Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) are slowly becoming more and more popular. After all, if your home alarm security system was triggered and the attempted burglar got away, wouldn’t you want to know exactly who was responsible? Wouldn’t you want to be able to have the best chance of arresting them and getting them off the streets, even if your home was still safe? A lot of people would, and DVRs are the solution to the dilemma of having your house safe, but still feeling that there is somebody out there waiting to break in. Here are our top 10 expert tips for using Digital Video Recording as a home alarm security system.
1. Leave the overwrite feature on
One of the prime reasons that DVR home alarm security systems don’t record a break-in when it occurs is that the disk was full, the overwrite feature was turned off and nobody reviewed the footage and changed the disk. The easiest way to ensure that your DVR can act as an effective home alarm security system is to simply leave the overwrite feature on.
2. Make sure you understand your system
Your security consultant will be delighted to explain how to use the DVR home alarm security system properly. Take notes while you’re talking to the installer, and don’t forget to ring up later if you think of a new question. Having a home alarm security system you don’t understand could well make it useless.
3. Set up motion detection and have your DVR monitored
A back-to-base home alarm security system monitoring company can track signals from a DVR as well as standard alarm sensors. If you don’t enable this capability, it’s like forcing your alarm system to walk around with one hand tied behind its back.
4. Think carefully about the cost/quality continuum
While there are some exceptions, generally when you choose a cheaper DVR home alarm security system, you sacrifice a little recording quality. Remember, it is not much good being able to see that there’s a nondescript person, possibly male, breaking into your house. High-res video home alarm security systems are always preferable.
5. Consider getting an audio-equipped model
Did you know that each of our voices is completely unique? Our voice pattern is like our fingerprint – no two peoples are exactly the same. If your concern is making sure that criminals get prosecuted, audio recordings from your home alarm security system could provide you with indisputable evidence of a particular person’s guilt.
6. Be password smart
Use a difficult-to-hack password on your DVR system to prevent remote high tech hacking, or even on-site tampering. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and non-alphanumeric characters, and make it longer than 8 characters. Change your password often, just as you would for internet banking, etc.
7. Use a UPS
Uninterrupted power supplies help ensure that power surges and outages don’t allow loss of footage from your DVR. You can get these from computer shops, or ask your home alarm security system installer.
8. Keep it clean
Dirty lenses and bug-covered DVRs don’t tend to create nice clear images, worthy of making an arrest! When you change your smoke alarm battery at the changeover of standard time and daylight savings, make it a habit to clean your DVR home alarm security system lenses as well.
Home alarm security systems linked to a Digital Video Recorder really complete the picture to keep your home safe. Without the ability to find out who’s trying to break into your house, you’re leaving a crim on the streets to either return … or attack someone’s else’s house.