Security System Basics

What can help you keep your home secure?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

Approximately 94 million Americans use some kind of home security system such as alarms and cameras and many of those install systems themselves, according to Safehome.org.

The same source indicated that most people don’t install security systems for crime deterrence. Notification of home deliveries is one reason many people want cameras. With DoorDash, Amazon and Instacart, it’s good to know when orders arrive.

Systems also help people keep an eye on pets, elders and children. For people with those needs, an entry-level system such as Ring doorbell cameras and Blink wireless cameras likely suffices. These systems relay real-time video and audio to the user’s Alexa or other monitor or mobile device using Bluetooth technology. Most are set up to record the past 24 hours of movement within the cameras’ range.

For detecting and deterring crime, a higher-level system may be needed. Eric Williams, CEO of Security Camera Direct in Syracuse, installs custom, professional-grade systems in homes and businesses.

“Customers can ask for what they want, like face recognition or the ability to read license plates or see at 4 at night,” Williams said.

Some want trail cameras in their woods to learn game patterns for hunting. His systems run around $700, but he said that the features are worth it, as Ring and Blink systems “are only to see what’s right in front of you,” he said.

Blink systems cost around $40, plus an optional $3 to $30.monthly subscription for additional services like motion notifications, faster access to video clips, live streaming, a longer video history, video sharing capabilities and more.

Williams’ systems “are different from what you buy at the store,” he said.

They allow users to record long-term (even for a year, a plus for someone who travels extensively), select visual search options and pan, tilt and zoom the camera, among other features. The zoom on lesser systems only lowers resolution to make it seem like the users are seeing the subject in the frame closer. This can result in pixelated, unclear images.

While wireless systems seem a smart move — they are easier to install, after all — Williams cautioned that high resolution systems like his use a lot of data and require wiring. In addition, wireless systems rely on Wi-Fi and if the Wi-Fi goes out, a wireless system won’t record.

That sounds like a labyrinth of wiring, but Williams said that depending upon a house’s shape, he can set up only two cameras to cover the entire dwelling.

Reliability is a feature that homeowners need most from security systems.

“People want something that won’t fail on them,” Williams said. “It’s the same as a car. If you want a BMW, you get higher quality that will last. If you buy a security camera at Wal-Mart, it won’t last. What does money really mean to you? Does it mean your safety? If not, go buy what you want.”