Types of home security cameras people use in Toronto

With burglaries, thefts, and cases of vandalism always on the rise, most households in Toronto, Canada use home security cameras these days to protect their homes, personal property, and loved ones from possible harm. Installing CCTV cameras at strategic points in and around the home can surely provide homeowners with the sense of security and peace of mind they need when looking about their work in their day-to-day lives. A leading expert in CCTV installation solutions in Toronto can offer an extensive range of choices when it comes to selecting these products. Depending on the type of CCTV cameras they use, they will have a slightly different user experience with them. The latest CCTV cameras can be integrated with a smartphone so that people can watch the live feed directly from there. 

If you are living in Toronto, and you need to buy home security cameras for your residence, you will find several great options offered by the CCTV companies in the local area. The most based options that you can choose from are wired CCTV cameras and wireless CCTV cameras. The wireless CCTV cameras are easy to install, which means that you can get them set up in a short time. On the other hand, you may have the problem of cordless phones and wireless internet systems interfering with the signals of the wireless cameras. The wired security cameras tend to be more stable and reliable than their wireless counterparts. If you can do some hardwiring, it is better to opt for wired cameras when looking for something permanent. 

The other options for you to consider are indoor and outdoor security cameras. If you have a garden or a porch area that you want to secure, you should get outdoor cameras installed in there. The outdoor cameras can notify you if an intruder or suspicious person is roaming around your home. The indoor security cameras are suitable for keeping the interiors of your home safe. There are also options for dome security cameras and bullet security cameras. Dome security cameras, as the name suggests, are designed in the shape of a dome and work as an excellent deterrent for trespassers. It is not easy to tamper with them. The bullet cameras can come in weatherproof versions when you want to put them outside. Both dome cameras and bullet cameras are installable indoors and outdoors.     

7 Key Reasons to Hire a Security Monitoring Company in Toronto

Hiring a home security monitoring company is essential for safeguarding businesses as well as private properties. The peace of mind that can be derived with the installation of home security systems is long lasting and immediate. It is only with the help of a CCTV installation, you can assure the protection of your property and family. Apart from this, there are few more benefits of availing home security services, which are discussed below.

1. Heightened Awareness:

When you hire a home security monitoring company, you can avail the benefit of knowing what is cooking up at your property, irrespective of your physical location. In simple words, even when you stay away from your home, you will be instantly notified when something unpleasant takes place. And in case, you are far away, the company will take whatever immediate steps need to be taken, in order to normalize the situation.

2. 24/7 Protection:

Whether you are home or not, whether you are awake or asleep, when you have a home security systems company to look after your property, you need not to worry about your assets’ security. Day and night, the company will make sure to offer you with all the security services that you have requested.

3. Recognizing Potential Threats:

When you avail CCTV installation, it will help you to recognize and avoid potential threats. For example, if someone tries to break into your property, the activity will get captured in the security camera, alarming you about the dubious act.

4. Comprehensive Security Services:

Nowadays home security services and facilities are not limited to providing alarm systems, video surveillance and guards only. With the advancement in technology, even the security equipment are upgraded ones. Customers can now, enjoy wide range of professional services at pocket friendly rates.

5. Deduction in Liability Risk:

If you choose to protect your assets on your own, solely with basic security equipment and facilities, then whatever happens, the consequences will directly fall on your shoulders. This might affect your insurance as well. However, if you hire a home security monitoring company, it will be their responsibility for any incidents involving their contracted security services.

6. Lesser Confusion and Inconveniences:

In the absence of CCTV installation and home security systems, it will not only be easier for thieves to attack your properties but even you won’t be in a position to know what exactly happened with your property. Furthermore, you won’t have any proof against the evil mind, making it way more difficult to trace the complete incident.

7. Saves Money & Time:

You may feel that going for home security services can be an unnecessary waste of money. However you should think about the long run benefits it can offer. It is true that you need to pay some amount in order to avail the services, but once you are done with the payment, you need not to waste your time in managing situations to guard your assets and property. Moreover, renowned companies provide a lot of deals, allowing customers to enjoy higher security at minimal cost.

Differences Between Surveillance Cameras and Security Cameras

Owing to the technological advancement, nowadays a lot of properties that are equipped with contemporary safety systems are brewing up. This development has as well resulted in a number of cameras that can protect a property from most of the threats. And in order to built a building with the most effective protection, it is essential to know the difference, especially between surveillance systems and security cameras.

