Choosing the Right Surveillance System

By B. E. Conrad

With more and more parents considering the purchase and installation of a wireless surveillance camera system, it is important to take a moment to shop for the best possible camera and camera system. There are many different kinds of surveillance systems on the market, and it is important for parents to choose the right one.

Color or Black and White
One of the most important considerations when shopping for a surveillance camera system is whether to choose a color or black and white system. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consider their relative strengths and weaknesses before making a purchase.

A black and white camera system will be better able to operate in low light, so consider the lighting of the room or rooms in which the cameras will be operating.

A color surveillance camera, on the other hand, can provide important information that can be useful to the police, private detectives or other authorities. For instance, only a color camera will be able to pick up important details like hair color or the color of clothing. This information can be very valuable in the event of a burglary or break in at the home.

Camera Placement
The placement of the cameras is an important consideration as well. Hidden cameras are by their very definition designed to be unobtrusive and difficult to detect, so it is important to choose wireless cameras that are small and easily hidden. These cameras are designed to operate using either electricity or battery power, but in the case of battery operated cameras, remember to consider the battery life when placing the camera. Most wireless surveillance cameras will provide between four and eight hours of operation in battery mode, so it is a good idea to keep spare batteries and a charger handy when using such cameras.

When the cameras are using electricity, they will continue to operate even when the item in which they are hidden is turned off. For instance, a hidden surveillance camera in a radio will continue to operate even if the radio is switched off, as long as the radio remains plugged in to the wall outlet. This is an important consideration when placing the cameras.

Also ensure that the network of cameras you use provide a good overview of the room or rooms in which they will operate. When deciding where to place the cameras, be sure that the placement will provide you with good coverage and a good view of each angle of the room. This will help to ensure that you are able to capture what is happening in every part of the rooms being observed.

The Receiver
While the placement of the cameras in a surveillance system is essential, the receiver also needs to be convenient and easy to use. In most cases, the receiver will be a VCR, hard drive recorder or similar recording device, and in some cases the video can be viewed conveniently over the Internet as well. It is important to consider what type of options you require for viewing the video you capture. Many parents enjoy the convenience of being able to easily view the video over the Internet from the office, so remember to look for this handy feature.

Last but not least, it is important to look for a video surveillance system that is easy to install and maintain. It is a good idea to look for a "plug and play" system that can be easily and quickly installed. Choosing an easy to install and easy to maintain system will enable you to spend less time setting up the system and more time reviewing the valuable information it captures.

© Doityourself.com 2006