Wireless Cameras, Video Doorbell, or Both

1. Wireless Cameras, Video Doorbell, or Both It wasn't too long ago that the first commercially available video doorbell came to market. When it did, it made quite a splash. Sales have been so brisk ever since that competitors have raced to come up with their own models. While it is all good, it has led to a debate over whether video doorbells should be a substitute for wireless security cameras. Some say that a video doorbell is really all you need on the exterior of your home. Others say it is better to have a series of wireless cameras. Still others say that it's best to have both. So who's right? That's entirely up to you. Every homeowner has to decide for him or herself what constitutes adequate security. To help you figure that out, both wireless cameras and video doorbells are discussed in greater detail below. Wireless Video Cameras Wireless video cameras have been around longer than video doorbells. Their predecessors, wired closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras, have been around even longer. CCTV technology has been in play since the late 1940s. Wireless cameras did not come to market until about 10 years ago. At any rate, wireless systems are preferred in the internet age. Devising a wireless camera strategy for home security purposes is the same as previous homeowners would have done with CCTV technology. You choose the most strategic locations and install cameras that give you the views you are looking for.

2. A basic home security system sold by a company like Vivint would include at least one camera. The best place to install that camera is somewhere on the exterior the house that provides a clear view of the front entrance. If a second camera is available, installing it just inside the front door is the best bet. It should provide a clear view of everyone entering and exiting through that door. Benefits of Video Cameras There are a number of benefits to installing wireless video cameras. First is the fact that you can install as many as you want around your house. Cover every corner of the exterior as well as every room if you like. If you choose wireless cameras operated by battery power, you also have the advantage of portability. The camera that monitors the kids' activity in the family room during the day can be taken up to the baby's room at night. Another benefit of the wireless video camera is that it can be hidden. There are models disguised as everything from soda cans to picture frames. A small video camera can be hidden inside a plant, on a bookshelf, and even in a clock. Video Doorbells A video doorbell is really a hybrid device. It includes a built-in doorbell, video camera, and wireless speaker. It is designed to allow homeowners to see if someone is approaching the front door, or even standing at the door ready to ring the bell. The homeowner can communicate with the visitor using the on-board speaker system. All the while, the video camera is recording footage that can be viewed on a smartphone or recorded and archived. Benefits of Video Doorbells The biggest benefit of the video doorbell is being able to see anyone standing at your front door. It allows you to instantly know if someone is approaching your home to sell you something, leave a package, or even steal something off the porch. The best part is that you can communicate without that person outside your door knowing where you are. You could be at home, or you could be hundreds of miles away on vacation. Video doorbells are relatively easy to install and can be monitored by a smartphone app. They rely on battery power and your home's wi-fi network for proper functioning, so bear that in mind. So what do you think? Should you choose one or the other, or go for both? A comprehensive home security with all the bells and whistles would include a video doorbell at the front of the house and as many security cameras as necessary to secure the rest of the property. If you cannot afford such an expensive system, you may have to choose one or the other.