Many surveillance camera systems utilize a digital video recorder along with their cameras. With a digital video recorder, users are able to hook the device up to a computer monitor or television screen in order to watch the footage that is being captured by each camera while it is being captured. These recorders can also be used for watching old footage in the future and storing the footage.
Although there are certainly a host of benefits that go along with having this type of surveillance camera system, there are benefits to using other types of systems as well. With a digital video recorder and the other components of a traditional security camera system, it can be difficult to monitor what is going on at your home or business when you aren’t directly in front of your screen. Therefore, you might want to consider using a few helpful devices that will allow you to monitor your video footage remotely, regardless of where you are.
Surveillance Cameras
Regardless of if you will be monitoring your footage from in front of your screen in your home or business or from the other side of the world, one of the first things that you will need to invest in is a set of security cameras. Although you might think that security cameras will be costly, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised to find that the prices of these devices is actually much more affordable than they used to be. This means that nearly anyone can purchase and use a security camera system as a means of monitoring and protecting their home or business.
Indoor Surveillance Cameras
Indoor surveillance cameras are ideal if you are a business owner who wants to know what is going on at your place of business while you aren’t around. Not only can you use your indoor surveillance cameras as a way of watching for theft and robbery, but you can also use it to keep an eye on what your employees are doing as well. This can help you look out for employee theft and those who work for you but who aren’t doing their jobs.
Although you might think of businesses when you think of indoor surveillance cameras, there are actually uses for them in the home as well. You can use your indoor surveillance cameras to make sure that all is well while you are on vacation, to keep an eye on your children when they get off the school bus in the afternoons, to watch out for the actions of those who work in your home and more, and it can be easy to keep track of what is going on inside your home when you aren’t there with remote video monitoring.
Outdoor Surveillance Cameras
Outdoor surveillance cameras can be incredibly useful for both home and business-related purposes. If you hang outdoor surveillance cameras outside of your home, you can keep an eye on who is around your property. These cameras can be used to watch who comes and goes on your property, and you can post outdoor surveillance cameras near your doors, windows, garage and shed; this can help you keep your family and belongings safe.
In a business sense, outdoor surveillance cameras can also be highly useful. If you have outdoor security cameras in place, you can make your customers and employees feel more safe, and you can help cut down on crimes in the parking lot and in other exterior areas of your property. Outdoor surveillance cameras can also be used for gathering additional footage and evidence if something happens on your property, and it can help you deter and catch crimes that occur outside, such as vandalism.
When purchasing outdoor surveillance cameras for your home or business needs, it is important for you to make sure that you purchase the right cameras for the job. First of all, you have to make sure that the cameras are weatherproof; if they are not, you can purchase protective boxes to place them in that will protect them from the elements. You also have to make sure that the camera will be able to capture footage in the dark; some cameras are designed to work exclusively at night, and others automatically convert from regular footage to night vision when it gets dark outside, which is a great option for outdoor use outside of your business or home.
Proper Placement of Cameras
Purchasing and installing surveillance cameras isn’t enough. It is also important for you to pay close attention to where the cameras are hung if you want to reap the maximum benefits when you monitor your video footage remotely.
Indoors, cameras can sometimes be hidden in certain places in the home if you don’t want them to be seen. Outdoors, it is important for you to make sure that they are placed in such a way that they won’t be tampered with if someone burglarizes your home or business or commits another crime. This means that your cameras should be hung up high enough that they can’t be easily reached; make sure to look out for tall trees or other opportunities for someone to climb and take down or ruin your cameras.
Along with making sure that the cameras can’t be tampered with, you also have to make sure that they capture the footage that you want. Make sure that there aren’t any blind spots in important areas, and adjust your cameras until the footage is clear. Think about the places on your property that you would like to monitor the most, such as entrances and exits and areas that might be more prone to crime or where you might keep valuable or important items. Although you might think you will be able to place your cameras properly on your first try, you should know that you might have to adjust and move them several times before you are satisfied with the footage that you are getting. Even though it might seem frustrating to have to make this many adjustments, it will be worth it in the long run when you are able to capture the footage that you need in order to keep your property protected and to do something about crime if it does occur in your home or at your place of business.
