Video Security is far more than a few cameras aimed at a potential area of intrusion. Video Security systems are comprised of all of the following devices:

• Video Cameras
• Video Monitor
• Video Capture Device(DVR)

Standard security systems are very effective in the prevention of a thief entering your home or business. But they do at times still get in and even though the authorities are notified right away in a monitored system they cannot always be on the spot right away.

This is where video security are at there best. Camera's can capture the thief on video for the authorities to review and give them a head start on the ultimate capture of the thief that entered your home.

You have seen camera systems for years in places of business and you have probably seen cameras at gated homes. In the past camera systems were extremely expensive and not nearly as versatile or small as they are today.

The basics of selecting a video security system are:

• Evaluate your surveillance needs
  • Know what you want to see. The eventual selection of your system starts with knowing what you want to see.
• Choose the type of cameras
  • The type of camera you select is based on the type of picture you want to capture.
  • Do you want details of someone's face or do you just want to see that there is some there?
• Surveillance system accessories
  • Will the area that you are monitoring be inside or outside?
  • Will you need to be able to zoom in or will the picture be fixed?
  • Do you need video at night?
  • How wide of an area are you trying to cover?
• Choose the monitor for your surveillance system
  • Make sure to match the resolution of the cameras to your monitor.
  • Will you need to see multiple pictures at the same time? Is the space where your monitor will be placed a consideration?
• Choosing your Digital Video recorder(DVR)
  • How many events will you be recording?
  • Will you be recording all of the time or just when the camera sees motion?
  • How long will you need to store the data that is recorded?
• Connecting your cameras
  • Make sure the cameras that you select and the DVR are using the same type of connections. Usually coaxial cable is run to the camera but you can also use twisted pairs of wire. This may need a balun to connect to the DVR.
• Choosing a supplier
  • Choosing a vendor may be the most difficult part of having your CCTV system installed. The best way to make this selection is to ask for referrals so you can see first hand the quality of the installation and the end result.

Video security also provides a verified response before the authorities are contacted. Most authorities have penalties that they will charge you if your security system is having false alarms. If you have access to video where an intruder can be seen then it is a verified response even if the authorities find no evidence of an intruder.

Read through the Alarm ordinance for Sacramento County:

Sacramento County Emergency Alarm Ordinance

9.96.081 VERIFIED BURGLAR ALARM means confirmation of an unauthorized entry or attempted unauthorized entry upon the premises, building, or structure protected by the burglar alarm system.  Verification may be made by the alarm system user or other person at or near the scene of the activation, a private guard responder or alarm company operator, and shall be based on a physical observation or inspection of the premises, or by remote visual inspection of the premises.  For purposes of this definition, remote visual inspection of the premises is a visual inspection of premises protected by the burglar alarm system which is accomplished through the use of a video camera or other similar device to capture and transmit visual images of the premises to the alarm system user, alarm company operator, private guard responder, or person or entity authorized by the alarm system user.  The visual images must be sufficiently discernible to permit the viewer to confirm that an unauthorized entry, attempted unauthorized entry, or other crime has occurred at the premises protected by the burglar alarm system.  NOTE:  An open door, broken window, or other activity consistent with a burglary is considered a verified activation.