Security Cameras:

Also known as CCTV cameras, these cameras are utilised to relay signals from one spot to an extended monitor that is located at a distanced area. Apart from this, a security camera can as well conduct the following tasks –

• Advantage of Observing Crimes: This is the greatest advantage of placing a security camera. Irrespective of its location, the sight of the camera is enough for someone to get back on track. In other words, if a person with ill intension enters a building, s/he will automatically step back and shall dare not to carry out her/his plan, as the camera will capture all the activities
• Place Them As Per Requirements: Since security cameras can be placed anywhere, as long as there is power backup, it becomes easier to install them in hidden locations as well, if one requires to detect some dubious activities or people
• Ability to Record: With the help of security cameras it is possible to record any activity or document any event. Thus it is can act as the greatest proof agaist any crime or evel plannings. Furthermore, the latest ones are equipped to support high-quality audio and video

Surveillance Cameras:

Although, a surveillance camera is as well used for tracking unlawful activities, it is slightly different than a security camera, and is helpful for the following activities –

• Catch Targeted Activity: Since surveillance cameras are engineered and designed to capture individual activities, it acts as an effective tool for police and to deter public crimes
• Capability to Monitor from Afar: Surveillance cameras operate with the help of internet. In other words, wherever there is source for internet connectivity, it is possible to install the cameras and supervise what is going on in and around a particular area. This is why it is also possible to see the feed from the camera through mobile phones and other handy devices
• Easy Installation: Compared to security cameras, the installation of surveillance cameras is cost cutting and easygoing, as the later one operates on internet and there is less requirement for cables and wires.

Types of Home Security Alarm Systems Available in Toronto

Whenever you move to a new locality or a home, the very first concern that will pop in your mind is the safety of the neighborhood. We simply can’t wait for some burglaries to happen and then take appropriate safety measures. It is always wise to install home security systems, before you start staying in that house. Security system do make robbers think twice before targeting a building. Luckily, there are few home security systems available in Toronto that are reputed for their services and facilities. And mentioned here are the names of the security companies.

1. Alarvac:

Bearing over 25 years of experience in this industry, Alarvac is popular in Toronto for offering top notch home security systems at affordable price. The company believes in practical and cost effective security solutions that can easily meet contemporary requirements. They are as well supported with qualified and skilled technicians who take complete care of the security system installation.

2. ADT:

ADT has a name in Canada for creating the first automated burglar Alarm system, back in the 1940s. Although originally, it is an USA based company, at present it offers its services globally, including Toronto. It provides an array of technology measures and services that are exclusively meant for covering every possible risk that one may face. The company offers 3 years contract period.

3. Frontpoint:

With the help of latest technology, the company constantly keeps innovating and improving home safety measures to tackle each security problem smartly. It is originally an US company, branching out to other nations like Canada. The focus of the brand is to offer self-set-up equipment, so that customers need not to spend extra bucks in the name of security system installation. The overall cost of its system completely depends on the products that consumers are interested on.

4. Brink Home Security:

Serving more than 1 million customers today, the company was founded in 1994. During the span of over two decades, the brand has not only grown and expanded but as well is a reputed name when it comes to offering full smart automation systems combining “old-school” security knowledge and advanced technology. Even though it provides already built bundles for various security purposes, customers can still add or subtract certain features as per requirements.

5. Protection Plus:

With headquarters located in Toronto, Ontario; the company provides the best and the most up-to-the-minute home security systems, electronic protection products and services. It has more than 25 years of experience, earning thousands of satisfied customers across the GTA and Southern Ontario.

Top 10 Benefits of Home Burglar Alarm Installation

Opting for burglar alarm installation means you have to spend few bucks extra. Agree. But not possessing any home security may cost you more in the future. If you still think alarm system monitoring service is not worth, read the write-up till the end.

1. Avoids Burglary:

The foremost benefit of burglar alarm installation is that it can deter break-in from happening in the first place. Even intruders avoid homes and buildings that are well secured with home security. 89% of ex-convicts admit that they purposefully avoid targeting a building that is equipped with smart security.

