Buying a Home Security Camera System: Top Questions to Ask
When buying a home video security system, questions to ask focus on the integration of equipment, video storage options (local vs. cloud), and professional monitoring capabilities. Key considerations include understanding subscription fees, and ensuring the system supports 24/7 monitoring, and smart home integration.
Oberlander Alarms has different home video camera security systems, with different capabilities. We have designed and installed custom home security systems in Central Illinois for over 50 years.
Here are specific questions and answers regarding home video security:
System Capabilities & Integration
What is the image resolution? (e.g., 1080p, 2K, or 4K) We offer cameras with different image resolutions, depending on your needs and budget.
What is the field of view and detection range?
Some battery cameras have lower detection ranges, sometimes covering 20–25 feet, despite having a wider viewing angle.
Scalability: Can I add more outdoor or indoor cameras to my system later? Is the integration of older and new equipment easy?
Yes, often older camera systems can be integrated into your new system. This depends on the make and requirements of the systems.
Video Storage and Privacy
If video is stored in a cloud-based system, how many days of video history are stored, and can I download recordings?
In some systems we carry, events stored by the number of events. One system has 1000 stored in a month, and with more available for a fee.
Other systems store events from 7 days (with motion and changes) up to 5 years (continuous no changes).
How is the privacy of video data protected?
Data privacy is protected by encryption, and two factor authentication for mobile phones.
Will I receive immediate notification of alarms/events to my cell phone?
Yes, depending on which system you select, many of our home security camera systems send notifications to your cell phone immediately, by text, and some by email, when an event occurs.
Privacy Controls: Is two-factor authentication available for the app?
Yes, our mobile app has two-factor authentication for privacy and security.
Installation & Performance
Power Options: Are the cameras wireless/battery-powered, or do they require hardwiring?
We have both wireless and hardwired options, depending on your needs and home. We also have weather-resistant cameras (up to an IP67 rating*) and equipment for outdoor use. Our security professionals will assist you in selecting the home security camera and home security system that fits both your needs and your budget.
* Equipment rated IP67 means a device is completely dust-tight, and can stand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Installation: Do you offer professional installation to ensure the cameras are secure?
Oberlander Alarm Systems offers professional custom design and installation of home security systems, including home video security systems. We offer a comprehensive range of security solutions, including: alarm systems, video doorbells, and outdoor security cameras, tailored to meet your unique security needs. Backed by our decades of expertise, our home video security systems deliver professional-grade performance you can trust.
Motion Detection: Can the motion detection settings be adjusted to avoid false alerts from pets?
Yes, our cameras and system can adjust to prevent false alerts from the movements of pets. However with the emerging new technology that enables this, it is not an exact science. So, some false alerts may still occur.
Our cameras can use local on the edge analytics, or cloud analytic,or both, to prevent false alerts.
Our systems are usually able to distinguish a person from an animal, and can detect vehicles.
Installation: Do you offer professional installation to ensure the cameras are secure?
Oberlander Alarm Systems offers professional custom design and installation of home security systems, including home video security systems. We offer a comprehensive range of security solutions, including: alarm systems, video doorbells, and outdoor security cameras, tailored to meet your unique security needs. Backed by our decades of expertise, our home video security systems deliver professional-grade performance you can trust.
Monitoring
Professional Monitoring: Can the cameras be integrated into a 24/7 professional monitoring service for alarms?
Yes, our home video security systems can be integrated into a home security alarm system that can also include professional monitoring of alarm events. Oberlander Alarms’ monitoring service is 24/7, and is UL listed.
Do the alarms integrate into smart home systems?
Yes, if you have an existing smart home system, it is possible that we can integrate the security camera system into it. Oberlander offers both, so it is also possible to design a complete system with home intrusion alarm, security camera system, and smart home system.
Compatibility may also be possible with Google Home, Alexa, or Apple HomeKit.
