VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SECURITY SYSTEM SETUP SERVICE

Video Surveillance Security Systems Proactively deter crime and protect your assets with unparalleled security systems that not only collect data but analyze and convert it into valuable, actionable information for a greater degree of intelligence. You can more effectively defuse highly dangerous situations and reduce your liability with better video surveillance and real-time alerts. Whether your monitoring is for indoor, outdoor, low-light, in challenging weather conditions – you have to ensure you have visibility of all activity around your home and their perimeters.

Contact Bomani Technology for a free consultation to go over your options. Basic Video Surveillance Setup for labor starts at $150 for a 2-camera. $50 for each additional camera and device. All Surveillance systems we set up can be accessed from a PC and any mobile device.

What Is a Security Surveillance System?

Security cameras are available in a wide range of styles and features, and they are a common component in a security system. Internet security systems or IP cameras use the Internet by networking to send and receive data. They are fairly easy to install and connect to your system, and you can view live camera feeds at any time with free mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. IP cameras can be installed in virtually any location and can monitor the interior as well as the exterior of a facility. Cameras can also be used to alert security/protection officers to respond to suspicious activities or individuals.

Video surveillance is commonly used for:

Remote video monitoring: to protect against theft, burglaries, and dishonest employees.

Facility protection: to protect the perimeter of the property or the perimeter of buildings.

Monitor operations: to monitor day-to-day operations and as a tool to streamline operations.

Loss prevention: to protect assets.

Vandalism deterrence: visible cameras may be a deterrent to vandals because of the possibility that they can be identified on the video. High-definition cameras with facial recognition in a durable, vandal-proof housing can be used.

Employee safety: for compliance with safety regulations and also to protect the employer in civil proceedings.

Parking lots: to monitor for theft or damage to vehicles as well as accidents.

Event video surveillance: for crowd control as well as crime prevention.

Public safety: routinely used for city streets, parks, communities, and neighborhoods to help deter crime and enhance public safety.

Traffic monitoring: commonly used to improve the flow of traffic and monitor for accidents.

Outdoor perimeter security: security can be maintained in different ways by utilizing video surveillance with security/protection officers on patrol, fences, vehicle, and pedestrian gates and intrusion detection.

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Home Security Systems

There are several factors for customers to consider when wondering what to look for in a home security camera system. When shopping for a security system for home use, it’s a good idea for customers to consider the cost of the home security system, the installation process, the equipment they’re getting for the price, the cost of monitoring or subscription fees, and any additional details like warranties and cancellation fees.

Pricing and Fees

Most home security systems include a base cost for the equipment, as well as a monthly cost for monitoring or subscription fees. Customers will want to evaluate exactly what equipment they’re getting for this base cost to determine whether it includes the equipment they need or whether they will need to add extra equipment for an additional cost.

Some customers may be tempted to opt for a cheap home security system or a package with fewer features to save on cost. However, paying for an ineffective system will not deliver the results the customer is looking for from their home security system. Similarly, paying for unneeded equipment can mean the customer is paying more than they need to for their home security system and wasting money.

The same applies to the cost of monitoring and subscription services. Customers will want to look at what each company offers for its monthly cost and make sure they’re getting the features they want or need. Some companies require customers to sign contracts with their service plans, which can come with benefits like extended warranties, although others allow free cancellation at any time.

Customers will also want to consider factors like smart-home integration, video recording, monitoring, and product support, and carefully examine the details to see exactly what they’re getting for their money.

Packages and Plans

Most home security brands offer a variety of solutions at different price points. This way, they can offer options for customers who have an 800-square-foot studio apartment as well as customers who have a 4,000-square-foot single-family home. Customers will find that the number of equipment packages offered will depend on the home security company, with some offering only two or three and others offering six or seven. Several brands also offer products on an a la carte basis, so customers can buy a base package and then add on a few sensors or cameras without having to move up to the next package tier if it doesn’t fit their needs.

Customers need to note that the cost of equipment does not typically include the monthly monitoring fee. Even a self-monitored system may include a small fee for camera security system storage. It’s a good idea for customers to think about these system costs holistically when deciding which one is the best fit.