2. Saves Your Valuables:

A home can possess a lot of valuables starting from car, jewelleries, cash, electronics and etc. Losing any of these means huge loss to the owners. However a burglar alarm installation can save such losses from happening as the alarm system will notify as soon as motion is detected. Or with help of advanced alarm system monitoring services, even the police will get informed automatically.

3. Peace of Mind:

It is not possible to stay inside a home 24/7 in the name of protection. So, with a burglar alarm installation, there will be peace of mind, knowing that your property and belongings are at safe hands.

4. Lesser Home Insurance Premium:

By investing in burglar alarm installation or alarm system monitoring will automatically lower you home insurance premiums as there will be lesser risk of thefts and robberies.

5. Higher Property Value:

A burglar alarm installation is an attractive feature which will add more value to the house. Even when prospective customers will see that the house is already fully secured with home security system, they will find the property worth buying, despite having to pay few bucks extra.

6. Likelihood of Catching a Burglar:

When an intruder breaks-in in the presence of a home security system, the crime will not only get noticed immediately but it will also make it possible for police to catch the criminal, even if he manages to escape from the crime scene.

7. Allows Remote Access:

Contemporary alarm system monitoring comes with advanced features and allows the home owner to have a clue of what is going around inside his/her property in his/her absence.

8. Allows Keeping an Eye on Kids & Pets:

Nowadays home security systems also come equipped with features which help homeowners to keep an eye on their kids and pets, through video surveillance, while they are out for work or are on vacations.

9. Notifies Carbon Monoxide Gas Buildup:

Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that neither can be felt nor can be seen. If for some reason, CO starts leaking, it can be fatal. But in the presence of a home security system the authorities will be automatically notified once the gas starts to flow out.

10. Manage Electricity:

Many security companies offer top notch security products such as smart locks, video doorbells, smart thermostats and etc. In case you forget to switch off any electrical appliance or change your thermostat, before leaving on a trip, you can do so with these advanced gadgets.

Top 7 Things to Consider While Buying a CCTV Camera for Home

With a long list of manufacturers selling various security cameras with evolved features and advanced technologies, it has actually become a daunting task to select the most suitable CCTV for your home’s CCTV installation. If you get in touch with a marketing professional to clear out the confusion, his/her lucrative words will add more confusions, instead of providing a solution. Thus, today we will discuss the top 7 things that needs to be considered while procuring a CCTV camera.

1.  The Location of Your CCTV Installation:

Deciding on whether you require a CCTV for indoor or outdoor activity is the most initial step. Once you are clear with the purpose, it becomes easier to figure out the location/s where the security camera/s need to be installed. Considering this is essential, because there is a misconception among many, that any type of CCTV can serve the purpose of both indoor and outdoor activities; while the reality is, specific cameras are required to carry out both the tasks.

2. Wired or Wireless Security Cameras:

Only because wired security cameras come at a lower cost, you need not to consider installing it. The purpose of the surveillance is important. A wireless one is expensive but it is as well loaded with various contemporary features and up-to-the-minute technology. Furthermore, to operate it, you will be needing a Wi-Fi and an internet connection only.

3. The Type of Storage System:

The latest CCTVs come equipped with SD card slots in them and the user has a free hand on using memory cards of various capacity. Here a separate storage system is not required. However the less expensive ones don’t bear any internal storage and depend on the surveillance hard disk in the DVR. The preference is yours.

4. Whether Day And Night Surveillance:

Before buying a CCTV, it is also crucial to realise whether you need 24*7 scrutiny or not, because not all CCTV cameras can detect objects and activities under dim or zero light. Only the ones that are engineered with IR LEDs can deliver high-quality images even in minimum light.

5. Additional Features:

Apart from round the clock security, modern security cameras bear many more features, only to ensure your safety. For example, facial recognition, audio sensor, motion detection, pan/tilt and etc. Remember, not every CCTV will possess all the features. Thus know the features, realise your requirements and then place the order.

6. Camera Range:

If you need your camera to keep a check on your lawn, then you can’t get a CCTV that can monitor only a room. Meaning to say, as per your requisite, you need to decide its range, lens size and sensor capability.

7. External Factors:

In case you need CCTV installation for detecting outdoor activities, then you need to opt for security cameras that can withstand climatic changes and weather conditions.

Top 12 Differences between CCTV and Surveillance Camera

When it comes to home security camera installation, there are basically two types of cameras – CCTV installation (close-circuit television are the traditional ones) and IP surveillance systems installation (built with latest technology). For better understanding consider the following differences.

