How to Install a Video Surveillance System

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Video surveillance installation can make a world of difference for business operators and homeowners. With a high-quality video surveillance system in place, individuals can increase the security on and around their properties.

Now, let’s take a closer look at video surveillance security system installation and how to set up a video surveillance system.

What Is a Video Surveillance System?

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Video surveillance is the cornerstone of business and home safety. It enables business operators and homeowners to access video footage of their properties any time they choose. As such, these individuals can protect their properties better than ever before thanks in part to video surveillance systems.

The benefits of video surveillance systems include:

Additional Security: Many property owners who already own security systems invest in video surveillance for additional support. A traditional security system enables a property owner to receive instant notifications if a break-in occurs. Meanwhile, a video surveillance system allows a property owner to record real-time events on and around a property, providing additional insight into break-ins and other security issues.
Advanced Support: Smartphones and other mobile devices have transformed the global video surveillance marketplace. Today, mobile devices make it simple for property owners to review video footage of security incidents at their convenience. Video surveillance systems also enable property owners to receive up-to-the-minute details about what’s happening on and around a property.
Cost Savings: Video surveillance increases security and reduces risk. Many insurance companies offer business and home insurance discounts to those who install video surveillance systems. As a result, video surveillance systems sometimes help property owners reduce their business or home insurance costs.
Simple to Use: Many video surveillance systems are simple to use, ensuring both commercial and residential property owners can maximize the value of these systems.

The push for state-of-the-art video surveillance systems is growing, which is reflected in recent data. Market research firm Markets and Markets has predicted the global video surveillance market will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.56 percent between 2016 and 2022. Markets and Markets also indicated the global video surveillance market will be worth $71.28 billion by 2022. As the demand for video surveillance systems further increases, it may be only a matter of time before the majority of business operators and homeowners install these systems on their properties.

How Does a Video Surveillance System Work?

Clearly, video surveillance systems are becoming increasingly popular, and perhaps it is easy to understand why. But it is important to understand how a video surveillance system works to ensure you can select the right system based on your business or home needs.

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Two types of video surveillance systems are available: wired and wireless. Each system has its pros and cons, and it is essential to evaluate both options closely to determine which will work best for you.

Wired video surveillance systems often are more difficult to install than wireless systems. They will protect your property 24/7 and are not susceptible to wireless signals that may interfere with the performance of a wireless system. Wired video surveillance systems also produce higher-quality videos than their wireless counterparts and will allow you to read license plates and recognize faces — something that is not always guaranteed with a wireless system. On the other hand, you’ll have to deal with wires with a wired video surveillance system, and these wires may hinder your ability to install video cameras discreetly across your property.

Comparatively, wireless video surveillance systems offer tremendous flexibility in comparison to wired systems. Wireless video surveillance systems ensure you won’t have to deal with wires, as video footage is recorded and transmitted wirelessly to a video monitor. At the same time, broadcasts from nearby baby monitors, cordless phones and other devices can interfere with a wireless camera’s signal. There is also the potential that a wireless camera’s feed can be intercepted by someone else. This means it’s possible someone could access your video feed and find out when your property is vacant.

So which is better: a wired video surveillance system or a wireless video surveillance system? Your video surveillance system decision is up to you, and both options have their pros and cons. If you consider the trade-offs associated with both wired and wireless surveillance systems, you should be able to select a system that can serve you well.

Regardless of whether you select a wired or wireless video surveillance system, you’ll be able to choose from both big and small video cameras. Large cameras are visible and enable people to see they are under surveillance when they are on or around your property. Small cameras come in various forms — like inside an alarm clock or intercom system — and are tough to see with the naked eye.

If you decide to go with small cameras, you should review the legal restrictions of video surveillance in your area. In many states, if you record audio or video, you will need to notify anyone in range of a surveillance device that he or she is being recorded. Thus, if someone finds out you are recording them without their permission, you could face legal charges.

Why Is Effective Video Surveillance Security System Installation Important?

Understanding how to install a video surveillance system effectively is paramount. If you lack the necessary skills and know-how to perform proper video surveillance installation, you risk costly, time-consuming mistakes.

For example, consider what might happen if there are “blind spots” that you miss after you complete a video surveillance security system installation. These blind spots may make it easy for criminals to target your property without the risk of getting caught on tape. Therefore, criminal activities could happen in these blind spots, and you would be unable to identify who is behind them.

When it comes to security camera installation for your home or video surveillance installation for your business, there is no need to leave anything to chance. Fortunately, with the right approach, you’ll be able to streamline the process of installing a video surveillance system that meets or exceeds your expectations.

