Do-It-Yourself Camera Systems Make Video Surveillance Easy

(PRWEB) July 11, 2005

KAYSVILLE, Utah, July 11, 2005 – Proper security is critical in helping operations run smoothly and keeping buildings safe. Proper surveillance acts as a deterrent and can help answer many questions when a theft or break-in occurs. Unfortunately, effective surveillance and camera systems can be expensive and price prohibitive. ABC Office has a few suggestions that will let you find an affordable security system that you can install almost anywhere.

First take into consideration how many rooms you will need to monitor. You will also need to determine if you will need cameras inside or out and if they need to be able to record during the day, night or both. You will also need to determine how easy or difficult it will be to run wire through your building. In buildings with drop ceilings, it is very easy to run wire from one room to another. If you are not comfortable with running wire from a camera to a recording device, wireless systems are also available

For basic home surveillance, box packages are available that include everything needed to set everything up. If you want to customize your surveillance setup, there are a wide variety of cameras to choose from. Outdoor cameras are designed to withstand the elements. Some cameras are tiny and designed to be discrete and unseen. Dome cameras are designed to intimidate and prevent theft by making it difficult to tell if the camera is pointed at you. Some cameras have interchangeable lenses for different situations. You can see what types of cameras can be used in a surveillance system by going here: http://www.abcoffice.com/secure1.htm.

Camera systems can be as simple or complex as you need them to be. The most basic camera system is installing a single camera and having the line lead directly to a VCR for recording. If you are installing more than one camera, you will need what is known as a switcher, quad or multiplexer. A switcher will allow you to switch between cameras. You can only see one camera at a time. A quad will take four cameras and display them on a monitor in a split screen view. Multiplexers are available in a variety of styles, allowing you to use several cameras.

Time lapse VCRs are used to record dozens of hours worth of video. Some time lapse VCRs can detect motion and record the video as needed. Video capture cards are also available for computers that allow you to record video directly to a hard drive. Hard drive recording systems are convenient because they allow for easy editing, access and the ability to easily e-mail video or record video to a disk

Video surveillance is now a possibility for any home or business. Remember that it is as easy as three steps. Step one is the camera, step two is the multiplexer or switch and step three is a video recording device such as a time lapse VCR or computer. Follow these three steps, along with some cable and a monitor, and you will have an operational video surveillance system.

For more information about video surveillance systems, call toll-free (1-800-658-8788) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. MST. A knowledgeable customer service representative can then assist with answering questions regarding security cameras.

For further information, please contact David Stuart, Marketing Supervisor of ABC Office, 1-800-658-8788.

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