Customers will want to ask about deals and discounts—some companies may offer discounts on additional equipment for customers who have professional monitoring plans, which may help offset the cost of that plan somewhat.

Installation and Equipment

Some home security systems don’t need to be installed by a professional. However, others offer a choice between professional and DIY installation for customers who know how to install security cameras or feel comfortable doing so. Even with systems that can be installed by the customer, some homeowners prefer having an experienced professional on-site to decide where to place security cameras or show them how the system operates.

Mike Silva, owner and principal consultant at Silva Consultants, advises, “DIY equipment…can work well in basic applications such as apartments and small homes. Professionally installed systems offer a far wider range of devices that can be used and are usually best for larger homes or when there is a need for more sophisticated types of intrusion-detection devices.”

Companies like SimpliSafe and Front Point are ideal for those who want to install their equipment, while brands like ADT and Vivint are good choices for customers who don’t mind paying security camera installation costs. Many home security companies offer customers a choice of DIY and professional installation so they can choose the option that works best for them.

Customers will want to make sure they’re getting enough window and door sensors, cameras, and hazard or environmental sensors like flood or smoke/carbon monoxide detectors to fully protect their homes. Residents of a large two-story home will likely need more equipment than a family who lives in a small ranch house, which will be reflected in the cost. Customers can look into how many security cameras they need to help them choose the right company to fit their needs.

Monitoring

Systems with professional monitoring typically have monthly fees, whereas those that are self-monitored may not have associated fees. However, home security systems with cameras that are professionally monitored provide benefits that customers with self-monitored systems won’t get.

A home security camera system is made much more effective with the addition of monitoring. With professional monitoring, the customer has a team of experts available all day, every day, to assist in the event of an emergency. According to Silva, “If the home has a monitored fire alarm system and catches fire, it is far better to have a monitoring center call the fire department immediately than hope that the homeowner receives the notification and can quickly take action.” With self-monitoring, the customer will be responsible for calling 911 if an emergency occurs. Professional monitoring is typically more expensive than DIY monitoring but generally promotes added safety and a sense of security, which makes the home security system more effective, as well as giving customers greater peace of mind.

Self-monitoring may be a practical option for customers who live in a relatively safe area, whose home doesn’t have a lot of access points, and who feel comfortable with monitoring their own system. In this case, the customer can save money each month by skipping professional monitoring. Plus, with more and more user services hitting the scene like Alexa Guard Plus, some people might not feel they need professional monitoring anyway.

For a cost of $4.99 per month or $49 per year, Alexa Guard Plus gives customers access to an emergency helpline while also sending them alerts in response to broken glass sounds, smoke or carbon monoxide detector sounds, or other dangerous activity sounds. It can also help deter intruders by making siren or barking dog noises, as well as turning smart lights on and off to make it look like someone is home. Customers will want to keep in mind that Alexa Guard Plus is not a pro monitoring service, but rather only a helpline and a few additional features (like Alexa Intruder Alert) that help promote added security.

Trial Period and Warranty

Some companies offer their monthly subscription or monitoring services for free for a limited amount of time. But after that time frame, the customer will have to pay for that service or lose it, and they might not be as happy with their home security system without the monthly subscription or monitoring service.

For customers who are financing the equipment, the monthly charge might not even be optional. Customers will want to consider the costs they may incur after the trial period and decide whether that cost is something they can afford long term.

Lengthy trial periods are a good indication that the brand is confident that users will be satisfied with the product and want to keep using it long-term. Similarly, when a brand includes a generous warranty, this is a sign that the company is confident in what it’s selling.

According to Silva, “Most equipment manufactured these days is quite reliable, and if it survives the warranty period, will probably last for many years thereafter.” With security systems for home use, there is a wide range in the warranty period between companies. To compare SimpliSafe vs. Ring, SimpliSafe offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, whereas Ring’s guarantee lasts only 30 days. Some brands offer 90 days, while others offer 3 years or longer.

The details of a warranty matter, too. Do the warranty cover manufacturing defects in equipment, or does it cover all the equipment and the installation as well? This information is just as important as the warranty time frame, so customers will want to ask the company for more details about its warranty if it isn’t clearly, advertised.