Home Security News

Internet Security Camera, Easier Than Ever for Homeowners to Install

If you've ever thought an internet security camera sounded cool, now's a great time to pick one up (or even install a network of them).

Prices have really come down, and the technology is getting easier and easier to implement all the time.  It really has become a plug-and-play kind of installation.

If this is your first time reading about internet security cameras, here are some of the cool things they can do:

• Let you monitor your home from work or even an internet cafe on the other side of the world.
• View your home's interior or exterior from an internet-enabled cell phone.
• Use one as a nanny cam to keep an eye on the babysitter caring for your children while you're away.
• Capture a video recording of anyone entering your home without authorization (i.e. catch thieves in the act!)

There are lots more features, too, depending on the model you get (some let you pan, tilt, and zoom in, all from a remote computer).  You can visit this site to read more about security cameras and internet security cameras.

Types of Home Video Surveillance Systems

If you're thinking of adding a video surveillance system to your home security system, it will allow you to monitor what's going on when you're not around, rather than just waiting for an alarm to go off.  You might be able to catch a burglar on tape, or just keep track of your grounds and watch for suspicious activity that occurs when no one is home. 

According to this article on "Home Security Cameras" there are two types of video surveillance systems: overt and covert.  Basically this means systems that are hidden and systems that are openly visible to anyone who comes to the house. 

Both types of systems have their merits.  With covertly hidden cameras (sometimes called "nanny cams"), you can monitor people who are in your house for babysitting, pet-sitting, cleaning, maintenance, or what have you. This can be a good way to go if you're not 100% sure of the people who are in and out of your home for various reasons, or even if you just want to keep an eye on things from work, vacation, etc. 

If you want to install a video surveillance system primarily for home security reasons (to stop burglars), an overt system may be better.  Instead of using hidden security cameras, you make the cameras plainly visible.  This can be a smart decision, especially with outdoor cameras that monitor the grounds and entrances, because if a potential burglar sees the camera, he or she may very well move on.  Burglars don't want to get caught (duh!), so all other things being equal they'll strike a house without a home security system before tackling one with one, and nothing says I've got a security system like a camera mounted by the front door!

More articles on home video surveillance: security cameras

Sales of Counter-surveillance Equipment on the Rise

If you think only James Bond worries about who's spying on him, think again.  More and more people are worried about who's got video cameras where and who might be watching them.  This is hardly surprising considering how small devices are these days and how easy it is for people to sneak hidden cameras into places, not to mention all the corporate entities keeping an eye on their employees. 

This has increased the number of people interested in buying counter-surveillance equipment, such as detectors that let you know when there's a camera in the room.  Whether you don't want your bosses and co-workers spying on your or you're worried someone's cell phone is a camera snapping pictures of you in the locker room at the gym, there are devices to counter these measurements. 

More at "Bosses Get into 007 Gadgets"

Dummy Motion-Sensing Camera Is Realistic

So you like the idea of a home security system, complete with video surveillance cameras, but you just can't afford the expense right now.  To be safe, you can follow some common sense stuff (lock the doors and windows, don't leave tools out that burglars could use to break in, etc.), but you could also add some fake "dummy" security cameras around the outside of your house.

Usually fake cameras look, well, fake.  But this motion-sensing dummy camera from SmartHome is a bit more realistic.  When the motion sensor is triggered, the camera's scanner motor goes on and activates a flashing light, which simulates an actual motion-sensing security camera.

Most burglars don't want to be caught on tape (duh!), so just having something like this mounted by your front door may prove an effective deterrent against crime.  The fake model is $24.99 and available online:

Motion-Sensing Dummy Cam

Silver Bullet Camera, Color by Day, Infrared by Night

If  you're thinking of installing a video surveillance system (or upgrading your existing system), one of the most important aspects is the security cameras.  You can get pretty good deals, and easily compare features, by shopping for these things online. 

The SmartHome Silver "Bullet" Camera caught my eye when I was over on their site this morning, mostly because I like the sleek design.  The features aren't bad either.  This security camera has color video that automatically switches to infrared at night.  This way you can perfectly see anyone that approaches the house, even when it's pitch dark outside. 

With other cameras with this kind of dual night/day capabilities, you often have to remember to manually switch it over, so it's nice that this one does it automatically.  Anyway, the security camera is just over $150 at SmartHome, if you're interested:

Smarthome Silver Bullet Camera

Ceiling-mounted Security Camera

You've seen those little round ceiling-mounted security cameras in stores, right?  They're kind of creepy up there, aren't they?  As if someone is watching your every move, and you can't even tell exactly which direction the lens of the camera is pointing...

