Choosing the right video surveillance system

Choosing the right video surveillance system can be a daunting task. One of the ways to simplify the process is to choose one of our complete systems. These systems assemble all of the parts and pieces that you need for a complete video surveillance solution. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a system.

One of the first things to consider is whether to choose a wired or wireless video surveillance system. A wired system can transmit the video signal over greater distances, with less signal interference than a wireless system. On the other hand, a wireless system is much easier to install, since you do not have to run all of the video cabling. A wired system will cost less than a wireless system, but this cost savings can be easily overcome because of labor costs for installation. Generally speaking, a wireless system can be used in situations where the distance between the cameras and the display or recording device is less than several hundred feet.

The next factor you will need to consider when purchasing a video surveillance system is the number and type of cameras to use. Systems are available with 4, 8 and 16 cameras. Cameras can be color or black and white. There are advantages to both types. Color cameras furnish more information about the subject of the image, such as the color of a person's clothing or the color of an automobile. On the other hand, black and white cameras furnish more detail (have a higher resolution) and can operate with less available lighting. Let's look a bit more closely at resolution and low-light operation.

Resolution for video surveillance systems is typically specified as the number of horizontal lines the cameras use to "paint" the image. Typical resolutions are 380 lines for color cameras and 420 lines for black and white models. Low-light operation is typically specified using the LUX value. Typical values are 1 LUX for color cameras and .05 LUX for black and white models. By way of comparison, 1 LUX is about the amount of light available late in the evening, around dusk. And .1 LUX is about the amount of light in a well-lit parking lot at night. And a camera that can "see" down to .05 LUX can actually record images better than the unaided human eye.

Another factor to consider when purchasing a video surveillance system is the type of recording device used. VHS recorders are already a thing of the past, with state-of-the-art DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) now being the norm. There are two types of DVRs available - standalone and PC-based. The standalone types have a built-in display and hard drive all in one unit. The PC-based units have a DVR card in them, with software used to turn the PC into a DVR. Look for the ability to view your images over the internet when choosing a DVR - this will allow you to view your site from literally anywhere in the world where you can log on to an internet PC.

As you can see, there are quite a few things to consider when choosing a video surveillance system. This is a good reason to do business with totalsecuritywarehouse.com - you can benefit from the expertise we've gained through years of experience in this industry. And we have one of the best selections of video surveillance systems available anywhere.