Newest Cloud-Based Surveillance Camera Systems for the Home ...

Cloud-based technology is all the craze these days. Everything seems to be moving to ?the cloud,? which is just a really cool way to refer to the Internet. Instead of storing your videos, music and data on your computer, you can now save it in the cloud. The best thing about cloud-based services is they can be accessed anywhere in the world as long as you can connect to the Internet.

The latest technology to benefit from this is home video surveillance systems. Yet, remote access to surveillance video isn?t a new thing. Home security companies have been offering remote access services as a part of their security offering. Security professionals have been installing these systems in large homes and businesses for several years.

Using Professional Security Services

As camera prices have become more affordable for mainstream consumers, the number of low-cost, easy-to-install camera systems for homes and small businesses have grown as well. In the last few years, alarm companies began offering their cloud-based remote video services to their mainstream customers. No longer was this service exclusive for large, high-end homeowners with big budgets.

In addition to remote video viewing services, homeowners can also affordably access and control their alarm systems from their office or through a smartphone. Home automation services complete these packages with control for lighting, thermostats and more.

Having all your security services with one company is the biggest advantage of using a home alarm company for surveillance services. Since these systems all interconnect together, its best to work with one company that can install and service it all. Look for a company that offers extended service warranties on hardware, since you?re making the investment, you want to be sure that investment is protected. In most cases, you won?t have any issues with hardware, but, if you?re paying more than $1,000 on a camera system, the warranty is worth the extra cost. Service charges can add up quickly!

Choose a company that offers more than just one type of camera. Not all surveillance cameras are alike, and depending on the location and what you want to see, the company?s off-the-shelf wireless camera may not meet your specific needs. But if you?re looking for a simple system to view your animals or babysitter while you?re away, a wireless camera that plugs into the wall may be just fine.

Install-it-yourself with Home Monitoring

Such basic systems are inexpensive, easy to install and are often sold through DIY alarm companies like Protect America and SafeMart. Digital wireless cameras offer outstanding flexibility because they can often be moved around by simply plugging them into an available wall outlet. The image quality isn?t always great, but it really depends on personal preferences and how much detail you want to see.

If you are looking for a more robust system that gives you the option of outdoor cameras, your best bet is to have a security professional do an at-home assessment. Alarm.com and ADT will send a pro to you. This will ensure you can customize the system to meet your specific needs. In this category, there are countless cameras available. No doubt your security pro has tested several different cameras and can quickly come up with a solution to meet your needs and budget.

Do-it-yourself Cloud-Based Security Solutions

Mid-range cameras are also available for the DIY market, and tend to be higher in quality and require some aspect of wiring to them. Cloud-based surveillance camera systems are available from D-Link, Logitech and Dropcam. All three companies offer cloud surveillance services directly to homeowners.

Logitech offers a surveillance configuration wizard to help you design your system. The company?s Alert system operates over HomePlug powerline technology. Simply plug the system into an electrical socket and you have created a new network. This is ideal if you want to do it yourself and can?t stand the idea of running additional wiring; HomePlug is also a proven, secure technology.

D-Link?s new Cloud Camera 5000 is an HD camera with on-board recording to a microSD card slot; it also offers pan/tilt/zoom features normally reserved for industrial applications.

Dropcam HD is an indoor 720p HD camera that supports night vision, audio and motion detection and digital zoom. It?s most unique feature is the two-way voice capability that lets you speak directly through the system.

Things to consider include wide-angle lenses to capture more area in your frame. Cameras with a low ?lux? work well in minimal light or to see activity clearly at night. Choose a camera with built-in IR (infrared) sensors that will illuminate in near total darkness. Outdoor cameras ideally should have a vandal-proof dome that keeps the lens in place and the camera from being tampered with.

Cloud-surveillance may not be best for all homes. It depends on the number of cameras and the complexity you want out of your system. If you want extensive controls and triggers, a DVR, which can also be accessed remotely, may be your best bet.

No matter what option is best for you, whether it?s the professionally integrated home alarm with surveillance and complete remote access, the install-it-yourself professionally monitored alarm and surveillance system or the DIY surveillance service, it?s safe to say, cloud-based video surveillance is here to stay. As these services continues to grow, expect more options in the future!

Author Bio: This is an article written by Jeremy Kushner, a home security and automation enthusiast who writes on topics related to crime, security, home improvement and automation. For more of his posts visit Jeremy?s blog!

Source: http://betterhomeblog.com/newest-cloud-based-surveillance-camera-systems-for-the-home/

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