What Will You Need to Install a Video Surveillance System?

You don’t need to be a video surveillance system expert to install a video surveillance system effectively. With the proper tools, you should have no trouble getting started on video surveillance installation at your business or home.

Typically, the tools you’ll need to perform an effective video surveillance system installation include:

Surveillance Camera Kit: Most video surveillance system providers will supply you with a surveillance camera kit. This kit will include video cameras and assorted equipment you will need for video surveillance system installation.
Drill With Bits: A drill with bits will enable you to set up video cameras around your property and ensure they stay in place consistently.
Fish Tape Coil: If you need to mount video cameras in place, you’ll likely need fish tape coil. Conversely, if you choose a wireless video surveillance system, you probably won’t need fish tape coil.
Video Monitor: A video monitor ensures you can view video surveillance footage.

Keep in mind that any video surveillance system you purchase will come with a user’s manual. Review this manual closely, as it will contain in-depth instructions to ensure you can set up your video surveillance system correctly.

Furthermore, if you have any questions after you review a video surveillance system user’s manual, reach out to your video surveillance system provider for extra help. This company should be able to respond to any concerns and queries and help you overcome any potential roadblocks during the setup process.

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How to Set up Your Surveillance System

Before you begin your video surveillance system installation, survey the area where you’ll be installing your video cameras. Some of the best places to put a video surveillance system around your business or home include:

Entrances
Exits
Garages or parking areas

After you know where you want to place your video cameras, you should connect your first camera to a power source and video monitor. Then, hold the camera where you’d like to mount it. Check the video monitor to ensure the camera placement provides you with the range you want.

Next, mark the wall so you know where to place the camera mount. This mark will enable you to determine where to drill the screws to secure your camera mount.

You also will need to ensure you avoid electrical wires when you install your video cameras. If you’re uncertain about electrical wires, contact an electrician to determine where it is safe to drill.

After you establish safe drilling zones, you’ll want to drill the pilot holes. Drill these holes before you install the mount and screw it into place. That way, you can install the mount in the right place on the first try.

How to Optimize the Performance of Your Video Surveillance System

What good is a video surveillance system if you fail to optimize its performance? Spend some time learning about the features associated with your video surveillance system, and you’ll be able to get the most out of it.

The user’s manual represents a great resource because it explains the features associated with your video surveillance system and how you can take advantage of them. If you learn about these features, you’ll be able to ensure your video surveillance system works correctly and can maximize its value.

Moreover, the user’s manual can provide a general plan for the layout of your cameras. This plan can help you simplify the installation process and enable you to enjoy the benefits of your video surveillance system right away.

Common Video Surveillance System Installation Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Even if you allocate substantial time and resources to perform effective video surveillance installation, there is always a chance you could encounter problems along the way..

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Some of the most common video surveillance system installation mistakes include:

Not Enough Cameras: If you purchase a single camera to secure your business or home, you might realize one camera is insufficient. Perhaps even worse, a single camera may enable you to zoom in and out with ease, but the image may become more pixelated and blurry as you zoom further away from your property.
Poor Positioning: Although you planned ahead and tried to position your video surveillance system properly, you still cannot view clear images of your property. This means you may need to re-install and re-position your cameras.
Power Issues: If you purchased a wireless video surveillance system, you probably expect the system to be completely wire-free. But the system still requires power. And if you failed to install the cameras close to an electrical outlet, you may struggle to keep the system running at all times.
No Remote Access: Not all wireless video surveillance systems are created equal, and there is no guarantee a wireless video surveillance system will provide remote control.

Before you purchase and install a video surveillance system, here are some of the things you can do to avoid these mistakes:

Evaluate Your Property: Consider how you’ll use video cameras to monitor your property. This will enable you to determine how many cameras you’ll need. Plus, review a video surveillance system’s capabilities in advance, and you’ll be able to pick up cameras that will help you secure your entire property, no matter how big or small.
Look for Potential Camera Obstructions: Light, trees and other obstructions may limit the effectiveness of your video surveillance system. If you identify and address these potential problems before you begin video surveillance system installation, you’ll be able to enjoy a clear view of your property. In addition, if you intend to use a wireless video surveillance system, ensure that you’re able to place your cameras in spots that have access to a reliable Wi-Fi signal.
Understand the Camera Power Source: Determine where you’ll place your cameras and find out whether a viable power source is available. If a power outlet is unavailable, you may want to consider battery-operated video cameras.
Find Cameras That Provide Mobile Support: Not all video surveillance systems enable you to access real-time video footage on a web browser or mobile device. But if you perform a careful evaluation of the video surveillance systems that are available, you can discover cameras that provide mobile support.

