCTV cable laying

As for wired video surveillance systems, their complexity lies in the fact that you will have to lay cables from video cameras to the information receiver. To hide the wiring, use skirting boards as wiring locations. over, today skirting board manufacturers offer models in which channels are already embedded. You can hide wires and cables in them.

Experts recommend using the so-called Siamese cables for a video surveillance system at home. This is the wire in which both the power cable and the data cable are woven. They are usually designated as RG6 or RG59. The power cable is made up of two braided red and black wires. Coaxial is designed to connect the camera and the information receiver. At its ends, either coaxial plugs or BNC are installed.

In order not to occupy sockets in the rooms, you should think about purchasing a separate power supply unit to which all video cameras are locked. He himself is powered from one outlet at the control room. There is one difficulty here. you will have to conduct a separate power cable from each CCTV camera, which is not always convenient. It’s just one of the options for a properly organized video surveillance system.

In principle, this is the sequence for installing a video surveillance system in your own residential building, and even with your own hands. Of course, the editing process itself is not that difficult. After all, fixing video cameras is, in fact, a process by which any objects (shelves, cornices, etc.) are attached. Cable routing is also straightforward. And if a wireless video surveillance system is used, then the process is simplified to a minimum. In this situation, it is very important to correctly select all devices and assemblies so that they fit exactly together. That is why many experts recommend purchasing ready-made kits.

How to install a security camera at home

If you came up with an idea to install a video surveillance camera at home in order to increase the safety of your residence, then do not rush to call a specialist. His services will cost you a pretty penny. It seemed that this complex action with the installation and the right choice of equipment would baffle you, but remember what the ancient people said. it is not the gods that burn pots. So be patient and learn how you can install not one, but several CCTV cameras yourself.

DIY software installation

As mentioned above, the set with the camcorders comes with a disc containing the program. You need to install it on your computer. How to do it yourself.

• Assembling and configuring LAN (local area network) is in progress. It is not difficult, but if you could not figure it out, then invite a specialist. It will take him five to ten minutes to assemble.
• It is made in the course of the world wide web from the server.
• Then one video camera is connected to the local network.
• Its software is installed and the video surveillance device itself is launched.
• The video camera software will find the installed program on the computer and display its IP and MAC on the monitor.
• Now the IP-address of the camera is inserted into the search engine of any browser of your choice. Then the control panel will open on the monitor. Here is both a picture and settings. So you can look at everything and adjust it to fit your needs.
• The rest of the CCTV cameras are connected in exactly the same sequence.

If you need to establish remote access, that is, conduct surveillance and tracking via the Internet, and you are not an IT specialist, then it is better not to touch anything with your own hands. You just have to do a lot of manipulation. For example, open an Internet gateway between the information receiver and the server, which requires the use of WAN interfaces. In general, a difficult thing, not for ordinary minds. For a small home, there is no big need to use remote access. You can get by with simple schemes and technologies. In this case, the simpler the better. And, of course, we recommend watching a video about installing CCTV cameras.

HOW TO INSTALL A CCTV CAMERA

If you decide to start self-installation of video surveillance, then it is understood that you will also purchase the equipment yourself.

Just in case, please note that when choosing a CCTV camera, you should take into account not only the technical characteristics, but also its design. Obviously, the latter directly affects the installation process.

Consider the installation features of the two most commonly used types of cameras:

• domed;
• case-mounted on a bracket.

Installing a dome video camera.

The classic installation option for this device is ceiling. However, most models can be wall-mounted quite successfully. True, in this case, the adjustment of the viewing area in the horizontal plane will be limited (Fig. 1 a, b).

Due to their relatively low weight, dome cameras can be mounted on almost any structure. This advantage is fully manifested when mounted on Armstrong type suspended ceilings. Two mounting options are possible here:

• directly on the stove;
• or on the crosshair of the profile.

Since the strength characteristics of the suspended structure of such ceilings leave much to be desired, installation on a profile can be pretty nerve-racking. It is easier to fix the camera to the plate by placing a wide enough spacer on the opposite side.

