Today it is impossible to imagine an integrated approach to organizing a security system without video surveillance cameras. At home, such tasks are solved with less labor and financial costs than at commercial facilities, but this in no way diminishes their importance. There are different methods for arranging video surveillance systems for an apartment, as well as ways for their communication and power supply.
What is a modern video surveillance system?
The basis of the kit is logically formed by a video camera or a set of them, but the extended composition also contains other functional components. These may include power supplies, a server, a video recorder, content storage, a router, wiring, etc. Moreover, for each component, there are always several options for execution, not to mention technical and operationalcharacteristics of different models.
The organization of a video surveillance system for an apartment with a record will require the input of a computer station provided with specialized software. At a minimum, it will be able to convert data into a form acceptable for storage and transmission.
To record a video stream on a flash card, you should immediately focus on a Cube-type Wi-Fi camera. Such devices are compatible with almost all common types of miniature storage media, they themselves are small and inexpensive (about 5 thousand rubles). This will be the most affordable solution for domestic use, but there are also advanced configurations with cloud services, connecting dozens of IP cameras with additional functions.
The principle of the home video surveillance system
The tasks of cameras differ, as do the main functions of video surveillance systems. As a rule, cameras shoot material, according to which the course of events is subsequently restored during the absence of the owner of the protected object. At the first stage, the video material is directly recorded, then it is sent to the computer, and then to the storage. This is how the simplest scheme works, but certain adjustments are made to it in order to increase reliability.
For example, instead of a computer, as a base point for receiving information, a NAS server or a video recorder can be used. In this case, the video surveillance system for the apartment will provide the possibility of intermediate and automatic processing of the recorded material with its subsequent sending to the network.
Instantly saving a video stream, for example, in cloud storage is important because an attacker can destroy or take away all physical storage media in an apartment. Modern technologies do allow the owner to view the "picture" in real time from anywhere where the Internet is available.
Key Features of Cameras
In addition to the configuration of interaction between different components of the system, it would be useful to initially determine the capabilities of the camera as such. The characteristics below will basically determine the quality of the footage:
- Permission. This parameter defines the number of active video matrix pixels. For surveillance cameras, the FullHD format at 2.1 megapixels is considered optimal. This resolution allows you to count on acceptable detail with image scaling without a noticeable data overload.
- Matrix type. For an apartment, a video surveillance system can be assembled from cameras with CCD and CMOS matrices. What is the difference? In the first case, more advanced optics are used - respectively, with high image quality. But such matrices are sensitive to external influences, therefore, for example, it is undesirable to use them on a landing.
- Light sensitivity. The choice for this parameter depends on the nature of the use of the camera by time of day. If the emphasis is on the possibility of night shooting, then the sensitivity should start from 0.01 lux.
Types of video surveillance systems
Today, the fundamental differences are in the ways of data transmission, support for digital technologies and the way of power supply. As for the material transmission channel, there are wired and wireless systems. That is, the video stream is broadcast either via radio channels with the support of the corresponding modules or in the traditional way - via analog wired communication.
Here, the differences between digital and analog video surveillance systems for an apartment are also found, the competition between which continues today. So, with all the advantages of new technologies, a conventional cable network wins both in terms of data transfer speed and reliability.
Both an autonomous battery with a generator station and a local power grid can act as a power source. For apartments, of course, it is more convenient to use the main power line, but this solution is not always combined with high requirements for masking communications.
Features of CCTV
The main difference between such systems is the use of miniature cameras, almost invisible to prying eyes. These are so-called point lenses with a coverage angle of 12-78°. The dimensions of mini-cameras usually fit into the matchbox format. From the point of view of the operation of covert video surveillance systems for an apartment with a recording, it is worth highlighting two nuances:
- Cameras almost always operate in full autonomy. Andsignal transmission, and power supply is carried out wirelessly. Batteries are used for power (less often accumulators), and the material is transmitted via wireless communication modules - for example, Bluetooth.
- The design of the camera suggests the possibility of integration into various equipment, appliances, household appliances, etc. For this, special fasteners and clamps with fittings for flush mounting are included in the kit.
Methods for installing video surveillance systems in an apartment
Service and processing equipment is located in hardware units, as part of computer stations or data storage modules. In turn, the installation of network cameras may involve several installation options:
- On the bracket. The universal and most profitable way in terms of ensuring the functionality of the device. The bracket is usually fixed in the upper corner of the room with hardware, after which the camera is fixed to it through the grooves of the standard connectors. The main advantage of this method is that the body can be adjusted in terms of viewing angle.
- False ceiling installation. If it is planned to install video surveillance systems in an apartment with a minimum change in the interior appearance, then this solution will be optimal. The camera is integrated into the false ceiling, and all communications are hidden in the subceiling niche.
- Wall mounting. Dome cameras should be used for this method. They are also mounted according to the built-in principle, but unlike the ceiling installationmay require wall chasing for cable routing.
Organization of the equipment power supply system
If a wired power supply principle is used, then it will be necessary to organize dedicated network circuits. Experts recommend using coaxial cable (RG-59 type) or twisted pair for such purposes. The value of the current strength is calculated with a small margin - about 20%, since manufacturers often underestimate the actual indicators of the consumed current.
Special attention is paid to the power supply. It is more expedient to use pulse adapters, since they ensure the equipment's operability around the clock without special control. Before installing a video surveillance system in an apartment, they also consider the risks of external influences on the communication zones.
The same twisted-pair power supply malfunctions if it is affected by climatic equipment - thermal or refrigeration. Therefore, it will be useful to think over and reliable isolation of the circuits.
Conclusion
Providing housing with protective equipment with cameras is not difficult if you first think through all the operational nuances. They will also allow you to determine the optimally suitable type of equipment. In some cases, the use of a CCTV system for an apartment, usually indoors, will be justified.
Outside, in the vestibule and on the landing, they are more suitablefull-frame network cameras with a wide viewing angle. But it is most effective to apply an integrated approach by installing several different types of video surveillance devices.
