Security Tips
If you’ve spent hours researching to find the best PTZ camera, but have found yourself snowed under with information, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve put together an essential buying guide for a PTZ IP camera to meet all your needs.
What is a PTZ camera?
PTZ stands for a pan-tilt-zoom camera. These are very versatile options for security cameras as the device allows users to remotely control the movement and zoom of the camera through apps or software. They are particularly useful if you have a large area needing security coverage and can limit the need to buy several, stationary cameras.
Special Features
- Varifocal lens
- Capable of zooming & auto-focus
- Can cover a full 360-degree area, depending on the position
- Motion tracking (built-in)
- Uses LED infrared lights to work perfectly even in the dark
- Several alarm inputs
- Vandalism resistant
- Simple to install
How to Find the Best PTZ Camera
Do your research thoroughly when the time comes to purchase your PTZ camera.
An excellent place to start is by reading up on Orlando Security Services. Choose respected manufacturers and installation to make sure you’re getting value for money. Everyone will have different requirements when finding their camera, some may just need a few unique features, while others will want the full package.
The PTZ camera can come with the following tech specs, so decide which ones you want before finding the perfect one for you.
- Night Vision
- HD
- Waterproof (this is essential for outdoor cameras)
- Remote Access via an app or software
- Motion Detection
Why Choose a PTZ Camera?
Knowing that you’ve got potential specs to combat any problem should give you peace of mind with your security issues.
A common problem with some security cameras is getting quality images at any time of day; you can rest assured if you’ve chosen a PTZ incorporating night vision and HD capabilities.
PTZ camera’s can be programmed to tour different areas over a given time frame, e.g., the drive, to the garage, to the front door.
This can allow you to focus it directly on your areas of interest.
If you’re monitoring the camera when something suspicious happens, you can remotely follow the incident or track someone/something within range.
PTZ Camera Cost
The PTZ camera has been known on occasion to be slightly out of price-range for some buyers. But recent drops in price are making these must-have security cameras more affordable and realistic for customers.
Depending on the desired features of the IP camera, they can range from $90-$300.
So, if you want an IP camera that does it all, a PTZ camera is the one for you.
They are ideal for protecting your Orlando property or business and will give you the ultimate security system to rival any others on the market.
Finding the right business security camera is a key part of your success. Connected video cameras are getting a lot of attention lately. They’ve become smaller and more powerful, and let you check in on your home anytime, from wherever you are.
Are they really security cameras, though?
If they’re not provided by a security dealer and connected to a genuine security system, the answer is: probably not. Here’s why.
1. There’s no monitoring service
Imagine that there’s a burglary at your business after hours. Your standalone camera will capture the footage and alert you in real time! But what if you’re out at dinner, or in the gym? Or taking a nap on vacation? Or on a plane? Even if you spot the alert within a few minutes, it’s too late.
That’s why real security cameras are connected to a security system which connects in turn to a 24/7 monitoring station.
In the event of a burglary, trained security professionals assess the situation and can call the police. Meanwhile, the camera will automatically capture and securely store footage of what happened in the cloud.
2. The camera is too vulnerable
If your camera is badly positioned and easily unplugged, it’s not a security camera.
Installation makes a huge difference. A security camera installed by a professional can be mounted on a high wall or even out of sight. Positioning a camera in just the right place, to capture a broad range of activity, is critical.
A security camera typically minimizes its power supply’s vulnerability with tamper-resistant features such as in-wall wiring or battery power. Others include water and ice-resistant protection for use outdoors – after all, that’s where burglaries start.
All reasons you need professional security system installation.
3. It doesn’t understand what’s happening
Security isn’t just about catching something bad – it’s about peace of mind. True security cameras, as part of a smart business security system, enhance it.
Part of this includes minimizing false video alerts by understanding context.
A proper security camera has access to context from the entire security system. It knows your arming status, door and window status. It knows if your smart lock is open, and who opened it.
This makes it far more discerning when it comes to alerting you about activity. If you really need a video alert every time one of your doors open, you can still get one. But if you just want a single daily alert when your employees come in during the morning hours, your security system will filter out everything else. It should have the intelligence to figure that out.
What is Professional Security Monitoring? And Do I Need It? One of the smartest things about a professionally monitored home is the proactive safeguards it provides for your family.