Well, now you can have a cool ceiling-mounted security camera like that as a part of your home surveillance system.  Now it'll be potential burglars who will feel uncomfortable if they're scoping out your house.  The X10 Sentinel camera is designed for outdoor use (mount it above your porch or in the eaves of your house), though there's no reason it couldn't be used indoors too.  It can withstand severe weather conditions, and it has such advanced features as 44X zoom, pan, tilt, and easy set up. 

The best part is that you can get a wireless version, so you don't have to install a complicated security system with wires in the walls and everything to get it up and running.  You can also get a version that's remote controlled via Internet connection, so you could keep an eye on your front door even while you're at work.

44X Zoom Video Camera System

Security Cameras Increase in Popularity

Security cameras are just about everywhere in the government and commercial sector (note a recent article on security cameras monitoring courthouses), but they're becoming more and more popular for residential use as well.

They are a smart part of any home security system.  You shouldn't use security cameras alone (since being able to identify the "perp" can only help you get your stuff back, whereas an alarm system will prevent a thief from entering the premises in the first place), but combining them with an alarm system, sturdy doors and locks (including windows), and a common-sense attitude toward home security (i.e. lock doors when you step out, set the alarm, etc.) can go a long ways toward protecting your home and your family.  Many would-be burglars won't even consider your house if they see a prominently displayed security camera on the premises.

Hidden security cameras are also popular among homeowners who would like to monitor what's going on in their house when they're not there (this is particularly useful when your children are being watched by a babysitter or someone is coming in to feed your pets/take care of your house while you are gone).

Today's technology makes installing a basic camera system relatively easy.  Thanks to home computer software and wireless components, a do-it-yourself installation is perfectly possible. 

You can get more information on the types of security cameras available at Security Cameras and Systems.

Baby Monitor with Camera--and Night Vision too

Watching out for your kids is a big part of home security--after all, they're the most important reason you want to make sure your home is safe for them.  When you've got a new baby, you're even more concerned.  No matter what precautions you take to make the baby's room child-proof, you'll worry.  That's why so many parents decide to buy a baby monitor with camera.  In ye olden days, you had to settle for a walkie-talkie kind of deal where you could only listen to the baby, but now you can set up a camera to watch the crib.  The Palm Watch II, which is for sale over at Smart Home for $150, transmits the video feed to a portable receiver.  That way you can take the baby monitor all over the house or backyard--anywhere you're doing things--and you can take a peek any time to check in on the baby.

This particular camera has an added feature: night vision.  I think that's pretty cool, because that way you don't have to worry about the light keeping your baby up when it's nap time, but you can still keep an eye on what's going on.

Palm Watch II Baby Monitor with Camera

Panasonic Wired Network Camera Review

Jimmy left a short review of the Panasonic Wired Network Camera in the comments section on another page, but I figured it was interesting enough to make a post of (with his permission), since lots of people are interested in buying do-it-yourself home surveillance equipment/web cams that take pictures while you're gone.  So without further ado:

Panasonic Wired Network Camera Review

I received this Panasonic web camera as a birthday day present last summer which was pretty cool. My family wasnt thinking about home security at first. They just thought it would be a fun techy toy for me. Something I could tap into and access from work. This is because the camera can be operated over the Internet. I can tell it to pan and tilt so I can get pictures from any angle. The pictures get uploaded to the family web server so we can all log in and check on the house. It was nice this summer when we were on vacation. We positioned it in the living room and were able to check on the kid who came in to feed our cats. Not that we expected anything to happen but it is just piece of mind, you know?

The camera was pretty easy to set up for someone who knows how to changes settings and poke around on their computer and web space but might be a little more complicated for someone who isnt web savy.  There are directions though so if you're patient you could probably do ok. 

After a few months the Panasonic web camera is still working well.  Even though the cats have knocked it to the floor a couple times (make sure to secure it or put it someplace high if you have pets) it is still working fine.  We're actually going to order a couple more for Christmas so we can monitor more of the house.  That's all I have to say.  There are some longer reviews at amazon for people who are thinking of buying.

