For those looking to protect themselves, their property and their families, video surveillance is a viable option for most United States residents. With the decreasing cost of video equipment and hard drives, video surveillance is now affordable for more people than ever before.
Some people with a DIY attitude are even designing and installing their own, homegrown systems. But is this a wise idea? Or is it better to simply go with a professional company?
DIY systems can be quite capable. Consumer hardware is now sufficient to build and install a system that can handle the basic tasks of displaying and capturing video.
Software has advanced to the point that motion capture and other advanced features are possible, and if a feature cannot be found in existing consumer software offerings, programmers can create their own programs and implement them any way they choose.
Advantages of DIY
There are a few advantages to DIY systems. While surveillance companies have a finite number of offerings, the combination of different recording hardware and software for DIYers is nearly limitless. Further, DIY systems can be changed, upgraded, downgraded or tinkered with on a whim.
And, of course, for those inclined to set up their own system, the process can be a fun one. While many of us loathe to think about spending weekends tinkering with and refining the software and hardware involved in something as complex as a video surveillance system, others relish the thought. There are online communities that share their systems, give each other tips about where to find inexpensive parts and offer help to those just starting out.
Professional Installations
But for those just looking for a good, dependable system, professional installations are more than capable and offer options that should be satisfactory to any potential buyer. Professional systems have been thoroughly tested and installed in every type of home or business, and these systems have been shown to withstand the rigors of weather and time.
And when it comes to reliability, DIY systems cannot match professional installations. With years or even decades of experience, professional surveillance companies have solved almost all of the bugs that have affected their particular systems. Reliability is among the top priorities for surveillance companies; their reputation is largely dependent upon it.
Further, professionals also knows some facts that DIYers might be unaware of. This is probably your first and only experience with surveillance systems, and you may overlook some important details that can render your system useless. The price of professional surveillance systems includes useful consultation advice, and professional installers have probably installed hundreds or thousands of these systems in the past.
Years ago, video surveillance installations where simply unaffordable for many who would otherwise be interested in protected their homes and families; the cost of the equipment was simply too high to be affordable. But one of technology’s greatest strengths is its ability to drop in price as time passes. Whichever you choose, professional or DIY, the fact that both option available to most people in the United States is a refreshing thought.
About the author: Dylan Johnson is a writer for Security Options. They have a showroom of video surveillance security cameras, do access control and home security in Oklahoma.