For this, it is quite possible to use improvised material, for example, trimming an electrical box (Fig. 2).

Housing devices often have a significant mass, therefore, it is better to install them on dense and rigid carriers using a pair of self-tapping dowels (Fig. 1 c). These cameras are ideal for outdoor installation, especially if you choose the right location and design.

SELF-INSTALLATION OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE IN A HOUSE OR APARTMENT

When performing any kind of installation work in a house or apartment, the preservation of the design of the premises plays an important role. The most inconvenience in this regard is the connecting wires. There are, in fact, two exits:

• the use of wireless video surveillance systems;
• hidden laying of cable infrastructure.

With the first moment, everything is clear enough. Hidden wiring can be done either in grooves, which is real only at the stage of major repairs or construction, or in the spaces between supporting structures and finishing materials (drywall, plastic panels, etc.).

In this case, the design of the video surveillance camera should make it possible to output the wires from the side of the mounting plane. Dome cameras are ideal in this regard. When choosing a mount on a bracket, it is desirable that it has internal cavities for placing cables.

By the way, hidden wiring is also relevant when installing cameras on the street. This installation method prevents both deliberate damage to connecting lines and their protection from adverse external influences.

Speaking of hidden wiring, it’s worth talking about how to install hidden surveillance cameras. Two approaches can be distinguished here:

• camouflage of standard video devices (dome, body cylindrical, etc.);
• use of cameras specially designed for this purpose.

In any case, the installation of such systems has a number of specific features discussed on this page.

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CCTV cameras are the basis of modern security

Security video surveillance will not be able to protect against the penetration of a criminal, but will record the circumstances under which the incident occurred. CCTV cameras are a good deterrent in terms of psychological counteraction. The thief is afraid of being caught on camera. After all, he actually leaves evidence against himself. Security video surveillance is perfect for preventing unauthorized intrusion, both for guarding a private house or apartment, and for securing the territory of an enterprise or an office center.

Not all thieves can be intimidated by video surveillance systems, because they do not represent physical resistance. If you really wondered about the safety of your home, we recommend that you take care of installing a security alarm, protect the perimeter of your site, build a reliable fence and install good locks and doors.

A surveillance camera cannot stop a criminal from breaking in, but it can help to catch him. In addition, CCTV cameras help prevent various other crimes around your home or site, such as vandalism or mayhem. Crimes can be repeated without adequate protection of structures. Unsurprisingly, victims of crime are terrified of a possible repeat of the incident. Video surveillance can help law enforcement agencies solve crime and catch criminals. Arresting intruders can sometimes ensure the return of stolen items. In this case, the main thing is the speed of catching thieves. Accordingly, if you install dummies of CCTV cameras, then you will not be able to fully use the security system, because you will not have recorded evidence of the fact of the crime.

Where to Install & Point My Security Cameras – Planning

Dummy cameras do not work and are not an effective deterrent. They can be installed without specialists, since they do not require configuration and power supply. Fake CCTV cameras can come in handy for institutions that do not store valuables.

Many people who install CCTV cameras have the advantage of being able to monitor their property from anywhere using video surveillance over the Internet. There are many different manufacturers of security systems that offer different equipment. Cameras with infrared illumination work 24 hours a day, and at night even in complete darkness. Also, CCTV cameras can transmit a black and white or color image. For outdoor installation of video surveillance, it is necessary to ensure that the camera can work in rain and sun, in snow and frost.

CCTV cameras can be connected to a TV or computer. professional CCTV systems can connect multiple cameras, multiple digital displays, and an integrated burglar alarm system. Other additions to video surveillance include sound recording, motion sensor, image transmission from the video surveillance system via the Internet.

Latest security technologies such as IP cameras. offer wireless Wi-Fi capabilities. These systems allow for wireless installation, which is easier to install and virtually anywhere. over, if you are in another city or at work, you can watch live video from CCTV cameras directly on your computer (subject to Internet access).

