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.

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.

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.

Many in the burglar alarm industry are concerned that fining people may prevent them from purchasing and installing an alarm system at all.  Some companies are looking to train customers on how to maintain alarms and limit the about of false calls.

Research shows that false burglar alarms come from three key areas:

•    Simple and avoidable errors such as doors or windows left open, not inputting the correct key code, pets or people walking around while sensors are set or other various avoidable situations
•    Poorly chosen or maintained equipment
•    Failing to properly install the system or sensors

Obviously these are not the only reasons a system may cause a false alarm, but these are the ones that are more easily managed by the user.

If you have an alarm system what can you do to reduce the chance of having a false alarm?

Not only are false alarms annoying to neighbors enough of them will cause them to stop taking the threat seriously.  Not to mention false alarms can cause you embarrassment and the evil eye from your neighbors.   In order to limit the potential for false alarms make sure you and everyone that lives or access the home knows the correct key code.  At night or when you leave do a check on all windows and doors to make sure they are securely closed, a door even slightly open can cause an alarm to go off.  Have your system checked annually, or anytime it appears to be malfunctioning, by an alarm maintenance company to make sure it is working properly.  You can also contact your local security company and they will provide you information on how to best reduce the number of false alarms.

It was estimated in 2002 that false alarms cost taxpayers a combined 36 million dollars, do your part to understand what you can do to limit your chance of having one.

First, people have a belief that they are too expensive.  This use to be the case, but over the years competition and technology advancements have drastically reduced the price to where many and most people can afford them.  Many basic security systems can be had for as little as a few hundred bucks.  In addition, security installation and monthly monitoring can be had for lower fees too.

Most people don’t feel they will ever need it, so why invest the money?  It’s a form of insurance, so consider how you might use life or auto insurance.  Do you have it?  Why or why not?  Do you only have auto insurance because you are required to by law?  The lower investment in a secure home system can easily be less than the loss of product or precious memories.

Probably the most common reason people don’t purchase burglar alarm systems are they just don’t think about it.  If you live in a nice area it might be possible to go years and years without anyone in your neighborhood needing one.  What is common is that someone will have an intrusion and then others in the neighborhood will feel violated too and look into purchasing a system.

Once people make the decision to purchase an alarm system or to at least consider one they get stopped in their tracks because they don’t know where to turn.  Can you get by with an inexpensive setup or does your home require a more expensive model?  If you have a monitored security system how do you decide which company to go with?

The simple answer is to educate yourself.  Take the time to understand the basics of systems and start to mentally layout what will work best for your home and family.  Do some research with Consumer Reports or the Better Business Bureau to understand specific brands and companies.  Once you have had the chance to study up get several estimates from reputable companies and choose one that matches your unique needs.

There is actually a lot that families should do that have nothing to do with the alarm system; consider getting wood or bars to secure window, exterior flood lights or even a simple sign that says you have an alarm system.  Once you decide you need a system now comes the time to balance cost versus security.  Do you want to secure to exterior, interior or both of the house?  How about each window and door or just the ones on the lower level of the house?

These, and many others, are great to discuss with a professional security alarm system company.  They will be able to help you understand the basics you will need as well as some nice to haves.  Just remember that after a home invasion you may have the thought of locking your house down tighter than Fort Knox, but that’s not necessary.

Once you find the right system you should also make sure you have a remote monitoring service, this will allow your family an additional layer of protection.  Once the alarm goes off most intruders will flee and won’t enter your home, the monitoring service will phone you to see if there has been an intrusion and what the next course of action is.  You should also notify the police department that you have a new or activated home security system.

Between the new burglar alarm, the monitoring system and the police at your fingertips you should start to regain that sense of personal security.  Between the new burglar alarm, the monitoring system and the police at your fingertips you should start to regain that sense of personal security.  You also increase your home security by getting and installing one of the many discount standard safes that are available on the market.