Connecting Your Home Security System to Your Computer
09/06/2017
Did you know that you can connect a computer and alarm system to provide a monitored security solution for protecting your home? You can view live and recorded camera feeds on your computer on a 24/7 365 basis, so you can keep track of what’s happening in specific areas of your property. You can also easily manage your alarm system with your computer.
Video Surveillance System Components
Today’s video surveillance systems consist of four basic components:
- IP cameras – Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are rapidly replacing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as the home security technology of choice. Digital IP cameras transmit data over an Ethernet link and provide a higher-quality image, along with access to features such as digital zooming, simultaneous play and record capabilities and two-way communication, to name a few. You can also select wireless cameras that offer even greater placement flexibility.
- Network Video Recorder – A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a software program that receives video streams from the camera and stores them on a hard drive or delivers them to the monitor for viewing. Assuming the NVR is connected to the same LAN network as your video surveillance cameras, you’ll be able to install it just about anywhere and still be able to capture, store and stream video feeds.
- PoE – Power over Ethernet (PoE) provides the power to your networked IP cameras via one Ethernet Category 5 or Category 6 cable. This eliminates the need to connect every network device to an electrical outlet.
- Monitor – Your desktop PC or laptop will serve as the monitor for your security system. It will function much like a television screen and enable you to view camera screens in various formats such as single screen or split-screen — the ability to view two or more camera feeds at once.
Note: When designing your video surveillance system, it is important to verify the compatibility of all components to ensure a seamless integration and peak performance.
How to Connect a Computer to a Security Camera
Successfully connecting your computer to your security cameras first entails choosing the optimum locations for camera placement. Most security experts recommend installing cameras above exterior doors and at vulnerable, out-of-sight areas on your property.
Once you’ve installed your cameras, you’ll need to complete the software installation by placing the software disc in your PC’s tray and following the commands that appear on your screen. Next, connect the security camera to your PC with an Ethernet cable — if you’re installing wireless cameras, you won’t need to complete this step, but you will have to properly configure your wireless router. The final step involves launching the software so that your cameras and computer can communicate with each other.
Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About How to Connect Computers to Alarm Systems and Cameras
As Phoenix and Tucson’s leading home security solutions provider, Titan Alarm, Inc. can assist you with the design and installation of a high-quality security system in your residence. Contact us for more information and to schedule an in-home consultation — with no obligation — today.
Learn More About Security Monitoring
Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.