This does not mean that you need to monitor CCTV cameras 24 hours a day. Many modern video surveillance systems provide instant message transmission to your e-mail or mobile phone when any movement appears in front of the cameras.

Installed security cameras in a private house will help you monitor the builders who work on your site in your absence, or find out who showed extra interest in your home when you were on vacation.

Selection of the camera according to the required parameters

Camera angle

Next, you need to decide on the viewing angle of each video camera. If the angle is large, then the number of objects that fall into the field of view will also be considerable. With one caveat: small details will be either poorly visible or not visible at all. Accordingly, if the viewing angle is small, then small details will be clearly visible, but the observed area as a whole will not be so clearly visible. Everything, of course, depends on the goals that you pursue by installing such equipment.

Now let’s talk a little about the cables that we need when installing a video surveillance system.

Which system to choose

Analog video surveillance system

Modern video surveillance systems are divided into analog and digital. It is generally accepted that the analog method is yesterday. But this is a misconception. What kind of video surveillance method should you use? How do they differ from each other? It all depends on what functions are assigned to the entire video surveillance system. For example, analog systems can be installed in facilities with a small area that do not require round-the-clock monitoring. Such surveillance is most often used in cafes, offices, parking lots, houses, apartments, etc.

Digital video surveillance system

It should be noted that the analog video surveillance method will cost less than the analogous digital one. However, in this case, it will not be possible to include everything in an integrated surveillance system. This can only be done digitally by combining the warning system, alarm system, etc.

The surveillance system consists of the following basic elements:

• Video camera.
• Video recorder (processing device).
• Monitor.

The camera reads the information. Then the resulting image goes through the video cable to the video recorder, where the video signal is processed, and only after that you see the real picture of what is happening on the monitor. The recorder itself records the processed image to the built-in memory. Later, if necessary, you can view this entry.

CCTV kit

So, before you take a drill in your hands, it is worth developing a plan, that is, determining in advance how many cameras you need. Then you need to schematically depict their location, as well as the places where you will carry out the laying of wires from the DVR to the video cameras.

If you need a wireless video surveillance system, then purchasing a digital device will help.

Sealed metal hose in PVC insulation with a broach

When laying the wires, it is important to consider where the existing voltage cables are laid. Avoid routing near these cables. Otherwise, you will get a noisy image. It is necessary to lead the wires at a distance of at least 1 meter from the existing electrical wiring. If this is not possible, then the wire is laid in a metal hose, followed by the grounding of the last.

Cable selection

CCTV cable

If you take an analog system, then you need to use different cables. It all depends on where they will be laid: outside or inside the premises.

• Power cable. This cable is intended for power supply of video cameras, which are located at a distance of no more than 110 meters from the DVR. Since the supply voltage is 12V, a normal copper stranded cable is fine. Its cross-section should not exceed 0.5 mm 2. But what if the distance of the chambers exceeds 110 m? It’s not scary. But in this case, the cross-section of the supply cable must be at least 0.75 mm. Honor should place the power supply as close to the camera as possible.
• Twisted pair. This is a “long-range” cable, i.e. has the ability to transmit video over vast distances. It will be very good if you use it in tandem with active transmitters. Otherwise, there is no point in using it at all.
• Coaxial cable. This type of cable has a central copper core and is used as a connecting link between the camera and the DVR. It is through it that the signal is transmitted to the recorder. The used diameter is 5 mm. No more.
• Combo cable. It is mainly used for one camera installed for video surveillance in an apartment.

Features of installing ip cameras

A digital video surveillance system for a home or other facility has many advantages. First of all, this is the ability to easily install and connect digital equipment with your own hands. The installation of equipment itself will be associated with:

• purchase of the necessary equipment and all related devices (ip-cameras, monitor, ip-video recorder, power supply and connecting cables);
• installation of video cameras;
• laying cables;
• installing a video recorder;
• system setup.

