Home Security – Padlocks, alarm systems or CCTV

Security typically begins from the front door. A solid padlock is your first line of defence. It provides a formidable challenge to burglars and anti-social elements.

Today, everyone knows the importance of home security and therefore look beyond the standard door latch to secure their premises.

Alarm system is the second line of defence which many people install for enhanced protection. These devices provide greater security; better than mechanical locks. They are typically hard wired to doors and windows. In case of forced entry the system triggers series of high decibel sounds; to attract a passing police vehicle or neighbours.

Some of the alarm systems are synced with local police station.

Apart from burglar alarm there is yet another security system which is becoming extremely popular. It is called CCTV or closed circuit television system. Unlike regular television broadcast which is captured by thousands of viewers, a CCTV system broadcasts to a limited number of entities; typically one, to the person who monitors the setup.

The video footage of CCTV security systems is captured on DVR or digital video recorder. A DVR functions as an intermediary between a camera and the display device.

Some of these CCTV systems work in tandem with burglar alarms. The moment a CCTV camera notices an intrusion or unusual movement, especially in the absence of owners, it triggers off alarm.

CCTV systems are widely used in retail outlets, hotels, banks, and jewellery stores to prevent robbery and also to protect their property. This system typically has three components; a camera which can be wired or wireless, a DVR to record video footage and a display device which is manned by the owner or security personnel.

A CCTV system equipped with IP camera allows users to monitor their property from anywhere.

A perfect example of nano or miniature technology is the spy pen It uses a pin hole camera system to record images and videos. The small lens is mounted at the top, close to the pen clip. A pen camera is generally available is 2 GB, 4GB and 8 GB storage capacities. These cameras work and look like a normal pen and they can be quite deceiving at times.

They are typically used to monitor the actions of nannies, capture crucial video and audio recording for legal cases and also during business meetings to record the minutes.