Your system’s advanced technology detects potential danger and takes action on your behalf.
One proactive safeguard, however, has a human element: professional security monitoring.
What does it do?
In an alarm event at your home—a break-in, or fire—a security system sends an emergency signal to a 24-7 monitoring station. There, a trained security professional assesses the situation. They then quickly alert your local law enforcement or fire department to the emergency.
How important is professional monitoring?
Do you need a service like this ? After all, there are plenty of connected cameras and motion-detecting smart devices out there. And they are all capable of alerting you to activity at home with a quick smartphone message.
Well, consider this:
Alerts are easy to miss.
And what if you’re not available when a break-in happens?
What if you’re at the gym, or swimming, or at the movies with your phone on “do not disturb”.
Maybe you’re on an airplane, or even just asleep.
Professional security monitoring is inconvenient.
Checking every alert, sorting harmless activity from the suspicious, and investigating each one – 24/7 – won’t be easy.
So you might find a great price on the camera. But when you have to provide your own security, you’ll end up investing plenty of time.
This isn’t your job.
If there’s an emergency at home, your job is to focus on one thing. Keeping you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.
How do I get professional monitoring?
Professional monitoring is included with all Insyte home security systems in Orlando.
We also feature other security-grade features. This includes crash and smash protection, or our dedicated cellular connection.
It’s the only home security solution that delivers true protection and peace of mind.
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Security systems used to have one job. Today, they’re one of the most versatile and useful technologies in the modern smart home.
A modern smart home security system now comes with cloud intelligence, machine learning, app-controlled automation and an array of fully-integrated, connected devices. Not only is it even better at stopping burglars, it’s also the center of the automated, connected home.
Here are a few of the recent innovations important to your home security and smart home.
1. A Smarter Thermostat that Safeguards Your Home
With an Insyte security smart home system connecting them, connected devices all around the home can combine their intelligence into an understanding of what’s going on.
This means your system proactively does smarter things for you.
The smart home thermostat has unique energy-saving features. This includes the ability to read security sensors around the home and pause heating or cooling if you have a door open.
A smart thermostat uses remote sensors to know the temperature in different rooms, and can optimize for precision comfort in any room with a sensor.
It even protects your home itself by alerting you to high humidity that could cause mold. It also alerts your of dangerously low winter temperatures that cause water pipes to freeze and burst.
2. Smart Home Solutions to Complex Challenges
The combination of smart, connected hardware and advanced security intelligence makes light work of complicated security issues.
Take spare keys, for example—or don’t. With smart locks, family members and trusted visitors get four-digit codes instead.
As well as unlocking and locking the door, codes can generate smartphone alerts to keep you aware of who’s coming and going. Unlike spare keys, you can delete them instantly. This ensures that only the right people ever have access.
Add a doorbell camera to your door as well and you have a solution to the growing problem of package theft.
There’s no need to stay home for a delivery. Instead, you can use your smartphone app to verify a delivery person, unlock your smart lock, ask them to leave the package inside, and then secure your house again once they leave.
3. Early-Warning Alerts That Pre-Empt Problems
Most security technology can alert you when something bad happens. Smart home security systems let you know beforehand, using machine learning and sensor intelligence to spot activity that could spell trouble.
Unexpected Activity notifications are a new type of smartphone alert generated. It learns your home’s activity patterns to let you know when something out of the ordinary is going on. For example, your kids getting into the garage on a weekday when it’s usually empty.
These alerts can be triggered by contact sensors on doors and windows, or by motion sensors you’ve placed in dangerous or forbidden areas.
You can even ‘train’ them over time with simple feedback that the Insights Engine adapts to.
4. Better Protection from Burglars
Crash and Smash protection protects you from burglars by ensuring that even if an intruder smashes your security panel, your system still signals for help.
When your front door opens and the security system starts its countdown, the cloud platform logs the event. If the panel goes offline before sending either a ‘disarm’ or ‘emergency’ signal, the alarm system proactively reports a suspected Crash and Smash event to your home’s professional monitoring station. They will then call law enforcement on your behalf.
While the “buying” part is easy nowadays, the “delivery” part is not.
It’s stressful.