1. Video Quality:

As compared to CCTV cameras, surveillance cameras offer higher video quality. They also come with multiple video site ranges, more zoom-in clarity and greater video details, making object recognition easier. However, CCTV cameras perform better in low light conditions.

2. Resolution:

CCTV installation – bears resolution of NTSC/PAL standard of 720 x 480 pixels (NTSC)/575 (PAL) or 0.4 megapixels (4CIF).

Surveillance systems – resolution varieties from 1.3 megapixels to 5 megapixels (2560 x 1920) of compressed, encoded transmissions.

3. Transmission Media:

CCTV cameras produce better video with coax cable. They can as well operate with twisted-pair cables or wireless connections but videos will be of lower quality. Whereas surveillance cameras provide higher quality videos irrespective of the connection.

4. PoE Capability:

While CCTV installation can’t be PoE powered, surveillance systems can be powered over the twisted-pair Ethernet cable, without the need for electrical wires.

5. Wireless Solution:

Unlike CCTV cameras, surveillance cameras can be easily installed in locations where it is difficult or impossible to run wires.

6. Distance:

With twisted-pair cable, CCTV cameras can send videos only up to 1.5 km and up to 300 metres with a coax cable. Beyond this, video quality deteriorates with increasing distance. Surveillance cameras cover 100 metres over twisted-pair Ethernet cable and with IP network it covers unlimited distance.

7. Intelligence and Manageability:

In contrast to CCTV cameras, a surveillance camera comes loaded with network intelligence and remote manageability, as a result of which images can not only be easily streamed but can as well be sent to various recipient simultaneously. They can as well send notifications as soon as any motion is detected.

8. Installation Difficulty:

While CCTV installation requires individual cables for controlling functions such as zoom, tilt, pan, video, audio and power; in surveillance systems installation all functions can be carried out with a single cable.

9. Security:

Since tapes and recording devices can be stolen and cables can be intercepted, a CCTV camera’s security can be easily breached. In surveillance camera, data is encrypted and compressed before transporting to the server via internet. It also have VPN support.

10. Reliability:

Since CCTV cameras are in use for more than half of a century, they possess history of reliability. But considering data encryption and compression advantage, surveillance cameras have built-in reliability.

11. Expandability:

Since cabling needs are less complex in surveillance cameras, it can be easily expanded as compared to CCTV cameras.

12. Expenditure:

Although in surveillance systems cameras are costly, due to less requirement for cables, recording equipment and labors, its overall cost gets deducted, compared to CCTV installation.

7 Ultimate Benefits of Using a Home Security System

Whether you need to stay away from your home for few hours daily or require going on week-long vacation, the safety of your abode will always be a concern. This is where home security systems play a vital role! When you have security system installed in your building, you can be sure of the protection that you can provide to what matters the most to you. Staying true to this fact, let us discuss all the additional benefits that you can reap from a home security system.

1. Avoid Crimes:

The biggest advantage of possessing security system is that you can easily prevent robberies and home attacks. First of all burglars won’t try seeing the protection and even if they do, the nearest police and you will be alarmed.

2. Allows Remote Access to Home:

Owing to the advancement in technology, a modern home security systems are engineered in such a manner that you can get to know what is happening in and around your premises through your smartphone. Moreover you can as well control some of the smart devices that stay connected to your mobile.

3. Cheaper Home Insurance:

When your home will already be guarded with security system, the monthly fee that you pay for home insurance will automatically become less.

4. Keeps you Notified:

Apart from robberies, a home security system can also notify you of gas leakage and fire breakage. Depending on the provider, you can as well set it up, so that authorities are informed immediately about the emergency for instant action.

5. Keep an Eye on your Kids:

If you are a working parent or someone who requires going out on frequent basis, in such situations, you can use your provider’s app to keep tab on your children. You can get to know, in your absence your kids are interacting with whom, who is coming over, what is happening inside the house and etc. Furthermore, with electronic door locks, you can also unlock your door from any location, when they return from school.

6. Saves You From Panic Situation:

Nowadays many contemporary security systems come with an additional “panic button”, which will not fail to work even in the worst of situations. So when any emergency arises and your mobile/phone fails to operate to inform the authorities, this particular switch will save your life by creating an alarm.

