Home Security Cameras: Peace of Mind While You’re Away
A Guest Post by:
Les Shu
Easy-to-install security cameras let you keep an
eye on your home from afar, ensuring safety and security for you and
your family.
Network cameras
Internet-based network cameras are a quick solution in setting up
home surveillance. They connect to your broadband connection and don’t
require difficult wiring or mounting.
Logitech’s Alert
lets you view either real-time or recorded footage—with audio—of the
inside and outside of your house through your iPhone, Android, or
BlackBerry smartphone, and the system is expandable by adding additional
cameras. You’ll get text or email notifications on your phone or
computer if the camera's motion sensor is triggered.
Panasonic’s BL-C131A
goes one step further by giving you remote pan and tilt control from
your smartphone or computer, allowing you to view in eight different
positions.
The Alert 750i Master System starts at $299.99. (A similar device from D-Link costs $119.99.) The Panasonic BL-C131A costs around $300.
Riding the Z-Wave
If you have a Z-Wave-based home automation system installed, you can add wireless cameras to create a security network inside and outside of your house.
ADT’s Pulse
is a complete home alarm system that uses Z-Wave cameras for home
monitoring from your iPhone, BlackBerry, or Android. ADT Pulse service
plans start at $48 a month, not including installation and cameras.
Schlage’s LiNK
offers its Z-Wave Wireless Camera as an option to its electronic locks.
Like ADT’s Pulse, you can also perform additional home management
functions with compatible Z-Wave products like thermostats. Schlage LiNK
starter kits cost around $300, and the Wireless Camera costs around
$150.
Similar wireless security cameras are available for X10 home automation systems.
DIY camera
You can turn a basic computer webcam into a surveillance system using free downloadable software from Yawcam and EyeSpyFX.
You’re required to have your computer remain on, but once set up you
can log in remotely from another computer—say, at work—and view
streaming video of your home. Just position the camera at what you want
to monitor.
Yawcam offers motion detection and can send a
snapshot to your email when triggered, while EyeSpyFX lets you view
footage from dedicated iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry apps.
An affordable webcam like Microsoft’s LifeCam VX-2000 costs about $30 or less.
A
writer covering the latest technologies and trends for a variety of
national publications, Les Shu is currently automating his home with the
newest doodads to make it smarter than he is.
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