Having a security system for your home or business makes sense. You want to be able to protect the most important things in your life. Calling an installer can be a low stress way to get a sometimes complicated system up and running. It can be confusing figuring out who to call and if they are the right company for you. Below are some Q’s & A’s that can help you choose the right installer so that you can get the right system set up for you at the right price with the right expertise so that you know what to look for when hiring a security camera installer.
When should I hire an installer?
If you want to install a system more complicated that a few cameras on your front porch, you should call an installer. To use features to their fullest and to have your system well-integrated, you will need a professional security camera installer.
What should I look for when choosing an installer?
Technology continues to advance. Modern CCTV (closed circuit TV) systems have more in common with computers and smart phones than the analog systems popular a few years ago. Security system installers need to have a background in computer networking for you to take full advantage of the features your system can offer.
There are 3 main types of systems for a CCTV security system: 1) Analog 2) IP and 3) HD-TVI.
Analog
Analogy systems have the oldest technology and the cheapest price tag. The first CCTV systems were analog. Analog is easy to install but doesn’t have as clear of an image as other systems. For example, it would take about 6 analog cameras to capture the level of detail of a single HD-TVI camera. If you are needing high quality images to be used as evidence to prosecute criminals, then you may need to invest in a more technologically advanced system. What do you need to be able to see in your cameras? License plate numbers? Head shots? Analog is popular because of the price, but is quickly becoming obsolete. You don’t want to invest in an analog system, only to have to pay to upgrade in a few years. If an installer only does analog systems, you may want to go somewhere else.
HD-TVI
This system is a step up in quality and in price from analog systems. If you have an analog system already and are looking to upgrade, this may be the way to go. The HD-TVI system using the same cabling used in analog CCTV systems but with increased resolution. However, in most cases, resolution is limited to 1080p. HD-TVI cameras offer a range of 1600 feet from the DVR and are available at lower prices than many similar IP camera systems.
IP
Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are the best cameras out there. They are the most expensive but you get almost endless options and versatility plus they capture video in stunning resolutions. Some systems can accommodate resolutions higher than 4K UHD. IP cameras offer features, designs, and prices to suit any surveillance requirements or budget. Both wireless and hardwired cameras are available to provide a wide selection of options for both indoor, outdoor and concealed surveillance. You’ll also find features like thermal imaging, 360-degree fisheye lenses and pinhole-style cameras.
See what types of systems your installer sells. Make sure you are being educated about all of your options.
What else should I ask my installer?
Ask if they warranty the cameras they install.
Many manufacturers offer warranties on cameras, but to take advantage, you have to take down your camera, send it in, and wait. Meanwhile, as you wait on the manufacturer, your security system isn’t protecting you. Some installers offer additional warranties that help you through the gap of waiting. Never assume you won’t need a warranty on your security system. Power surges and even natural disasters happen. You will be happiest in the long run if you plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Ask if they have workman’s compensation and general liability insurance. It’s important to find out if they have this for two reasons: 1) If they have insurance, you have more assurance that they are professionals, not amateurs. 2) Even seasoned professionals sometimes slip. Accidents happen. If installers are insured, you don’t have to worry about being liable.
At Dixon Security we are experts at installing security cameras. Call us at 801-455-0413 for a FREE on-site evaluation of your security system needs.
