{"id":3543,"date":"2022-03-24T12:38:05","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T12:38:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpbc.a1securitycameras.com\/?p=3543"},"modified":"2023-11-10T13:25:09","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T13:25:09","slug":"how-to-choose-a-video-surveillance-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.a1securitycameras.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-video-surveillance-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Video Surveillance System"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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As one of the\u00a0best security camera system installers<\/a>\u00a0in Dallas Fort Worth, we often get first-time customers looking for more information on how to choose a video surveillance system. With so many options available on the market at the time of writing, the process in itself can be a little overwhelming. However, let\u2019s start with the essential parts of an effective security camera system:<\/p>

  1. Wired or wireless?<\/strong><\/li>
  2. How to choose home security cameras<\/strong><\/li>
  3. What features should you consider?<\/strong><\/li>
  4. How to choose a recorder<\/strong><\/li>
  5. How to use home automation<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

    For business owners looking for how to choose a video surveillance system, A1 Security Cameras has previously written an\u00a0extensive article on the subject<\/a>\u00a0that is sure to provide you with all of the information you need. However, for this specific post, homeowners will find a resource on which of the current innovations for security camera systems that might be perfect for them. For each of the proposed parts, we will go into detail covering the most popular options available to you while presenting valuable information surrounding them presently. We will also provide information about features you might be interested in considering and systems that can complement your future home security camera system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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    Which has better security, wired or wireless?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    The first decision will generally be wired or wireless in terms of home surveillance systems. Whereas there might be more particular questions that may help the process, this specific choice allows you to reduce the number of contending options by a wide margin. When it comes to choosing between wired and wireless security camera systems, there are a few questions that you need to consider:<\/p>

    1. Is cost an issue?<\/strong><\/li>
    2. Do you want an easy or long-lasting installation?<\/strong><\/li>
    3. Are you looking for reliable or convenient?<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>

      Whereas other aspects of choosing a video surveillance system will be much more direct, wired versus wireless will distinctly affect most or all of the broader system. To answer each question directly, wired systems are more expensive upfront due to the installation requiring the laying down of ethernet or coaxial cables. The expenses accrued through labor and wiring are applied to the overall cost, also leading into the next question of an easy or long-lasting installation. As will be mentioned further later, a wireless security camera system is easier to install, but the wired alternative lasts for much longer. The answer to both questions leads to the resulting wired or wireless system, one that is focused on reliability or convenience, respectfully.<\/p>

      Below we will go into further detail on both. However, A1 Security Cameras has also previously written about\u00a0Wired versus Wireless Surveillance<\/a>. Whereas this post gives a brief overview of the subject, the other article provides a far more in-depth analysis. We encourage you to use our blog as a database to help you make an ultimate decision on which type of security camera system is best for your needs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Advantages of wired vs. wireless<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      As will be shown, both types of surveillance features advantages dependent entirely on the connection. Whereas this might be an obvious fact to some, it moreover proves the point of how important the aspect is when considering a surveillance system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      Wired Security Camera Advantages<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      1. Signal unaffected by other devices<\/li>\n
      2. Allows more sensors than wireless<\/li>\n
      3. Does not need network extenders<\/li>\n
      4. More difficult to disable<\/li>\n
      5. Allows superior privacy<\/li>\n
      6. Does not necessarily affect bandwidth<\/li>\n
      7. Secure against remote hacking<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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        Wired Security Camera Advantages<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        1. Exceedingly simple installation<\/li>\n
        2. Cameras can be relocated<\/li>\n
        3. Less expensive upfront costs<\/li>\n
        4. More likely to feature software updates<\/li>\n
        5. Strategic placement can prevent signal loss<\/li>\n
        6. More effectively integrates into home automation<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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          Disadvantages of wired vs. wireless<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          As will be shown, both types of surveillance features advantages dependent entirely on the connection. Whereas this might be an obvious fact to some, it moreover proves the point of how important the aspect is when considering a surveillance system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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          Wired Security Camera Disadvantages\n<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          1. More costly and challenging installation<\/li>\n
          2. Homeowner typically needs professional help for install<\/li>\n
          3. Wires may be subject to deterioration over time<\/li>\n
          4. Walls will need to be drilled through<\/li>\n
          5. Installation is considered permanent<\/li>\n<\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            Wireless Security Camera Disadvantages<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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            1. Can be easier to disable<\/li>\n
            2. Other signals can interfere with security cameras<\/li>\n
            3. Entirely dependent on home wireless network<\/li>\n
            4. Connection and performance configuration required<\/li>\n
            5. Vulnerable to remote hacking<\/li>\n
            6. Requires direct plugin to outlet<\/li>\n<\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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              How to choose home security cameras<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              After deciding between wired or wireless surveillance, it is then time to choose between the different types of security cameras available on the market. Admittedly there are various types, but in this post, we will distinctly focus on the most popular:\u00a0Analog security cameras<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0IP security cameras<\/a>.<\/p>\n

