Home Audio / Video Surveillance: Is It Right for You?

Now that you can install a home video surveillance systems with nothing more than an Internet-enabled computer and a camera or two, lots of homeowners are opting to install their own systems. Is this smart? Is it something you should look into? Is it as good of a home security idea as it sounds like? Let's take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of these systems, so you can decide for yourself:

Audio/Video Surveillance Pros:

  • Cameras that you can monitor over the Internet can let you see and hear what's happening at your home while you're at work or on the road.
  • Thanks to the proliferation of computers and Internet access, most homeowners can install video surveillance systems relatively cheaply. You don't have to pay a pro to install a huge, expensive system if you don't want to.
  • As far as do-it-yourself projects go, this is one most homeowners can handle. You can even get wireless systems that don't involve much more than plugging them in and installing some software.

Audio/Video Surveillance Cons:

  • Most systems require a constant Internet connection (i.e. cable modem, DSL).
  • Your computer needs to be on all the time (computer glitches can knock your system offline until you're able to return to fix the problem).
  • You, or someone else, need to monitor the system, otherwise who's going to notice when a burglar is in the house stealing your stuff?
  • Video surveillance systems, especially the lower end systems installed by more DIY types, tend to be easy to defeat--all an intruder has to do is throw a shirt over the camera, cut the Internet connection, or cut the power to the computer.

Generally speaking, I recommend people have professionals install and monitor their video surveillance systems, if home security truly is their main concern.  If you just want a way to check in on the kids when you're away from home or keep an eye on the baby sitter, then the do-it-yourself kits work fine.  

This software will let you set up your home computer to monitor cameras: ActiveHome - Home Automation Software and Controls and youo can get a few wireless security cameras cheaply from X10: Xcam2 Wireless Video Cameras .

Good luck, and keep your home safe!