Home Security News

Video Surveillance, a Profitable New Trend?

The Public Eye blog reports that more and more companies than ever are delving into video surveillance cameras, making it a hot new business: "With recent events like 9/11 and the London bombings fueling terrorism fears nationwide, we're seeing an increased interest in security and surveillance products. Video surveillance cameras are a huge part of that trend: Consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimates surveillance cameras will be a $4.09 billion market by 2010."  Let's hope that means good things for the consumer.  With so many people out there competing for your dollar, the cost of equiping your home with video surveillance cameras should drop.

Original Post: 29 Hot Businesses to Start in 2006

Media Center PC + Home Surveillance Monitoring System

The SecurGen IDVR is a media PC designed to manage all your entertainment needs, but it can also act as a surveillance monitoring system, integrating the control of up to 8 surveillance cameras in your home (I assume that's for the outside grounds as well as the inside).  Although many people still get a little frazzled at the idea of computers controlling the home, it's nice to see someone making systems that are designed to do useful things along with entertaining.

For more information on the system, check out this post at http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20051126/securhome-integrates-home-security-and-digital-hub/

And also visitor the vendor at: http://www.securgen.com/ | http://www.securgen.com/products_IPDVR.asp

Wireless Home Security Becoming a Better Choice?

Wireless home security is becoming more common for homeowners. I'd thought it mostly the do-it-yourself kind of stuff such as you get from companies from X10, but it looks like alarm companies and installers are giving homeowners wireless tech now, too.  It used to be considered a bit flakey and undependable next to wired alarms, but "Home Security Goes High Tech," an article in the Dispatch (a So. Cal. newspaper), says wireless is good in older homes that weren't originally wired with networking and security systems in mind.  Wireless is a good way to avoid tearing up the walls.  "One technology that is relatively new in the residential security industry is wireless. Since many homes don’t have easy access through walls, attics and basements to each window and door, wireless alarm sensors are now very popular for after-build installation."  The author reminds readers that one of the downsides of wireless security systems is that you need to keep the batteries up to date ("The transmitters do need batteries, but many last as long as three years with regular use, and the long range of wireless sensors allows homeowners to install them in other areas, like outbuildings or vulnerable recreational vehicles"), but it sounds like the perks outweigh the downsides.

1 Laptop 1 WebCam = 1 Security System?

Popular gadget blog Endgadget published "How to Turn Your Laptop into a Home Security System" last month.  They use a laptop (though any computer would work), a webcam and evocam software. 

It's a very thorough, helpful how-to, but I feel the need to note that setting up a little surveillance system like this shouldn't be the end all to your home security system. First off, the burglar would probably be gone by the time you called the police and they arrived.  Second, it's not going to do you a lot of good when you wake up in the middle of the night to someone stalking around in your house. 

Go ahead and set up a surveillance system with your webcam (kind of fun actually), but update your doors and window locks as well.  Then install an alarm system if you can afford one.  Preventing burglars from ever entering is a lot better than catching them in the act (or hoping to catch them afterward), and they will be deterred by alarm stickers and sturdy doors and locks.  They'll always go after the easier mark first.

Nanny Cam Ethical Issues

As a homeowner, home video surveillance may simply seem like a good home security measure. You may like the idea of keeping an eye on the babysitter or other hired help, but if you were to reverse the scenario, how would you like finding out your employer has been secretly watching you at work?

Nanny cams and other types of hidden surveillance cameras can present an ethical dilemma. On the one hand, you want to know that your kids are safe with whomever you leave them with, but what about watching the maid to make sure she doesn't steal (read Nickel and Dimed for an interesting look into the lives of low wage workers, including maids, from a writer who goes undercover and tells it from the other side)? Is it ok to spy? Is it a violation of basic rights?

Here are a couple recent news articles that have contemplated this issue:

Nanny cams create dilemma: Is it OK to hide and peek?
Is it right to tape your maid?