              While considering either type of camera, it is also wise to start imagining which style of security camera will cover parts of your home. While there is a multitude to choose from through A1 Security cameras alone, we have taken the liberty to show and give a short description of the most popular.<\/p>\n

              Box Security Camera<\/strong><\/a>: By popularity alone, the box camera was the most popular camera sold worldwide according to IPICA in 2021. It is no wonder why with these cameras allowing for hardware improvement by way of switching out parts like the housing, lens, and more.<\/p>\n

              Dome Security Camera<\/strong><\/a>: Whereas the box camera was most popular in 2021 worldwide, the dome camera had been most popular in years prior to that. Unlike other traditional security cameras, this type of camera features a protective dome around the actual camera and is commonly used throughout interior environments. Many feature a shaded dome that allows for more concealed and unintrusive surveillance.<\/p>\n

              Bullet Security Camera<\/strong><\/a>: Popular for outdoor surveillance, bullet cameras feature a wide range of designs that would enable those considering surveillance to enjoy an effective solution. Typically recognized for their long-range capabilities and bullet design, these cameras more often offer better quality footage when larger areas are concerned.<\/p>\n

              As displayed on the A1 Security Cameras website, each of these cameras comes in an analog and internet protocol form. As will be explained below, this is also a crucial point to consider due to the possible features and advantages that come with each. It should be noted that there can be multiple different types of\u00a0security cameras<\/a>\u00a0in any given security camera system as long as they are compatible with the recorder.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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              Analog vs. IP cameras<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              When choosing between analog and internet protocol cameras, one will find many of the advantages and disadvantages are similar to wired versus wireless cameras. The similarity is because analog cameras were the norm in the previous generation of security cameras, while internet protocol is the present generation. While that may make the older of the two sound obsolete, nothing could be further from the truth as they are still widely recognized as effective and prove resilient in the face of the most sophisticated threats against a home or business. IP cameras simply have more features generally, including built-in audio, high-definition quality footage, protocol support, and wireless functionality, with several more options available depending on the specific camera. A1 Security Cameras goes more in-depth on this subject in another article describing the differences between\u00a0analog and IP security cameras<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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              Is brand important?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              When it comes to functionality, the brand of each device in your surveillance system is a distinctly important factor. Some brands of security cameras will not work well with a specific brand of a recorder. That is not to say that a system with multiple brands is bound to fail, but rather it is not guaranteed to work during installation and setup. This is because each brand may have a different managing software or specifically designed hardware that functions according to the design of the compatible camera. A1 Security Cameras typically suggests keeping your surveillance system under one brand name if it can be helped.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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              Which cables are better?<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              There are two types of\u00a0cctv cables<\/a>\u00a0that correspond to the aforementioned analog and IP cameras presently on the market. Those two are coaxial and ethernet cables, respectively, used for transporting the specific signals from the camera to the recorder. When it comes to which is better, they both serve a particular purpose in the systems they are set. For example, while ethernet cables are more modern than coaxial, they would not be applicable in an analog system, with the vice versa being true as well for coaxial in a digital system. Instead, the best version of the two cables presently are RG59 or RG6 for coaxial and Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 ethernet cables. A1 Security Cameras goes more in-depth about what\u00a0kind of cables do security cameras use<\/a>\u00a0in our previous article of the same name.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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              Which lens is best for security cameras?\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              The lens is an essential feature of every security camera you will consider and has a distinct effect on the video footage it produces. As stated by our\u00a0previous post explaining security camera lenses<\/a>, the three basic types of lenses are:<\/p>\n

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              1. Monofocal<\/strong><\/li>\n
              2. Varifocal<\/strong><\/li>\n
              3. Zoom<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                every kind of lens fulfills a specific function in a given security camera, and all three also come in varying sizes that define the viewable range or focal length of the camera itself. Examples of such include 2.8mm, 3.6mm, 6mm, and 12mm, with more options available. Furthermore, when purchasing another lens for a box camera, it should match the internal sensor so to provide the best possible functionality from the device.<\/p>\n

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                Camera placement<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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                Security Cameras has written extensively on this subject, authoring three posts about placement listed here.<\/p>\n