7. Peace of Mind:

Last but not least, having peace of mind, knowing that your valuables are safe and protected, is an advantage that you can never deny off.  

What Kind Of Alarm System Should Be Installed For Home Security?

If you get to hear that a home that is not equipped with alarm installation is always an easy target for robbers; it is cent percent true. You may need to spend few bucks in order to avail the best alarm service in the town, but doing so will save your future. Moreover, owing to the advancement in technology, nowadays there are a number of options when it comes to alarm installation. Whether it is about upgrading the already existing alarm systems or going for fresh ones, you need not to worry about choosing the most appropriate solution. To help you make the best decision, discussed here are the most popular alarm installations services.

1. Wired Alarm System:

Regarded as the most reliable alarm service, wired alarm systems come with physical wires that require connecting to every control panel, sensor and detector. Customers who have no issue with wires running around their property generally opt for this one as they don’t have to worry about connectivity between sensors or running out of batteries. Also it can’t be easily hacked. Furthermore, the contemporary wired alarm systems provide similar remote accessibility as compared to wireless one. Just that it can be at times expensive, if the installation is difficult. 

2. Wireless Alarm System:

As the name suggests, a wireless alarm system functions based on sensors that communicate with control panel, supported with secured radio frequency. Whenever any sensor trips, while it being armed with the alarm, the signal instantly gets conveyed to the control panel, activating the alarm. So, due to the lack of wires, the alarm installation is quite easy, but if the sensors and the control panel fail to be in range, it will also fail to function effectively. Thus consider this only if your property is small.

3. Monitored Alarm System:

Since monitored alarm systems are backed with professional alarm monitoring teams, this alarm installation offers a feeling of additional security to customers. In case of any burglary or fire accident, the team will immediately inform the police or the fire department. Even during false alarm, a complete scrutiny will be conducted to know what triggered the alarm. So basically, it is like a smart alarm service, responding differently, depending on the situation and reason. It is best recommended for people who needs to stay away from home frequently.

4. Unmonitored Alarm System:

Unlike the previous one, this alarm installation will only notify by activating the audible/visual alarm when anything goes wrong. House owners who stay most of the time at home only, can go for this alarm service.

7 Tips to Ease Your Security Surveillance Cameras Installation

Owing to the increasing number of illegal activities in the city, surveillance cameras installation is the best invention that technology has gifted us with. Although previously, CCTV installation was a common sight in offices and shopping areas, nowadays it is making way to personal spaces and homes as well. Thus, if you are also considering security cameras installation to safeguard your property, but are also clueless about how hassle-free the process can be; take into note the following points.

1. Location:

Go for areas from where maximum and optimum coverage of your property is possible. Avail help from surveillance cameras installation professionals regarding this as they can suggest expert advices. Secondly you can also place them in other specific areas for extra scrutiny; e.g. hidden entry points.  

2. Types of Cameras:

CCTV installation does not come with one type of camera. Few best options are –

• Wireless – the most common one nowadays, with more control flexibility. Also eliminates the requirement for installing wires
• Bullet – Fixed and covers only one direction
• Dome – Offers 360 degree coverage

Choose the one that perfectly fits your requirement

3. Consider the Technical Aspects:

To avoid future confusions, it is always wise to know in details about the following technical aspects of security cameras installation –

• Whether the cameras are capable of recording HD videos
• Types of recording and storage hardware
• Capability and capacity of the hardware
• Provision for Cloud storage
• Exactly after how long the hardware needs to be replaced
• Whether remote control and access is available

4. Consider Light:

Apart from the best locations, another point you need to consider while going for CCTV installation is that whether sufficient and constant supply of light is available or not. Else the cameras won’t be in a position to capture clear images. In case you don’t have enough lighting, go for night-version capable cameras.

5. Hidden or Visible Cameras:

As per your intension and purpose, decide whether you wish to go for hidden or visible cameras. If you want to catch someone red handed or something similar, you can install hidden cameras.

6. Consider Climate Conditions:

Although modern security cameras are of better quality with weatherproofing, climate conditions is an essential factor to be taken into account, especially for the cameras that are to be installed outdoor.

7. Test your Equipment:

Before going for the final installation of the security cameras, operate them once to confirm that they function completely. If possible, suggest a dry run.