--Jimmy Foxworth

The Panasonic network camera is available on Amazon for under $200: Panasonic Wired Network Camera

Types of Home Video Surveillance

According to the Home Security Information site, there are two types of home video surveillance: covert and overt.  Covert systems employ hidden cameras (i.e. nanny cams disguised as teddy bears), in order to identity the thief without them ever knowing it.  There must be something appealing about this, because a lot of people are interested in hidden video cameras.  Must be the voyeurs in us.  In truth, an overt system, or one where the cameras are prominently displayed, is more of a deterrent for thieves.  They see the cameras, assume you have a good home security system, and decided to bother someone else.  With a covert system, even if you ID the thief, he's still made off with your belongings, and they'll probably be pawned long before the police ever catch the thief (if they do.)

Read the whole article for more on home video surveillance information.

Setting Up Multiple Video Surveillance Cameras in Your Home

It's fairly easy to set up a single video surveillance camera such as a nanny cam and hook it up to your computer or a VCR recorder to save the video.  Things can get more complicated when you are setting up a whole home video surveillance system with multiple cameras in different rooms or even monitoring the outdoors.  If you're the do-it-yourself type and prefer not to spend money on a professional security installer, you can start at a place like Smarthome.

Their GrandTec 4 Camera Color Quad Processor is designed to handle the feeds from up to four different video cameras and it can output images to your television, a dedicated monitor, a computer monitor, or a VCR.  It can work with different kinds of cameras.  Smarthome offers both wired and wireless video cameras such as the SecureTek Day/Night Sunshade Camera , a wired video camera that works in color by day and automatically switches to black and white (more effective in the dark) at night, or the WiFi-ready Wireless Video Observer , which is a pan/tilt able IP camera that is reasonably priced.

Wireless Hidden Cameras on the Cheap

For introductory level video surveillance equipment, X10 is one of the most popular sites on the net.  Their basic wireless video camera (because it operates on batteries and is small, it's easy to hide in a room) is about $80 and (at the time of this posting) comes with free shipping.

"The XCam2 is a tiny, powerful wireless video camera that easily installs anywhere around your home. Delivering live COLOR video to your TV and VCR, the XCam2 combines an analog video camera and 2.4-GHz Wireless transmitter into a single ingenious unit."

Xcam2 Wireless Video Camera

They have other wireless hidden cameras if you browse their site at: X10

Webcams for Video Surveillance

A webcam wouldn't be my first choice for home security, but if you've got one already + an always on Internet connection, it's relatively cheap to set one up as a one room video surveillance system for your home (for more sophisticated purposes, i.e. multi-room, you're going to want to get dedicated security cameras and software that's devoted to the purpose of keeping an eye on the interior and exterior of your home via the Internet while you're away).  For a basic introduction to how webcams can work for home security, check out CNN Money's article called Big Brother for Your Home: Use cameras and the internet to monitor your home from afar.

If you're thinking of turning your webcam into an Internet-accessible video surveillance camera, please keep in mind that this is only part of a good home security plan.  Solid doors, windows, and locks for both should be first on your list of upgrades (I know, not as fun as playing with cameras via the Web), and then look into an alarm system.  These things are designed to keep burglars out, not just catch them rooting through your stuff (I don't know about you, but I'd rather they never got in). 

Hidden Video Cameras

So, you want hidden video cameras tucked in a teddy bear or built into a clock?  All the better to keep on eye on visitors to your home? There are a number of sites on the Web that sell small video cameras specifically for that purpose.

Smarthome offers a range of "Covert Video Surveillance Cameras" to suit your needs.  Most are designed to be easy for the do-it-yourselfer to install. Examples are hidden cameras that go in teddy bears (i.e. "nanny cams") or smoke detectors.  The wireless ones are supposed to be the easist to install, though keep in mind the wireless part usually refers to transmitting wirelessly--the cameras will still need to be plugged into a power outlet.

If you're looking for more information before you buy, this article on nanny cams discusses the pros and cons of hidden video cameras.

Security Camera Reviews

Home surveillance security cameras run the range from low end under $100 to thousands of dollars, with the quality and features usually adjusting proportionately to the amount spent. Here are a couple reviews for home security cameras I found around the Internet (ever notice it's a lot easier to find pages selling than providing information?) that you may want to check out if you're thinking of setting up a home surveillance system:

Vanguard 44X Zoom Video Camera System Review

Wireless Security Camera and Monitor

D-Link DCS-5300G Securicam Wireless Internet Security Camera

Wireless Security Cameras, How Much?

Wireless security cameras are much easier for the do-it-yourselfer to install than wired security cameras that involve digging into the walls to install wiring. The technology does tend to be more expensive, though. How much? As with many things home security related, it depends a lot on how exhaustive a system you want to install.

