| Surveillance technology began as a way to deter | | | | instead of batteries. Consumers also have the |
| burglars against theft. They have evolved into | | | | benefit of professional installation that are covered |
| systems that can do everything from looking at | | | | under warranties. The majority of companies that |
| the inside of your home from 1,000 miles away | | | | contract security systems offer consumer |
| to ensuring your pets are safe from fire while | | | | support if you have questions. These systems |
| you are out for the day. Consumer surveillance | | | | can also add value to your home. |
| systems have flourished in the past decade. New | | | | There are disadvantages with both types of |
| advances in technology and capabilities ensure | | | | security systems that should be carefully |
| there is a system that can meet most budgets | | | | considered before choosing a system. Wireless |
| and needs. | | | | surveillance equipment may work only when the |
| There are two major classifications of surveillance | | | | sensors are placed at the appropriate angles and |
| technology: | | | | distances. There will be problems if you place the |
| * Hard wired | | | | sensor too far from the system. |
| * Wireless | | | | Wireless systems are known to go through a |
| Your decision to purchase a surveillance system | | | | number of batteries. You can imagine the energy |
| should be based on your needs. It is impressive to | | | | necessary for a system that is continually |
| have a high-end system that can monitor every | | | | monitoring your home. Wireless systems can also |
| room at any time. Is that a system that you | | | | be subject to interference from other electronic |
| need? Opting for equipment or packages that you | | | | devices. Several wireless computer networks use |
| can't or won't use will be more wasteful in the | | | | a frequency that can interfere with wireless |
| long run. | | | | surveillance cameras. Most professionals |
| Your surveillance system can be programmed to | | | | recommend wireless systems only as a last |
| perform a variety of functions. Sensors are | | | | resort. |
| available in consumer systems that can detect | | | | Wired systems are not above reproach. There |
| such things as body heat, break-ins or even air | | | | have been complaints about these systems as |
| movement indicative of someone being in your | | | | well as success stories. The price tag on a |
| home. It is often recommended that consumers | | | | hard-wired surveillance system can be surprising. |
| purchase the systems that can also perform | | | | These systems are more expensive, and many |
| emergency tasks like alerting occupants over a | | | | consumers must also pay for labor and installation |
| house fire. | | | | costs. |
| Wireless surveillance systems are ideal for renters. | | | | A hard-wired surveillance system also requires |
| They are also ideal for those in smaller homes or | | | | access. It may not be possible to run wires |
| who want to perform the installation themselves. | | | | through the walls in some areas of your home. |
| Wireless systems can be portable for easy | | | | This can leave parts of your home vulnerable to |
| transport to a new home. Many also offer voice | | | | intrusion. You may also want to consider the |
| programming and to call specific numbers in case | | | | repair costs necessary if you have building |
| of an emergency. Wireless sensors communicate | | | | materials like plaster or stucco on your walls. |
| with the system and make alerts of low | | | | These can be easily damaged by drilling and may |
| batteries, a problem in the system or other such | | | | be difficult to repair. A hard-wired surveillance |
| issues. | | | | system is also a perpetual feature. You will not be |
| Wired, or hard-wired, surveillance systems also | | | | able to move it elsewhere since it is constructed |
| have their benefits. These systems are wired into | | | | into the existing walls. |
| your existing walls and structures in order to | | | | The right security system can make your home |
| monitor your home. They are considered by | | | | safer. It will give you the assurance that you |
| professionals to be more reliable than wireless | | | | have someone also looking out for your safety. |
| systems. Such systems are often more | | | | The right information will help you to pick the |
| aesthetically pleasing and depend on electricity | | | | system that best suits your needs. |