If you’re not willing and able to stay home for a valuable package, it gets left on your doorstep.
Of course your front door is prime target for fast-working package thieves.
This year, though, there’s a smart solution called smart home security.
It lets you secure a delivered package in three easy steps—even when you’re away from home—using an app.
Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Verify the Visitor
You’ll know someone’s at the door when the delivery person rings your doorbell camera. This triggers an alert on your smartphone, from which you can open a video screen to see who’s there.
Tap the microphone icon on your app’s doorbell camera screen to say hello and start a two-way conversation.
2: Direct the Delivery
Once you’ve verified the delivery person, tell them you’ll give them access.
Ask them to leave the package inside the door, and to close the door behind them.
Now, use your Alarm.com app to give access.
First, disarm your security system.
Then, unlock your front door’s smart lock. You can do it all from the doorbell camera screen.
3: Secure the Door
Once the package is inside, and your delivery driver has closed the front door, it only takes a couple of taps on your app to re-secure your house.
Lock the door, arm the security system and be sure to say thanks to your delivery driver.
Your package is now secure and protected alongside everything else in your home. Happy holidays!
Want to foil the package thieves this holiday?
It’s easy to have a doorbell camera and smart lock added to your smart home security system. Contact Insyte Security today about upgrading your front door.
We’ve seen this tactic plenty, so don’t be embarrassed if you’ve tried the fake security tricks.
Certain businesses and homeowners, for example, boast about preventing burglaries with nothing more than a large “beware of dog” sign. And others will tell you to entrust your security to a fake security cameras—an empty camera body designed to mimic a video monitoring solution.
When a burglar spots your dummy camera—complete with blinking, battery-powered red light if you spring for the high-end $20 model—they’ll quickly beat a retreat… or so the story goes.
Does it work?
It’s a security urban legend with a grain of truth. A novice burglar might just be fooled, although experienced crooks can quickly spot a fake.
But there’s a whole lot that a fake camera can’t do.
1: Fake cameras can’t show you important activity
Take this everyday scenario: While you’re at work, someone walks up to your front porch. Here’s how it might go with a real camera, and with a fake one.
Real camera: The visitor’s motion triggers your camera to record a clip, your alarm sends you a smartphone alert. On opening the alert, you can pull up a live feed from your camera on your app and see what’s happening. Now, you can take action.
Fake camera: With a fake camera, no action can be taken.
2: Fake cameras can’t help you catch a crook
Let’s say that your suspicious visitor really is up to no good. In fact, they’re a package thief, and they make off with a parcel you just had delivered to your porch.
Real camera: You missed your package. But your camera supplies a silver lining for you and your neighbors: a clear video clip of the thief in action. It’s easy to download to your phone and email it to your local police department or newspaper. You can even post it to Facebook to share with your neighborhood groups.
Your video clip can quickly become a crime-fighting asset that gives police the breakthrough they need to recognize and catch the thief.
Fake camera: You’ll still realize your package went missing—after a couple of days, at least.
3: Fake cameras aren’t connected to a security system
Let’s look at the worst-case scenario. Your suspicious visitor is a daytime burglar intent on forcing your front door open, camera or no.
Real camera: This burglar quickly discovers that your camera is connected to actual monitoring. As well as recording them, your Insyte alarm technology is simultaneously sounding a loud alarm, sending alarm notifications to you and your family, and delivering an emergency signal to a security professional at a 24-hour monitoring station.
Fake camera: You’re going to have a terrible surprise when you return home or to your business.
4: Fake cameras can’t show you anything at all
Not everything that happens on your property is an attempted burglary. On any given day, you’re far more likely to have a package delivered, to have a neighbor visit, or to have your kids arrive home from school. Being able to see what’s going on makes everything easier and reduces everyday worries.
This is how millions of Insyste Security cameras are used every day, and it’s what many users love most about their smart security systems. With a fake camera, you don’t get any of this.
To begin securing your home or business for real, contact your local Orlando security company.
October is National Crime Prevention Month which officially identifies as well as celebrates the prevention of crime, endorsing safe and secure communities.
At the same time, this month brings along that night of the year which brings out by the worldly ‘tricksters’ who can pose harm to your home. People tend to get reckless too and at Halloween your home is prone to vandalism.