For a complete wireless video surveillance system that monitors the exterior entrances to your home (and possibly some interior areas as well) and is hooked up to a monitored home security system, expect to pay thousands of dollars, even tens of thousands for top of the line equipment.

If you're not ready to make that kind of investment, or just want to try maybe a single wireless security camera hooked up to a TV monitor/VCR recorder or computer, you can enter the field at a significantly lower cost. You can always start simple (read low cost), decide how well you like the technology and how well it works for you, and then move into more sophisticated equipment and coverage.

X10 has a color Wireless Video Camera for under $100 and there are a few more listed at Amazon.com in the $100-$200 range.  Examples are the SVAT Wireless Home Security Camera and the Sylvania SY4225 2.4 GHz Wireless 5-inch Black and White Video System which transmits in black and white but comes with both camera and a small tv monitor.

Night Vision Cameras

If you're setting up a home video surveillance system as part of your home security plan, you may want to consider getting cameras with night vision capabilities. There are a couple of different kinds of technologies available for night vision cameras, so you may want to do a little research before going out and buying something. Here are a couple articles I found to get you started:

Night Vision Security Cameras
How Night Vision Works
Teachers Guide to the Infrared

IP-based Video Surveillance

Wondering just what the heck IP-based video surveillance means or what to look for in a home video surveillance system? This article, How IP-based Video Surveillance Works explains both the pitfalls of older CCTV-based surveillance and how newer technologies work. The article finishes with the advantages of IP-based video surveillance and a comparison to CCTV and old analog style.

Beyond Security Cameras

Security cameras and home surveillance are becoming a commonplace part of home security plans. But what happens if a security camera isn't enough?  A Las Vegas news article When Security Cameras Aren't Enough, What's Next? illustrates an example of a homeowner making use of security cameras only to have numerous break ins, regardless.

"Randy Hertzig thought installing a home surveillance system would put his family out of harms way...But the cameras don't seem to be stopping the criminals from coming to their house. On the tape from four months ago, you can see a man walk up to the house, realize there are cameras, then rip it down."

Although an arrest was made based on the security camera's tapes, the house seems to continue being a target. The best the article can offer at the end is to use a Neighborhood Watch system in your area as part of a home security plan.

Sponsors:
Protector Plus Security System
Vanguard Video Camera System

New Wireless Surveillance Technologies

Remember when pens that were secretly wireless video transmitters were the things of movies? Well, that technology is here. An article online at the Washington Times says Homeland Security is driving a lot of the new surveillance tech, creating "networks of wireless sensors, miniature video cameras and low-power transceivers, all with the ability to process, send and receive data" (Wireless World: Security monitoring grows). While the primary goal is national security, it will be interesting to see how this new technology funnels down to the average consumer. The article mentions that big companies like Motorola are working on wireless surveillance tech in relation to hone security applications. "The company... has developed a wireless home monitoring and control system comprising cameras, sensors and software that consumers can operate from a desktop computer at the office."

At the very least, all this snazzy spy stuff should soon give us some devilishly tiny and subtle nanny cams.

Securicam Network DCS-5300G Internet Security Camera Review

PCWorld's most recent edition offered a short review on the Securicam Network DCS-5300G Internet Security Camera from D-Link. Unfortunately, it's only available in the print version (so no link) but the gist of it is:

D-Link's newest network camera is useful for homeowners and small businesses concerned about security in the office/home. The DCS-5300G can be installed on both wired or wireless networks. You can pan, tilt, and zoom via onscreen controls. You can schedule uploads of images to a web server at certain times or when the camera senses motion.

At $549, it's not a cheap toy and may not be that great of a purchase due to image quality. While the features may be interesting, "its image quality [is] at times quite poor" (Andrew Brandt "D-Link's Network Camera"). Reviewer Brandt gave the camera 3 out of 5 stars.

"D-Link's Network Camera" was published in the Nov. 2004 volume.

Browse Wireless Security Products

Home Video Surveillance Options

Most of the new home surveillance systems involve using your PC (connected to the Internet) in conjunction with one or more security cameras placed inside or around your house. These can be either wired or wireless cameras (wireless tends to be more expensive but is also easier to install since it doesn't involve digging into your walls to lay new wiring). Hidden or "spy" cameras are also an option, especially popular with folks who want to monitor a nanny ("nanny cams") or someone else who may be in the house while you are away. The tie in with the home computer makes it so you can check your cameras from work or wherever you may be (just log into your control panel via the web).

If you're not much of a PC buff, there are still many camera systems that work with a TV and VCR.

