How To Set Up Your Outside Security Cameras

Whether you have bought your new security system to deter the burglars and criminals or to keep an extra eye on the nanny, your system will definitely start paying for its own worth right from the day you first install it.

However, set up and maintenance of your security systems could get a little messy when you are not a tech-pro! This does not mean that you need to worry! Just follow some ground rules and that's it.

So, here is a light reading for you to get low-down on the best tips for installing the new security gear.

Set up and Placement

Get your angles right!

Want to keep an eye on the sleeping baby? Place a cam over the cot. Hitting the road for vacations? Install one on the front door. Have tall trees and long shrubs? Get a camera or two for the backyard.

It is always important to capture the main areas of concern and record from the right angles. For instance, if you capture a person walking through the door, but are not able to see his face clearly, then your investment in the 'extra eyes' will go in vain. Another important tip is to get some additional mounting brackets in case you want to change the position of the cameras afterward.

Put a name on each camera!

As all the security cameras are positioned in different parts of the house, you can easily get confused while viewing them all on a single screen. The best solution for this is to give different names to cameras placed in different rooms or areas.

For example, you can easily name the cameras installed in the backyard, kitchen or baby's room. All this makes your system more manageable and easier to view.

Switch to wireless for long distances!

Most wireless systems allow consolidating the cams in a good range of 100 meters from the base station, both for indoors and outdoors. This feature certainly makes the wireless cameras perfect for monitoring larger areas such as sheds, yards and other locations that couldn't be reached with the normal wire extensions of the wired surveillance system.

Usage and Monitoring

Turn on the motion sensing capabilities!

Modern security cameras are equipped with motion sensors to efficiently track suspicious activities. Get the most out of your motion sensors by placing them seven feet high and facing them slightly downwards. This position will make a good difference to its motion sensing capabilities.

Customize the modes and settings!

After setting up your cameras successfully, the next big task is to customize the image recording and the alarm settings. Fine-tune your recording modes and notification settings to get your system working and your cams recording just the way you want them to.

One example is adjusting the DVR/NVR recording settings. In the 'continuous' recording mode, all your footage gets saved on the disk space, whereas in the 'scheduled' mode, your DVR/NVR records only for the pre-mentioned time period.

Connect your cameras to the Internet!

When your cameras are connected to the internet, you can view every nook and cranny of your home from your PC, even when you are at work or on holidays. This obviously gives you some peace of mind that your hard-earned assets are guarded round the clock!

Maintenance and Software

Save power when not in use!

You can always save up the battery power and extend its life by tuning the camera's recording settings. For example, you don't need to switch on all the motion detectors when everyone's home. Another instance is that your visitors might get a little uncomfortable when they notice three cams monitoring them in the living room. So, the best solution is to set timers for the cameras as well as sensors and switch them off when you don't need them.

Make the most of the apps and software!

Your security system most probably has some special apps and software that you can use to get 200% out of them. For example, if your security provider is offering a specific mobile app or software, then you can certainly expect some special controls in contrast to general apps and software. These privileges may include customized email alerts and push notifications for motion detection. So, now you just need to do one or more clicks to watch what's going on back at home!

Talk to the Pro people!

Whatever system you buy from the market, there are high chances that you will need some help while getting started with your system. It could be when you are installing the cables, setting up the hardware or dealing with the software. Whatsoever it is, it never hurts to get some expert advice from the people who know are the best.