Gotcha!!.... A Guide To Home Surveillance Systems

Just as the name implies, Complete Systems come with everything you need to get your system up and running. The following components make up the complete system:

* DVR
* Cameras
* Cables (if system is wired, which means there is a cable that connects the camera to the DVR)
* Receivers (if system is wireless, which means the camera has a transmitter and the DVR has a receiver)
* Monitor

These are the most expensive of all the systems with prices beginning at over $2000.(Ouch!!) Pictured is a 4 channel wireless system.

Usually these come with indoor/outdoor cameras and can be used to monitor doors (so you can see who is ringing your doorbell!), driveways, garages or any remote portion of your property. They are used to monitor indoor areas where you may have valuables stored. (And I trust that's not your mattress...) Depending on your requirements, these systems usually are available in 4, 8, and 16 camera systems. In the multi-camera wireless systems, up to 4 cameras are wireless and the remainder are wired.

As the cameras are usually visible, they can act as a deterrent to would be intruders. Except for maybe the dumb ones...who end up in their own screen test for a shot at a starring role in the local lockup! Along the lines of deterrents, it never a bad idea to post stickers or signs advertising the fact that the area is under video surveillance.

Some of the cool things you can do with these systems....

* View live video from your cameras over the internet.
* Scheduled recording.
* Email alerts.
* Password protected.
* Stealth mode.

I could go on, but you get the idea, a fair sized dent in your bank account but a great system with lots of bells and whistles! Translated: a lot of flexibility with the ability to customize to your needs.

So you think someone is getting into your secret stash of oreos? Then a Hidden Camera (aka the infamous "Nanny Cam") may be just what you need. As the name suggests, a camera is built into everyday objects so it is hidden. Pictured is an Alarm Clock Radio Hidden Camera.

Some of these cameras are wired, but most are wireless. When purchased, you get:

The Hidden Camera (with a Transmitter, if wireless)
A Reciever (if wireless)

If you purchase a wired model, you would normally have the extra expense of the cable. Trust me, not a budget buster... Recievers for the wireless models are plugged into the input of a DVR or VCR.

Now for some pros and cons....On the upside, these cameras are fairly inexpensive, ranging from just under a hundred dollars to somewhere in the 300 to 400 dollar neighborhood. On the downside, the majority of these cameras do not have motion sensors, so the recording medium (VCR/DVR) has to be running all the time. VCR tapes are available that have a 8 hour run time.

You want options?? Well, we've got 'em.

* Some have the previously mentioned wired or wireless option.
* Color or Black and White cameras.
* Black and White has a very low light option allowing you to record in almost, pretty close but not quite total darkness. (There HAS to be a little light, OK?!)
* The transmitters on the cameras come with a high power option adding about 1500 feet to the average 1000 foot range....give or take....depending on what's between the transmitter and receiver....concrete, steel (steel walls? where do you live??), sheetrock, etc.

So there you have it. Everything you need to make an informed decision on what you need to catch that no good oreo rustler. Other than to briefly mention the name, I really do not want to get into the "Nanny Cam" thing as people seem to be divided on the morality of this particular use. All I can say is, follow your conscience and don't use it for anything illegal. (DUH!)

This is basically software/hardware that enables you to use your computer as a surveillance system. Pictured is a USB-DVR unit. You are able to use your existing computer and webcam (sneaky, huh?) and/or up to 4 (total) cameras to keep an eye on things.

The USB DVR runs less than a hundred dollars...pretty affordable. The cost can go up if you add cameras other than your webcam. This system also comes as a complete system, wired or wireless. However, (c'mon, you knew there was gonna be a however...!) this increases the price considerably...

Some of the really cool features of this system are:
* You can use your computers IP address to log on from anywhere in the world via the internet and view either live video or past video.
* It can operate secretly on your computer to simultaneously record up to 4 cameras.
* It can be scheduled to record at specific times.
* It can be motion activated and you can be alerted via email, cell phone or PDA!

This can be a really affordable, really versatile surveillance system. This would be ideal for you apartment dwellers out there.

The other item in this catagory is the IP Camera. This camera simply plugs directly into your computer and you use the IP address to monitor things from afar. Video is recorded by your computer or you do have the option of plugging these cameras into a DVR. Some of these are available as a wired unit or wireless.

Some of the really cool features of these cameras are:
* You can use your computers IP address to log on from anywhere in the world via the internet and view either live video or past video.
* It can operate secretly on your computer and included software can support up to 16 cameras.
* It can be motion activated and you can be alerted via email, cell phone or PDA!

Depending on the camera and the application, these run around 200 to 400 dollars.

Although not really a video camera, the digital surveillance camera is another option to consider. Reasonably priced at less than $500, it would be a great choice for monitoring a single area (an apartment?!) and could even be mounted in your car. (Finally! You'll find out who has been secretly washing your car while your at work.....evil, just evil......)

This little gem can take and store a thundering grunch(?) of pictures..over 600. It works by sensing changes in the picture field...like motion sensing...same thing, only different...(what?) Anyway, you can view the pictures by connecting it to the input jack of your VCR or TV. Simple stuff. Really. I'm not kidding......