How much can you expect to pay for a home video surveillance system? Well, as you can imagine the prices vary greatly depending on how many cameras, quality of equipment, range of cameras, sophistication of software, etc. etc. In short, you can get a simple webcam/software setup which can watch one room for under a $100. For a whole house security surveillance system with built in backups for power outages and emergencies, expect four-figure prices.

Some simple home surveillance system kits out there:
Wireless Video Surveillance Camera and Monitor (This comes with a monitor rather than working with your PC)
Video Entry System Surveillance
Weatherproof and Infrared Surveillance Set (Good for outdoors/night time)
Video surveillance cameras

More Articles on home surveillance:
Wireless Video Surveillance System Information
How to Install a Wireless Home Security System

CCTV Explained

CCTV (Closed-circuit television) has become increasingly common in home security systems in the last few years. Once, video surveillance was too expensive to consider outside of large commercial establishments. I'll be looking at how people can incorporate CCTV into their security plans in future posts, but for now let's just start with a solid definition:

(Excerpt from Wikipedia) "Closed-circuit television (CCTV), as a collection surveillance cameras, is the use of television cameras for surveillance. It differs from broadcast television in that all components are directly linked via cables or other direct means. CCTV is used in banks, casinos, shopping centres, streets, airports etc (the eye in the sky). The use of CCTVs in public places has increased, causing debate over security vs. privacy. CCTV camera looking down on suburban life from on-high.Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) - where the picture is viewed or recorded, but not broadcast - was initially developed as a means of security for banks. Today it has developed to the point where it is simple and inexpensive enough to be used in home security systems, and for everyday surveillance."

Full article: Closed-circuit television

Other resources:
The CCTV Glossary
CCTV Information
CCTV Frequently Asked Questions

D-Link Internet Security Camera

D-Link, famous for computer networking gear, is delving into security cameras that you can access through the Internet. The D-Link DCS-5300G Internet Security Camera offers 802.11g connectivity, pan, zoom, tilt, and high resolution video all without wires. Although maybe more a rich man's toy than a total home security solution, a wireless internet camera can be useful for those who want to check in on their home remotely via the Internet.

Resources:

D-Link DCS-5300G (802.11g) Internet Security Camera
D-Link Wireless Internet Security Camera Home Page

Other Home Security Cameras

IP Video Surveillance

Advances in Information Technology and the development of the Internet are revolutionzing home video surveillance. An article from emedia.com examines the ways in which high-speed Internet combined with video monitoring systems are superior to traditional home surveillance systems. Author Shyla Sangaran writes, "Unlike the conventional surveillance system which acts as a monitoring tool, the latest IP video surveillance technology incorporates intelligent features and performs beyond its predecessors’ functions.'

Read "Equipping homes with IP video surveillance" to find out more.

About Nanny-Cams

Nanny-Cams are hidden surveillance systems that homeowners set up to watch their children's babysitter/caretaker. They are used to make sure nothing untoward is happening while the parents are away, and to ensure the babysitter is staying on the job and being attentive to the children instead of blabbing on the phone or inviting over guests.

In order for nanny-cams to be most effective, they should be placed somewhere where they will not be noticed. Tom Davidson and Lorna Gentry of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Security recommend using wireless cameras that are disguised as regular household items such as a smoke detector or clock. Wireless cameras tend to be more expensive than hard-wired systems, but they're much easier to install and don't leave obvious wires that give them away.

Nanny-Cams are then set up like other wireless video surveillance systems: put the camera where you want it and make sure it's transmitting to the receiver. That's it.

Browse: Nanny-Cams

Related:
Using a Nanny Cam

How to Turn Your PC into a Video Surveillance System

Many home owners are interested in adding video surveillance systems to their home security systems, but they worry about pricey equipment. New software makes it possible to use your existing PC (with webcam--much cheaper than full blown security cameras) as an indoor video surveillance system. You can set a timer to start/top recording or equip a motion detector.

Read more: "Turn Your PC into an Affordable Video Surveillance System "

Enhancements to Video Surveillance Equipment

Lots of overseas competition in the video surveillance market may mean good things for consumers. In order to stay competitve US manufacturers are working at creating innovative new technology. This means new toys for us with more features and possibly lower prices.

For more information, read: Technological Advances Enhance Video Surveillance Equipment Progress

Or browse Wireless Home Security X10 Wireless Accessories a shop that sells gear like this "high end video surveillance camera with ultimate zoom " or this cheaper "Tiny Wireless Camera, See & Record Everything".