Especially if you reside in Orlando, people flock here throughout the holidays due to all the fun and festivities it offers. Be it Halloween or any other holiday this season, you have to ensure Orlando home safety. To make that possible it is essential that you have Orlando home security cameras.
Following are some tips to ensure that your home is safe apart from the measures that you have taken for Orlando home security:
1. Keep the Door Locked
With so many little trick-or-treaters heading up your way though, one might consider keeping the door unlocked so that you don’t have to get up every time. But it is not necessary that only kids will be heading your way. Keep your door locked at all times and when you hear it knock or bell, use discretion while opening the door fi you are not too comfortable by who is at your doorstep.
Even if you are not home, at least no one can break in and of course have an Orlando home security system installed for sure.
2. Pet Protection
It is wise to keep your pets inside. Dogs tend to bark at strangers and they might scare little trick-or-treaters that step on your front door. They could break away and chase someone down the street.
Moreover, some people tend to have a sick idea for and enjoy hurting or teasing dogs or cats. Keep your furry companions safe inside your home and away from the front door..
3. Lots of Light
Though Halloween calls for a spooky ambience with low or no lights, it is better to be safe than sorry. Keep your property well-lit even if you are not home.
Leave the lights on so home looks occupied and before leaving make sure you set Orlando home security system. Do not use candles burning in pumpkins as they pose hazard of fire. Use battery powered lights.
4. Clear Pathways
Kid do not see where they are going in excitement so to save your kids and the little trick-or treaters from falling down or tripping, make sure the walkways and porch are clear of any toys or debris and lighted.
5. Set a Timeline
Depending on your community’s curfew and traditions, set a cut-off time to answer the door. Legitimate and safe trick-or-treaters should be off the streets around 8-9. Turn off porch lights for a while but then turn them on before going to bed.
6. Home Automation System
Wireless sensor integration system enable you to detect any suspicious activity around your premises as well as your window status from anywhere. Also, for Orlando home safety you can control the home security cameras to record activity via a remote on your porch and property.
Having a business means having a bottom line. When you are trying to upgrade or make your location more secure, you have to consider the cost of a business security system.
The prices can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars and that can affect your profit and spending for the month (or the year even, especially if you are a new company).
So how do you insure that you are spending the right amount and not overdoing it? Do you really need to purchase and install the most expensive one?
More money does not necessarily mean better. To help you out in the process here are some tips to avoid overspending on your business security system cost.
Determine Your Needs
This is the first thing that you need to do. Consider the size of your business or location. Is it something that can be monitored by an actual “home” security system which is inherently less expensive than a ‘commercial’ one?
Can you do the install yourself on a simple video monitoring system or do you need a professional?
Those are the basics when it comes to determining the needs.
Then take it a step further. What additional services do you need?
This can include services such as intrusion detection which can (if using an Orlando security monitoring provider) alert the police or fire should an intrusion or emergency be registered. Depending on the size and your needs, monthly monitoring can run you from $20 to well over $2000 per month. So you’ll want to make sure you know exactly what you need and what is excessive.
Compare Security System Providers
Really, once you have determined what you need you can go ahead and find the Orlando business security system that fits into the plan of the business security system cost that you have planned out based on your needs and your budget.
When you are looking for a company to service your needs it’s recommended that you call around, get written quotes that meet your needs and then compare. That’s the key to being able to save the money that you need to and not overspend.
Planning is essential as well. Once you have the plan you can get specific information as to what different companies offer.
Create your bottom line, contact the companies, and then finally make the decision. After all, it’s about the security of your company, your employees, and your merchandise and data.
You don’t want to spend your whole budget on the security system, but there is also a balance. A well qualified Orlando security system installer and monitoring company can help you make that decision.
Most of the things that are used to be done only by the experts are already available in DIY systems. So most of the time we stumble upon making a decision of how to get things done – should you hire a professional or just do it yourself?
As a whole, DIY may be cost-effective up front but professional services are more convenient. There are obviously pros and cons in whichever methods you choose from.
Choosing between a DIY or Professional Alarm Monitoring in Orlando is no different in this scenario. It can be a tough decision to make.
What is DIY Alarm Monitoring?