Keeping Cameras in Good Condition
In order for your cameras to work for an extended period of time, it is important for you to take good care of them. Make sure to keep them clean, and make any repairs or replacements in a timely manner so that you don’t miss out on important footage. You never know when something could happen, and you don’t want for a crime to occur while your security cameras are out of commission.
Laptop Computers
More and more people are beginning to purchase and use laptop computers on a daily basis, and you might already have one that you use frequently. If you do, you already have one of the crucial pieces of one popular type of remote video monitoring system, and you won’t even have to worry about springing for an expensive piece of equipment in order to start viewing your home or business surveillance footage.
Can Be Used Easily at Home or at the Office
One advantage to using a laptop computer is that it can be used easily at the places where you probably spend most of your time: At home or at work. It will only take just a minute or two to turn on your laptop to check on what is going on at your home or business, and you can even monitor your footage in one window while getting work done or browsing the Web in another.
Perfect for Remote Video Monitoring While Traveling
Since you might already bring your laptop along with you while you travel, you won’t have to worry about doing anything different in order to monitor your video footage while you are away, regardless of how close or far you will be.
Can Be Used During Other Times As Well
Although it might be easiest to use your laptop while you are at home, work or in a hotel room, you can actually use it at other times too. It isn’t too difficult to carry your laptop around with you while you are out and about, especially if you have a good case or bag for it, and you can then whip out your laptop whenever you want to take a peek at what is going on at home or at your business.
Smartphones
Perfect If You Already Own a Smartphone
If you already own a smartphone, you are probably always looking for new ways to use it. Fortunately, you can very easily use your smartphone to check out the footage from your home or business.
Very Easily Mobile
One advantage to using a smartphone for remote video monitoring is that it is extremely easy to carry around. Carrying around a laptop can get very cumbersome, but your phone can probably fit easily in your pocket or purse. This means that watching what is going on at your home or business is easier than ever before, and you don’t even have to worry about carrying around a lot of bulky equipment.
Easy to Download Smartphone Apps for Security
Whether you are a smartphone pro or someone who is just getting used to your new phone, you are sure to find the ease of downloading security-related apps to your phone to be a pleasure. This means that you don’t have to be some sort of tech-savvy cell phone whiz in order to start using remote video monitoring.
Tablets
One option that you might not have considered is to use a tablet for remote video monitoring, but these devices can prove to be very handy for this purpose.
Similar Benefits to Laptops
Tablets have a lot of similar benefits to laptops when it comes to remote video monitoring, so a tablet is certainly something that you should consider if you don’t have a smartphone or laptop.
More Easily Portable Than Laptops
Some laptops can be bulky, but a good tablet can be a lot less heavy. This means it can be more easily portable and a lot more convenient than carrying around a laptop.
Easy to Download Apps for Tablets
Much like smartphones, it can be very easy for you to install surveillance camera software if you have a tablet. There are plenty of easy-to-use apps out there that should be a cinch to install on your tablet, which is great if you aren’t an experienced computer user or if you simply want to make things as easy on yourself as possible.
Surveillance Camera Software
Along with a device for watching your footage and some good surveillance cameras, you will also need surveillance camera software in order to watch your surveillance footage remotely.
Search Online for Surveillance Camera Software
The Internet has plenty of surveillance camera software options for those who want to get involved in remote video monitoring. Some of these programs are free or very cheap, or you might be able to find an even better program if you have a little bit of money to spend.
Use Apps
On tablets and smartphones, apps can be perfect for remote video monitoring. A lot of them are very inexpensive, and you are also sure to enjoy just how user-friendly they can be.
Software That Comes With Security Camera Systems
If you purchase a surveillance camera system with the intention of remote video monitoring, consider looking for a system that comes with software. If you do, you won’t have to worry about the software working with the cameras that you have, and you might be able to get a good deal on it when you purchase it with the rest of your system. Stop wasting time and contact us today!
