Security Cams - Cloud Vs Local
When you are looking for a home video surveillance system, google will inundate you with ads and links to over the counter cloud based camera systems like Ring, Blink and Arlo. While these systems are simple to set up and can be purchased over the counter at your local big box store, these systems have a dirty little secret.
These systems are live streaming to a server that could be hosted in any number of foreign countries. Look at any terms of service of any of these cloud based systems and you will find that you don’t own any of your footage and that the company has the right to review and release any recordings taken to government entities.
Along the line of deceitful practices, these cloud based camera systems often allow you to install and start using their platform for free! Or so you think. After 30-60 days Ring disables all recordings unless you pay a monthly fee for the rest of the life of the device leading to a higher cost of ownership than a traditional hard wired local camera system.
Lastly, quality of cameras. When you’re talking about home safety and security, it should not be taken lightly. Just like the choice to procure a firearm to protect your home, the choice of camera system should be taken with the same level of research and care. Most cloud based camera systems are going to utilize WiFi to connect back to the internet and stream to the foreign servers. While this can reduce cost of installation because you don’t have to worry about cabling yourself or hiring a local AV company to cable it for you, it can also lead to inconsistent recordings due to poor wifi strengths throughout your home. Also if you lose internet, you lose all recording ability.
Why Choose Wired Over Wireless?
Wired cameras have a hard wired connection back to a local recording device called a NVR or Network Video Recorder. This device streams every camera in your home that is physically plugged into it and records it to a hard drive that is built into the device. This drive stores video 24 hours per day and can typically withhold recordings for 30-45 days depending on the hard drive size. After that period of time, the video starts overwriting itself to keep enough room for the incoming videos being taken.
You own your data. With a traditional security system you own your system outright and will never be asked for a penny again in the life of ownership of the system. Although the upfront cost may be slightly higher for a hard wired system, total cost of ownership over the life of the system will be cheaper. Hiring a local AV company like Weatherford Audio Video is the best bet to get your security system procured, cabled and configured for your home.
You still have access to the cameras from outside the home if you want. Most hardwired traditional systems will have a free app that will allow you to get notifications of movement, view and recall recordings and adjust cameras.
Why Buy Local?
When pricing a camera system, give your local security companies a chance before running down to the big box stores. You not only will be getting a better price on anything you could get from them, but you are also supporting a local company that reinvests into our community of Weatherford and Parker County. We support a number of local organizations that make a difference and core values align with our teams. With your support, we can continue to support the organizations we love!
