Home Video Surveillance - DIY Systems For the Technologically Challenged

You don’t have to pay high installation fees for a system that you need a PhD to operate. These days, the market is full of quick and easy home video surveillance set-ups that anybody can install, and you don’t have to break the bank to do it.

Going Digital Makes It Easy

Home video surveillance systems are getting simpler, cheaper and more compact. The best way to keep homes and businesses safe has always been Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). Luckily, we now have technologies that are easier to use. The new industry standard is DVR, Digital Video Recording.

DVR uses simple video recording devices to record straight to digital. Most DVR’s record directly to MP3, making it is easy to transfer to your computer. High end models have extended features that allow you to operate the camera remotely with your PC or mobile device. To use DVR, all you need is the camera. The rest can be done with your computer.

Get The Works With A Home Surveillance Kit

If you want a full security set-up, there is an even better option than CCTV that was designed for non-techie folks like you and me. It’s the home security kit. There are many models on the market, but they usually involve the same components. There are cameras, a receiver and a remote control that is easier to use than your TV’s remote.

The Mini-Air Watch 4 Wireless Camera Kit is one of the best kits available. The four wireless cameras are tiny and easy to hide. You can put them as far as 100 feet from the receiver. You simply attach the receiver to your TV, VCR or personal computer. It has remote viewing options so you can see it from the Internet, and you can save footage directly to your computer. This model sells for around $250. If you’d like to go cheaper and you don’t need so much surveillance, you can get a one-camera set for just under $100.

Let Your Computer Handle Your Home Security

For an even simpler solution, just use your PC. There are now software packages designed to work as a home security system and all you need is a computer and a webcam.

Software packages like Mobiscope are available for consumer use. You simply purchase the program, download it and follow the step-by-step instructions to install. Mobiscope allows you to use four cameras at once. You can either set your computer in a key spot where the camera will pick up everything, or you can use up to 4 remote cameras. Then, do it all through your computer.

Even for those who are totally technophobic, software based home security programs are easy to use. The user-friendly system will explain everything to you, and you can always call the help desk and speak with a human if you need to.

Keeping your family and home safe from intruders has never been simpler or cheaper than it is today. With a home video surveillance kit, software program or even single camera, you can keep watch over your home while you are away.