Now that you have the proper indoor and/or outdoor surveillance camera(s) for your needs, it's now time to decide how you want view the images (remotely or from home), and/or the method in which you record the images for later viewing. You have some options here:
Recording With A Time Lapse VCR, or DVD Recorder:
These methods (especially using a VCR) aren't used much anymore, as digital recording becomes more and more popular and more affordable. An obvious disadvantage is the relatively short amount of recording time you get on a regular VCR or DVD recorder. Although time lapse VCR's can record for 24 hours or more, they can still be quite expensive. Add to that the fact you have to change tapes constantly, and manually search through the tape for a specific event. There is also no way of accessing these images remotely (i.e. through the internet). However, this may be the answer for you if you only need a temporary camera solution i.e. you suspect your neighbor of vandalizing your property, etc. If you have more than one camera, this method would also require the purchase of a quad splitter or multiplexor. This enables the VCR or DVD recorder to record from 2-32 cameras at once.
These methods (especially using a VCR) aren't used much anymore, as digital recording becomes more and more popular and more affordable. An obvious disadvantage is the relatively short amount of recording time you get on a regular VCR or DVD recorder. Although time lapse VCR's can record for 24 hours or more, they can still be quite expensive. Add to that the fact you have to change tapes constantly, and manually search through the tape for a specific event. There is also no way of accessing these images remotely (i.e. through the internet). However, this may be the answer for you if you only need a temporary camera solution i.e. you suspect your neighbor of vandalizing your property, etc. If you have more than one camera, this method would also require the purchase of a quad splitter or multiplexor. This enables the VCR or DVD recorder to record from 2-32 cameras at once.
Your Internet Service Provider:
In many cases, the surveillance camera software mentioned above allows you to access your camera's images from any PC with internet access. Essentially, your PC at home uploads the images to the server at your ISP, and you access the images from your ISP. You simply enter your camera's "URL" in any browser, and access the images just as you would at home.
Camera Manufacturer:
Some camera manufacturers offer similar services, except your images are stored on the manufacturer's server. You can then log into their website to view your images. A good example of this type of service would be Logitech's Wilife system, which we review here. Whether you choose to store images with your ISP or camera manufacturer, a broadband connection (DSL or Cable) is recommended if you would like to see the images in "real time" (about 30 frames per second).
Alarm Service Provider:
Another option is to upload images to your alarm company's server and access images from there. You can then use your alarm company's standard web interface (or mobile version) to view your images remotely. Relatively new to the scene is the ability to access your cameras using smartphone apps. We discuss home security smartphone apps in detail here.
In many cases, the surveillance camera software mentioned above allows you to access your camera's images from any PC with internet access. Essentially, your PC at home uploads the images to the server at your ISP, and you access the images from your ISP. You simply enter your camera's "URL" in any browser, and access the images just as you would at home.
Camera Manufacturer:
Some camera manufacturers offer similar services, except your images are stored on the manufacturer's server. You can then log into their website to view your images. A good example of this type of service would be Logitech's Wilife system, which we review here. Whether you choose to store images with your ISP or camera manufacturer, a broadband connection (DSL or Cable) is recommended if you would like to see the images in "real time" (about 30 frames per second).
Alarm Service Provider:
Another option is to upload images to your alarm company's server and access images from there. You can then use your alarm company's standard web interface (or mobile version) to view your images remotely. Relatively new to the scene is the ability to access your cameras using smartphone apps. We discuss home security smartphone apps in detail here.
If you have several cameras, and wish to record for extended periods of time, a dedicated DVR may be the best solution for you. They usually have a very large hard drive (at least 80 GB or more), can be used with USB or Video output cameras, and come with higher-end software with more features. These units are generally more expensive, and are used more in commercial and industrial situations. However, they continue to drop in price as technology advances.
Left:
The "MemoCam" Combines A Camera, DVR, And Motion Sensor In One!
The "MemoCam" Combines A Camera, DVR, And Motion Sensor In One!
