One of the major reasons for the explosion in sales of home and business security camera systems is the increased availability of technology. Advances in wireless, remote and digital media have both improved the quality of security imaging, and brought the prices down within an affordable range of most home and business owners.
It's usually a good idea to consult with a professional security company when you're considering installing a security camera system. They not only have the expertise to help you decide which type of security camera is best for your needs, they also have the experience and knowledge to pinpoint security areas that a layman might miss.
Most home security surveillance systems rely on the use of CCTV cameras (closed circuit television). Originally developed for bank security systems, CCTV systems are designed to transmit images within a closed system rather than broadcast them to other receivers. The original CCTV cameras were large, bulky and obvious - movie cameras mounted on walls or behind counters in banks. Today's technology can create a camera that can pan, tilt and zoom to focus on multiple areas, track movements, turn itself on when it senses movements and send/record digital quality images - all in a body no bigger than the end of your pinky.
The type of security camera that you choose will depend, in large part, on the use you intend for it. Outdoor surveillance cameras, for instance, require weatherproofing that isn't necessary if your intent is to only monitor the interior of your home. In poorly lighted areas, you might find it worth the extra expense to invest in infrared security cameras. Hidden security cameras may suit your needs for secret surveillance - for instance to observe and record the activities of an employee suspected of theft.
Security cameras may be used strictly for monitoring with no capability of recording, though that's rare. More often, they will record to one of three options:
A video security camera recording to a VCR. There are options for time-lapse recording and high-density tapes that can extend the recording life of a single tape to approximately 90 hours. A video security camera hooked up to a VCR is often the most affordable solution for most uses.
DVR security camera with self-contained recording. DVR (digital video recorder) security cameras are growing in popularity for many surveillance uses. There are two types - the less expensive (and much lower image quality) CMOS DVR, or a more expensive CCD DVR.
A security camera system with remote PC access is the fastest growing niche in the security and surveillance business. By combining wireless or wired cameras with a personal computer and video card, you can eliminate the need for additional equipment like multiplexers, sequencers and splitters, and still monitor multiple locations and cameras.
The decision to monitor your home or business with security cameras isn't a difficult one to make. The right security camera system will protect your valuables - including the most valuable of them all - your family.