It is possible to install a wireless system, no matter what kind of surveillance will be. indoor or outdoor. Accordingly, you will need a wireless camera and a router (wi-fi router), the function of which is to broadcast the image to a computer monitor or even your gadget. Of course, in this case, you will need to solve two problems: firstly, get an IP address, and secondly, correctly configure the equipment. To help you, an instruction or video guide on the Internet will be attached.

You can save money if the equipment we plan to purchase is non-branded. Believe me, cheap Chinese is quite suitable for installation in your home or office. Finding one takes time and patience. As a result, you can save up to 50% of the cost of the entire video surveillance system.

Image from cameras

As previously noted, the choice of the camera itself depends on the functions that it can perform. Digital video devices give a very high-quality picture at the output. When faced with a choice of which device to take, always consider its color rendering, resolution, focal length, angle of view, IR illumination, etc.
It is worth saying a few words about the “brain” of this entire surveillance system, the same unchanged video recorder, but only with the “ip” prefix
When you purchase it, be sure to have the following from Honor:

• channel (preferably 4-channel or more);
• built-in memory (500 MB or more);
• the speed at which the recording is made;
• are there any motion sensors available;
• is there a function that allows you to access video materials over the Internet;
• the ability to view materials online.

For a complete set, you will also need a monitor, as well as a keyboard that can be connected to the DVR. But connecting the keyboard itself is not a mandatory requirement, but rather for the convenience of work.

All digital equipment needs software control, therefore, there is no way without software.

To set up IP video surveillance yourself, you can use several types of software: firstly, there are programs that are specially designed for specific models of recorders. Such software helps to configure the video data transmission system, their recording, as well as archiving. This software is provided by the developers free of charge. Secondly, there is another software, also free, but at the same time it has a number of additional paid functions, for example, it is access to remote developer archives. And thirdly, there is already paid software that can manage powerful video surveillance systems. But at the philistine level, it makes no sense to use them.

So, we have reviewed various video surveillance systems that you can assemble yourself. The main thing is to be able to choose high-quality video equipment, and then correctly and competently carry out its installation.

Now you can relax

We hope that the tips that you read in this article will help you to significantly increase your level of knowledge about choosing, installing and configuring a video surveillance system. Of course, there are different goals you pursue in terms of personal safety. But the main thing is, no matter how much effort, time and money it costs, your safety and the safety of your loved ones are worth it.

Installation and setup of video cameras

During the installation of the entire video surveillance system, you will also need a router. And here you cannot do without special software (software). It must be installed on a computer, which plays an important role in a video surveillance system. This software is included in the package. When installing and running this program, you will need to configure the camera, and this must be done correctly.

If there is a need to install several CCTV cameras, you will need to work hard, since this business does not require rush, and everything must be done carefully and patiently, that is, all customizable operations for each camera will have to be carried out several times. All these actions are necessary in order to group several pictures into a single big picture (like puzzles). In this setting, a portable monitor or even a small LCD TV with a low frequency input can be a constant assistant. To use these portable video monitors, you need a BNC-RG6 cable as well as the connector used by your monitor. Convenience is that you do not run back and forth and can safely, “without leaving the checkout”, competently adjust everything that you need (sharpness, viewing angle, etc.)

But what if the video surveillance system is already mounted and the image can be viewed only on the main monitors? How to set up cameras without a lot of running around? Here you cannot do without an assistant. Let him sit at the monitor with the recorder, and you at the camera, negotiations can be carried out via mobile communication. This duo adjustment will help you tune the cameras the way you want.

And now the cameras are set up. However, this is not all. DVR setup required. How to do it? First, you need to install memory (hard drives or SSDs).

When installing hard drives, make sure they are formatted.

Then you can proceed to the basic setup. DVRs themselves are not particularly different from each other, no matter how sophisticated they are. But this only applies to the menu. Therefore, using a simple model as an example, it will not be difficult to explain how this setting occurs. We will do this using a PC. In this case, a computer can be considered a rather convenient device that is used to control the entire system. As usual, when entering the main menu, you will have to enter your username and password (this data is provided in the product documents). Once you have entered the menu, you will see that it has six sections. It will be appropriate to consider them.