Using An All-In-One Device i.e. Memo Cam:
Using A DVR Designed For Surveillance Systems:
For ease of use and installation, a "Memo Cam" (right) is a great choice. It serves as a motion sensor, concealed camera, and DVR all in one. Images are stored onto a memory card, like those you might find in digital cameras. The device comes with a remote control, and software. Essentially, you set your user preferences (frames per second, only record when the unit senses motion, etc.), insert a standard memory card, and mount the unit. If your pc doesn't have a memory card reader(s) built in, you can find external readers for as little as $10. Memo Cams are usually priced at $400-$600, depending on the model.
You can find them on sites such as safemart.com or brickhousesecurity.com, for example.
You can find them on sites such as safemart.com or brickhousesecurity.com, for example.
Above:
A standard 4 Channel (Camera) Video Capture Card.
A standard 4 Channel (Camera) Video Capture Card.
Above:
A Free Web-Based Surveillance Service.
A Free Web-Based Surveillance Service.
Security Camera Surveillance Recording Methods: VCR, DVD, DVR, PC
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Above:
An 8 Channel (Camera) Digital Video Recorder Designed For CCTV.
An 8 Channel (Camera) Digital Video Recorder Designed For CCTV.
Record to a time lapse VCR or DVD recorder and view images locally;
Record to your PC's hard drive and view locally;
Upload recorded images to your ISP or alarm company's server to view locally or remotely;
Record to a dedicated DVR used only for camera systems;
Use an all in one device i.e. "Memo Cam".
Record to your PC's hard drive and view locally;
Upload recorded images to your ISP or alarm company's server to view locally or remotely;
Record to a dedicated DVR used only for camera systems;
Use an all in one device i.e. "Memo Cam".
Recording To Your Regular PC's Hard Drive And View Locally:
If you use a web camera, or any camera with a USB connection, you will only need the proper software to record images to your hard drive. This software would most likely be included with any web camera you purchase. Keep in mind if you have a camera with only video outputs (the yellow RCA cables), you will not be able to use these cameras with your PC without a video capture card, which essentially converts these analog video signals to the proper USB (digital) format. These video capture cards also come with their own camera system software. If you have ever installed a network card or video card yourself, you shouldn't have problems installing a video capture card. Be sure your PC has sufficient memory to store a decent amount of images. Even for home use, a minimum 60 GB hard drive is recommended.
If you use a web camera, or any camera with a USB connection, you will only need the proper software to record images to your hard drive. This software would most likely be included with any web camera you purchase. Keep in mind if you have a camera with only video outputs (the yellow RCA cables), you will not be able to use these cameras with your PC without a video capture card, which essentially converts these analog video signals to the proper USB (digital) format. These video capture cards also come with their own camera system software. If you have ever installed a network card or video card yourself, you shouldn't have problems installing a video capture card. Be sure your PC has sufficient memory to store a decent amount of images. Even for home use, a minimum 60 GB hard drive is recommended.
Upload To Your ISP, Camera Manufacturer, Alarm Provider, or Free/Paid Web Based Service:
Free Or Paid Web Based Service:
If you already have a webcam but not the proper software, consider using a free or paid web based service such as eyespyfx.com, easyfreewebcam.com, yawcam.com, . Essentially, you download their free software package, hook up your webcam, and access your images through eyespyfx's website. But remember, these images are not being recorded, you are only able to view the images remotely. They do have higher end paid packages available with more advanced features. There are many similar services available on the web, you can easily find them by doing a simple search.
If you already have a webcam but not the proper software, consider using a free or paid web based service such as eyespyfx.com, easyfreewebcam.com, yawcam.com, . Essentially, you download their free software package, hook up your webcam, and access your images through eyespyfx's website. But remember, these images are not being recorded, you are only able to view the images remotely. They do have higher end paid packages available with more advanced features. There are many similar services available on the web, you can easily find them by doing a simple search.