A DIY Alarm system is a security system in which the installation is done by the customers themselves. There are several types of DIY alarms. There are professionally monitored ones and others are self monitored.
The Pros:
- No Installation Fees.
- The installation is done at your own time. There is no need to setup a weekend appointment for the installer. You can do it at night or early morning – you own your schedule.
- Most DIY alarms are available at more affordable prices
- Allows you to setup the system your way
- They are usually wireless and portable. So they are easy to uninstall when you need to move to a new location.
The Cons:
- After purchasing the DIY system, you are already on your own. You do everything from reading the manual to working your way up to completing the installation. You are also responsible for repairs.
- While DIY systems are easy to install, most of them only provides the basic service and do not give adequate system to protect your home.
- Just because you are not paying a professional to monitor your system, doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost. You are the only person responsible for monitoring.
- You will run the risk of doing the installation incorrectly.
What is Professional Alarm Monitoring?
Professional Alarm Systems are security systems installed by professionals. Professional security systems and Orlando alarm monitoring tend to provide higher levels of security and reliability as well as meet strict requirements of home insurance companies.
The Pros:
- No installation work hassle. You can just sit back and relax and let professionals do the installation for you.
- You will have the peace of mind, knowing the system is installed and monitored by professionals.
- You can still check in on your home or business yourself without being the primary monitor.
- Should a trouble happen with the alarm, professional assistance will be readily available for repairs. Professional security companies that provide security monitoring in Orlando have support available anytime should anything go wrong.
The Cons:
- They are subject to installation fees and maintenance contracts
- You need to free up your schedule for the installation. Professional monitoring system requires you to setup an appointment for the technician visit.
Choosing the right monitoring system largely depends on you. You can opt for convenience whilst spending more or choose to do things your own and save money upfront. If you are a handy person DIY systems may work best for you.
Professional systems are more advanced though so you’ll sleep through the night knowing your security system is monitored by the experts.
Both systems have their own advantages and drawbacks but choosing the one which provides better security and peace of mind may not be a bad idea at all.
When you’re having a security system installed, you want it to be done right. Hiring a certified Orlando Security Installer can make all the difference for getting a reliable system that matches your needs. High-Definition cameras provide the clearest pictures for your peace of mind, but there are still some considerations to bear in mind when choosing installation. Here are some tips for choosing the best Orlando HD Security Camera installation.
General Considerations
Not every choice you have to make will specifically revolve around HD cameras. First you need to find a reputable security company. Like many services, it’s best to ask around or read online reviews to get an idea of a company’s customer service, pricing, and quality. And remember, your decision isn’t final until money has changed hands. If they’re awkward to buy from, don’t listen to what you want, or aren’t upfront about their costs, switch to someone else. A bit of wasted time now is better than frustrations in the future.
When you’ve found a company, think about what you want from your cameras before you get in touch with them. It will make the process smoother for both of you. For example, what areas do you want covered? Do you want your cameras hidden or obvious for deterrence? Do you want indoor or outdoor cameras?
Outdoor cameras are a common choice for personal property, but they need to be able to stand up to harsh weather. Anti-vandalism features are highly recommended in certain areas, and long-range night vision is ideal if you worry about night-time break-ins.
Another service that some customers don’t know about, but could benefit from, is remote monitoring. It allows you to view your security footage on your phone using an app for reassurance when away from home. Not every company offers it, so it’s worth checking before you commit to a decision.
HD Camera Concerns
When it comes to HD cameras, they are great for detailed video, but there are various installation concerns to be careful of.
First, you need to think about how you want to connect your camera to the rest of your security system. There are wired and wireless options, and each has its own advantages and drawbacks. If you’re having wiring installed, check that it’s high-quality. A coaxial cable is both strong and will maintain the HD quality when transmitting the signal.
Next up is software – you need something that will keep up with your cameras. Most people want something that loads quickly and is easy to use.
Finally, storage. If you want to be able to look back at what exactly happened in your garden yesterday, you need to store your footage somewhere so you can review it later. With HD cameras, this is particularly important because the detailed footage needs more storage space. You may need large hard drives, or a subscription to a cloud storage provider.
There are many aspects to consider when having HD security cameras installed, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. If you’re clear on what you what, and shop around for the best company, peace of mind is only a purchase away.