Ideally, you should be able to avoid mistakes when you install a video surveillance system, but problems frequently can arise without notice. If you ever need support during the installation process, be sure to reach out to your video surveillance system provider. This company understands the ins and outs of video surveillance installation and will help you take the guesswork out of the installation process.

How to Install Security Cameras for Your Business

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Here are several tips to ensure you can streamline video surveillance installation for your business:

Set realistic expectations. Business operators who believe a single video camera can do the work of two or three may encounter many problems with their video surveillance system. If you want to get the most out of your video surveillance system, establish realistic expectations from the get-go. Understand that you’ll need top-notch video surveillance equipment to get the best results. Also, following the proper installation instructions will help you minimize the risk of immediate and long-lasting system issues.
Don’t box yourself into a corner. If you’re uncertain about how many cameras to purchase prior to installation, leave room for growth. For business operators who purchase too many cameras, they risk wasting precious time and resources to install these cameras. Alternatively, business owners who conduct an extensive evaluation of a property may purchase what they believe to be the ideal number of cameras. And if these business owners discover they need extra cameras, they can always install additional cameras.
Understand video surveillance is an ongoing priority. It is insufficient to simply install video cameras and leave them alone. Ultimately, what you get out of your video surveillance installation is what you put into it. This means if you allocate the necessary time and resources to make video surveillance a priority, you’ll be able to secure your property effectively. Or, if you merely purchase video cameras and do nothing else, you’re unlikely to maximize the value of your video surveillance system.
Learn the laws regarding video cameras on your premises. Find out about state regulations related to video surveillance before you install a video surveillance system on your property. The majority of video surveillance equipment uses are legal, but there are states where you must notify individuals if you are recording them. If you’re uncertain about the laws regarding video surveillance in your state, contact your local government. You also can reach out to your video surveillance system provider, and this company should be able to keep you up to date about state regulations regarding video surveillance equipment.

With the aforementioned tips, business operators can reap the benefits of their video surveillance systems for years to come.

Tips for Video Surveillance Installation for Your Home

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Here are tips you can use to simplify home video surveillance installation:

Create a diagram. A diagram will help you identify the key areas of your home your video surveillance system should cover, including your home’s front and back doors, driveways and stairways. It may serve as a great starting point for video surveillance system installation and can help you determine the best video surveillance system based on the layout of your house.
Outline camera placement. Where you place your video cameras will dictate the success or failure of your video surveillance system. Most homeowners will place video cameras at the front and back doors, i.e. common points of forced entry. But you also must consider the legal ramifications of where you place your cameras. Neighbors can file a lawsuit if they find your video surveillance system invades their privacy, and your cameras should always point toward your property — without exception.
Choose the best video surveillance system based on your home and budget. Many homeowners select analog cameras that transmit full high-definition, 1080p videos. But Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras are also available and often are easier to install than analog cameras. And let’s not forget about wireless video surveillance systems, either. Evaluate all the video surveillance system options in conjunction with your home security needs. You can even consult with a video surveillance system provider, and they’ll be able to provide honest, unbiased recommendations to ensure you can find a video surveillance system that matches your home and budget.
Consider professional assistance. Even the best-laid video surveillance system installation plans can fall apart quickly. If you’ve reviewed a video surveillance system’s user’s manual, followed the instructions and still find that your video cameras aren’t meeting your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance. A video surveillance system provider can help you get your video cameras working properly, along with troubleshooting video surveillance system issues and finding ways to prevent these problems from escalating.

Homeowners who want to take their security efforts to new heights can use these tips to install video surveillance systems. By doing so, homeowners can enhance the security on and around their properties.

Select a First-Rate Video Surveillance System for Your Business or Home

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Don’t expect the demand for video surveillance systems to slow down any time soon. Financial services company IHS Markit indicated 245 million video surveillance cameras were installed globally in 2014. As business operators and homeowners explore innovative ways to safeguard their properties, the push for video surveillance systems may continue to rise.

At Titan Alarm, we understand the challenges associated with video surveillance system installation and will go above and beyond the call of duty to help you overcome these issues. Unlike other video surveillance system companies, we combine superior technology, a higher level of protection and world-class customer service to deliver unparalleled support. Best of all, we always treat our customers like family and provide the top-selling video surveillance system in the country.

Choose Titan Alarm for all of your video surveillance system needs. To find out more, please call us today at 602-680-4567.

Learn More About Home Video Surveillance

Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.