Burglar Alarms Reviewed

The Top Reasons to Use Digital CCTV Camera Kit

Traditional analogue recording systems are really inferior to today’s digital CCTV technology. The remote monitoring facilities, capability of adding extra cameras to the setup, and higher video quality in CCTV camera kits are terrific reasons to make the switch. Here is a list of just a few of the motives that businesses have for switching to digital CCTV:

1. Better quality of picture. Digital CCTV cameras have a much higher clarity and resolution than the old systems which used tape. This could be the distinction between a criminal getting away scott free and being able to recognize him “on tape.” The picture quality is calculated in megapixels, which would be the number of dots that comprise the picture.  Although you can find old CCTV video cameras that record to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder), this type of hybrid system actually converts the data from analogue to digital and back again in order to play the footage back. This degrades the picture even more. A CCTV camera always keeps the data in digital format, so it stays perfectly clear.

2.   Scalability. It’s easy to add more CCTV video cameras into a setup that already exists. Digital CCTV systems network together easily with network cable, and use the same kind of Ethernet cable which computer networks run on. Therefore, you can usually find a network to tap into that has already been established, which makes it super easy to add on extra cameras. In contrast, analogue CCTV cameras each require their own dedicated able to be run back to the home system.

3. Remote access. When you use a networked IP CCTV system, you can contract a third-party company to monitor your premises. It’s quite simple and you don’t even have to add on much new hardware. This can save you quite a lot of money, being able to outsource security, as opposed to an analogue system where you would most likely have to employ someone to physically sit and look at the security monitors.

Obviously, a digital CCTV camera kit can offer quite a few advantages over the old-fashioned analogue video camera systems. By adding in the capability of existing computer networks, you get better quality recordings, as well as a system that is easier to expand when future needs demand. When you factor in the cost savings of being able to out-source the monitoring to inexpensive third-party security companies, you begin to understand the reasons for CCTV being so popular nowadays.

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Why I’m Interested In Burglar Alarms

People will often ask me why I’m passionate about burglar alarms.  Have you ever had one of those moments where you finally get it and understand the importance?  That happened to me.

I was out with a friend of mine on a Friday night relaxing after a hard work week enjoying a little rest and relaxation, it was late probably around 1:00 AM.  Out of the blue I get a call from my wife who is frantic because someone was in the house!  She could hear them in the kitchen and she was worried for the safety of our children and herself.  I told my wife to stay in the bedroom and that my friend and I would be at the house in just a few minutes.  We got there prepare for some action, but to our surprise my wife had disregarded my request and had gone out there.  To her amazement our basset hound had climbed up on the kitchen counter and was scrounging for food.  Her movements were knocking things around and onto the floor.  After we got our whits about us we all had a good laugh and wondered how a low level and heavy dog managed to work her way up there.  But once the nerves cleared we were back to living the way were had always done.

Just a few short weeks later I was woken by a loud crash in my backyard.  It startled my wife and me and I headed out to see what was going on.  It turned out that just a few feet from my young childrens bedroom window two thieves were trying to steal my car.  Fortunately, the neighbor was woken and called the police.  The sound I heard in the backyard was one of them running through my yard and over my fence.  All of this was occurring around my relatively unsecured home.

I couldn’t sleep for the rest of the night and spent several waking hours looking out the window as if they were going to come back and I might catch them.  The next morning we have an alarm system company representative come out and install a new system for us. In hindsight we didn’t make the best choice when picking a system, we jumped into it too quickly and were emotional about it and the company representative took advantage of that.

One of the first things I decided to do was to look into an outdoor security camera as well as flood lights.  Something else to remember is much of the population lives in apartments and there are great options for apartment security systems out there too,

My goal with this blog is to help people make an educated choice when it comes to their personal safety.

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Insurance and Burglar Alarms

Many people ask if installing a monitored alarm system will reduce their insurance rate.  You need to check with your own insurance company, however normally it can reduce your rate by as much as 20% annually.  This reduction in cost can offset the price of the monitoring service as well as provide peace of mind and comfort.

Prior to doing an installation contact your insurance company and find out if they have any pre-approved alarm systems they prefer you choose from.  Many may request that it be UL tested.  The key though may be the need to have a monitored system in order to get the discount, make sure you clearly understand this prior to installation.

Some alarm systems bill themselves as insurance approved, but don’t take their word for it because there is not one standard accepted by all insurance providers.  Discuss with your insurance agent the best ways to protect your family and gain discounts on insurance, most companies have this information readily available for the asking.

Up to know we have been discussing choosing an alarm system, but what if you already have one installed and your insurance doesn’t offer a discount for your specific brand? You have a few options:

1.    Keep the alarm system and receive no discount on insurance
2.    Change out the alarm system if it makes financial sense based on the insurance savings
3.    Switch insurance providers, assuming they accept the alarm system you have and the discount you receive is great enough

Often people look to do it yourself alarm installations, but many insurance companies are hesitant to provide a discount under this.  The likelihood of a false alarm increased dramatically for a homeowner installed alarm system over one that is professionally installed.  If you are considering this option do make sure you double check with your insurance company.
Whatever option you choose, be it an existing, new or do it yourself alarm system make sure you communicate clearly with your insurance company.  The discounts are real, but they do have standards they need to adhere to and a little understanding ahead of time on your part can reduce the headache.

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