Security Camera Installation Brisbane
Home Security Systems
Modern day home security systems often connect to your Wi-Fi network so you can monitor and control your security devices through your smartphone and an app.
Basic systems typically include a few door and window sensors, a motion detector and a hub that communicates with these devices via one or more wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, Zigbee or a proprietary mesh network.
You can add an additional door, motion and window sensors to cover your entire home and create a complete system with door locks, garage door openers, indoor and outdoor security cameras, lights, sirens, smoke and CO detectors, water sensors and more.
However, neither protocol offers the same bandwidth as Wi-Fi, so it is often used in security cameras to enable smooth video streaming and other devices that require a thick cable.
Any smart security system worth considering will have components that work together in a seamless environment and can be set up with custom rules.
Such as, you can create rules to turn on lights when motion is detected, unlock doors when a smoke alarm is triggered and start recording a camera when a sensor is activated.
Some systems store recorded video locally on an SD card or solid-state drive, while others offer cloud storage.
Cloud-storage makes it easy to store and access recorded videos, but can cost hundreds of dollars a year depending on the subscription.
Some systems can have both cloud storage and local storage.
Having a dedicated storage unit gives you DVR capabilities with a time-lapse recording that allows you to find the video event that occurred at a specific time.
The best systems will have an app that allows you to use your smartphone as a command centre to turn the system on and off, create rules, add and remove components, and receive push notifications when alarms are triggered.
Most apps also allow you to watch live and recorded videos, lock and unlock doors, change thermostat settings and silence alarms. Some apps even use your phone's location services to automatically turn the system on and off based on your location.
High end security systems usually come with a wall-mounted panel that acts as a communication hub and has a touch screen that allows you to use all the app's functions. Through the screen, you can communicate with a professional monitoring service when an alarm is triggered and view videos from all installed security cameras.
DIY security systems
A simple DIY system may support only one or two wireless protocols and usually offers a limited selection of additional components,
Some DIY systems are self-monitoring, meaning that you are notified when devices are activated, but it is up to you to notify local authorities if there is a break-in or fire. However, DIY providers are increasingly offering professional surveillance services.
Professional home security systems
High-end security systems use components that require professional installation.
These all-in-one systems typically cost significantly more than DIY systems.
They typically use touchscreen hubs and communicate with and control a wide variety of components, such as door and window sensors, door locks, glass-break detectors, indoor and outdoor cameras, light switches, motion and water detectors, smoke and CO alarms, thermostats, video doorbells and a host of other home automation devices.
The best thing about professionally installed systems is that you don't have to lift a finger.
After you place your order, a technician will come to your home, install everything and show you how the system works.
It is important to know that you will have to apply for a permit to install a security system in your home in some areas.
Home security kit
Whether you choose a DIY system or a professionally installed system, you will have to pay a monthly or annual fee if you want to be monitored and, in some cases, a monthly fee will be required to pay for the cost of hardware components.
Monitoring of professionally installed systems is usually more expensive.
Home Security Centre
Can you use a surveillance camera instead?
If you live in a small flat and want to keep an eye on things when you're away from home, a security camera can do the job for a lot less than you'd pay for a full security system.
Almost all standalone security cameras can connect to your home's Wi-Fi, so you can see what's going on from your smartphone or tablet. Most have built-in sensors that detect motion and sound and send push and email notifications when those sensors are triggered.
You can usually set the camera's motion sensitivity to avoid false alarms from pets or passing cars when the camera is near a window, and you can set a schedule to turn the sensors on and off at certain times of the day.
Some of the more expensive cameras come with humidity and temperature sensors and can work with other networked home devices, such as thermostats and smart lighting systems. If you want to save some money, look for a camera with an SD card slot that allows you to record video when motion or noise is detected, but remember to save recordings at regular intervals before they are overwritten.
You can also opt for a camera that offers a cloud storage plan.
An outdoor camera is ideal for monitoring what is happening outside your home. These weatherproof devices usually require a nearby GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet for power.
Like their indoor counterparts, outdoor cameras connect to your Wi-Fi network and allow you to view live video from your phone.
Installation is relatively simple, but if you're unfamiliar with electrical wiring, you should hire a professional electrician to install them.
Most outdoor cameras offer motion detection with push and email notifications, night vision and cloud storage for event-oriented video, and some can also be used as spotlights or porch lights.
Some models can even distinguish between a passing car, animal and person.
Look for an outdoor camera that integrates with other smart home devices, such as garage door openers, outdoor sirens and smart switches.
Qualtech Security