The “Search” option will help you go to the archive, where you will find and be able to view the videos you are interested in. Just enter the date, time and camera that filmed the scene you want. Using the “configuration” tab, you can manage the entire video surveillance system. But the “control” is intended, respectively, to manage the memory of the recorder.

With the “setup” option you will be able to set the PTZ cameras and monitor display. The “system” function is designed to track all activities in the system itself. The most important section is considered “auto-function”, it contributes to the necessary reboot of the recorder device. This is necessary for its normal functioning.

And now the hour has come when it is logical to switch to the product of our modern era. IP cameras.

All digital equipment is convenient to use, informative and multifunctional.

Camera types

CCTV Cameras

Cameras can be both indoor and outdoor. It is clear that video equipment used for outdoor surveillance must be “resistant” to sudden changes in temperature, as well as have a sturdy case in case of falling into it of various objects, such as ice or even stones. Better to get an IR illuminated camera. But this is in the event that observation is carried out around the clock and there is not enough electric lighting. In this case, the IR illumination on the camera is relevant. Also, the cameras themselves differ in the shape of the body.

• Dome cameras are most commonly used indoors and are mounted to the ceiling.
• Cylinder chambers have fasteners that allow equipment to be mounted on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
• Housing cameras are only installed indoors. The lack of a lens does not in any way prevent this equipment from shooting a high-quality picture.
• Modular video devices are characterized by the fact that they have no housing at all. Thus, these cameras are used as covert video surveillance.
• And finally, a PTZ camera is considered to be the record holder in value. This is understandable, because the ability to rotate around its axis (360 º) is not inherent in all analogs.

Varifocal CCTV camera

As for the “eye” of the camera itself, it can also be different. There are varifocal lenses. This is when the Focus can be changed manually, on a “closer-further” principle. And there are lenses with a fixed focus, that is, you will not be able to zoom in or out.

If you had to install video surveillance equipment yourself, be sure to pay attention to the power supply of the camera itself, as well as the current that it consumes. What is it for? To select the exact power supply you need.

Power supply for CCTV camera 12W, 12V 1A

When choosing a power supply, it is necessary to take into account the number and characteristics of video cameras. Conventional cameras are powered from a 12 V mains supply. For example, you are going to install three cameras, each of which has a nominal 12 V and 0.7 A of current consumption. In total, 2.1 A comes out.For such a system, a power supply with a current of 3 A. As for the current strength, there must necessarily be a small margin of amperes.

Further, it is logical to draw your attention to the device, without which the entire video surveillance system will be “brainless”. This is a DVR. When buying this device, be sure to check how many audio and video inputs it has. There are 16-channel recorders, i.e. 16 cameras can be connected. If you need to connect more, then this problem can be solved using the network, when two or more registrars are combined. You can also use a video capture card (there are cards for 32 channels).

Video recorder

You also need to know how much memory can be used in the DVR. You need to think about how many days a recording archive can be stored with such a volume, if on average the camera consumes 300 GB of hard disk for continuous recording for a day. It should be clarified what the recording rate per channel, and how much memory the frame itself takes.

Hard drive for DVRs 1 TB

If you plan to just capture people in the room, you can use the 6 frames per second per channel shooting mode, but if you want to shoot the movement of cars, it is better to choose 25 fps. Compare the number of frames per second by the maximum frame size. Please note that a separate number of frames is used for recording, and a separate one is displayed online. By the way, the online mode almost always displays 25 fps, so be guided by the recording.

Conditions for mounting video cameras

CCTV camera installation

First of all, you need to prepare positions for the cameras, and only then install the devices themselves on them. After securing them, you can start connecting network cables and power wires. If you decide that you can do everything yourself, then the following is important for Honor: