Frequently Asked Questions

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This is a matter of what are you trying to protect, and that can only, truly be answered after a consultation and a visit to the property.  We will come out and discuss your concerns and provide a recommendation on camera quantity.  You do not need to purchase a "kit" there is no one size fits all application.  Each security system should be designed and installed to your exact needs. 

There is no doubt about it, having more cameras seems to be better right?  If you have 20 cameras that record poor video quality, then they will most likely be a waste of money.  Almost every camera has excellent daytime footage it is the nighttime video and recorded playback where you notice a difference. Our advice is to save up and purchase quality cameras, even if you have less of them your footage will be far more valuable.

Both types of cameras have their place, however, you will rarely see us recommend a wireless camera.  Why?  Wireless cameras are susceptible to interference, require a separate power source, and often have poor video recording quality.  Wired cameras are the go to choice for professional installers, they provide better video quality, and are far more reliable. With hard wired cameras you don't have to worry about replacing batteries or having a new outlet installed.

IP cameras have distance limitations, however that is rarely a problem with proper network video recorder (NVR) placement.  IP cameras encode the video at the camera which means you get better recording performance as the video is already compressed.  Replacing or upgrading cameras in the future requires no re-wiring work.

Analog (BNC) cameras are installed usually with a Siamese cable.  That is a cable that looks like your TV cable with a 2 wire power source attached.  The cable is for the video and the 2 wires are for the power to the camera.  The video is sent back to the digital video recorder (DVR) uncompressed.  This will often only be noticeable during playback of recorded video.  The live view is very comparable.  If you wish to use IP cameras in the future, then re-wiring is necessary if Siamese cable was used. 

Unless your home has been pre-wired for a hard wire alarm system, 100% all the time, wireless.  The cost of installing a hardwired alarm system as an after thought in a home is not worth the cost.  The labor will likely be 10 times the cost of the system, cause a huge mess and take days to complete.  Even if you have an existing hardwire system, we can easily convert those wired sensors to wireless zones. New wireless technology allows for encryption to the sensor which provides more security.  A security panel is also a great gateway to smart home controls.

Well that depends on what you get.  Insurance companies usually require that an alarm system be professionally monitored to receive any discount on premiums.  We will provide a certificate of monitoring when a monitored alarm system is installed.  Self monitored alarm systems and security cameras will likely not result in a discount.

Since every system is customized to each scenario, the cost of any system will vary, whether it be security cameras or an alarm system.  You can always start with something basic and add on additional features in the future such as additional cameras, alarm sensors or smart home devices.   We are happy to come out and provide a free no obligation quote.  We also offer no contract alarm systems with purchase of equipment.