7 questions to choose the best alarm system

 How do you choose the best alarm system? Alarm systems come in many forms, from cheap DIY packages to smart total systems. Which alarm system is the best solution for you? Those 7 questions will help you.

 

1. How do I decide what and how to protect?

 

Are you looking for an alarm system that provides maximum protection against unwanted intruders? Then let an expert assist you (without obligation). He has been trained to perfectly estimate the risks in your home. Based on his findings, he provides you with a tailor-made alarm system consisting of various components such as magnetic contacts , infrared detectors and cameras . In addition, a certified installer ensures the optimal placement of these components. This is crucial for the proper functioning of your alarm system and the prevention of false alarms.

 

2. Do I just want a burglar alarm or an extended system?

 

Modern alarm systems in Chicago are integrated total systems that not only protect you against burglary, but can also be expanded with other security solutions such as:

 

·         CO detectors , smoke detectors and fire detectors

·         Water leak detectors

·         Smart lighting that enables presence simulations

·         Panic buttons

·         Cameras with built-in microphone and speaker

·         Connected doorbells with which you can communicate with visitors via your smartphone by means of images and sound

·         Intelligent locks that allow you to open and lock your door remotely

·         Smart thermostats that you can operate with your smartphone

 

Our tip: go for a system that you can expand. This way you avoid unnecessary costs and you can decide to add new functionalities in the future.

 

3. How do you want to operate your alarm system?

 

Slightly older traditional alarm systems can be operated via a local keypad. Current high-quality alarm systems offer apps that allow you to easily manage functions remotely. In addition, in some systems you can define multiple users, each with their own rights, codes and access hours.

 

Those who protect smartly opt for an alarm system that can be controlled with a smartphone. This way you always and everywhere have control over your home.

 

4. How robust should the alarm system be?

 

Does your alarm system only serve as a deterrent? Or does your alarm system also have to work effectively if something occurs? Then it is best to choose components that are protected against sabotage or power failure. The following aspects play a role in this:

 

Make sure that every component is protected and in constant communication with the central unit of your alarm system. In good systems, an alarm will sound when the connection is lost or if someone tries to move a component.

 

Provide your alarm system with a backup connection line. Does your fixed internet connection fail? With a backup connection line via SIM card, the alarm is still sent to you and / or the control room.

With a backup battery, the proper functioning of your alarm system is also ensured in the event of an unforeseen power failure.

 

5. Who is notified when the alarm goes off?

 

You can opt for a (cheap) system where an alarm can only be heard in the house, without anyone being notified. The other extreme is a camera system that can be viewed 24/7 by an operator in a control room. Although the second example is unnecessary for most homes, a local alarm is usually insufficient. That is why today there are already systems that allow you to combine the autonomous intelligence of your system with the expertise of an operator.

 

Provide a system that automatically sends out notifications to different people and opt for a connection to a control room. Experts with knowledge can assess the situation, for example on the basis of photos from photo detectors or camera images that register unexpected activities. This way you can be sure that every alarm signal will be picked up, even if you are not at home. If you are unreachable, the operator can immediately contact the police or emergency services.

 

6. Do you also want camera images?

 

Cameras can be a useful addition to the home security in Chicago. Integrated cameras serve as additional detection and record images during an incident. They also allow you to view your home from anywhere or when. However, an alarm system that only works on cameras is not the best security solution for a private home. After all, as a private individual you are not constantly looking at the camera images.

 

7. Do you opt for a wireless system?

 

Do you want to install an alarm system in an existing home or do you want a system that you can easily expand? Then be sure to look out for a wireless alarm system. That has many advantages. The installation costs are lower, no demolition work is required, it is flexible and can be easily expanded.

How to recover recordings from a security camera?

Do you have a business or home with video surveillance cameras installed? You are probably worried about what to do in case these devices fail or stop capturing images. That is why in this note we explain how to recover recordings from security cameras in Chicago.

 First approaches on how to recover recordings from a security camera.

 Security cameras are designed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All manufacturers and suppliers agree on that. In fact, these electronic security devices are very tough in that regard. Therefore, the occasions in which they stop capturing images on video are rare.

As an additional feature, digital security camera installation in Chicago, whose image transmission depends on an Internet connection, can continue to record, even if access to the network is interrupted . Therefore, they are teams prepared to face different adverse situations. In this sense, most computers have a slot for micro SD memory.

 Do you want to know how to recover recordings from a security camera in case they fail?

It is worth knowing which are the most common cases in which a security camera stops working :

 1. Power outage and battery consumption

 IP cameras usually have a power connection at the perimeter where they are located. If the building or the space where they are installed suffers a power outage, then the camera may be affected. Many models are equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery. However, it only provides autonomy to function that goes from 48 to 72 hours . After that time, the battery will run out and the camera will be turned off.

 2. Configuration failure

 Electronic devices have many built-in components, microparts, and software. Sometimes these can fail, either due to a manufacturing defect or human error during the pre-configuration of the equipment.

 3. Computer attack

 The cybercriminals have sophisticated tools to attack entire networks of hardware. In this sense, IP cameras can be subject to a computer hack , since they connect to the Internet using a WiFi connection. If hackers enter this connection, they can manipulate the equipment, deactivating it or stealing the stored data.

 4. Structural problem

 Usually surveillance cameras are installed on walls or ceilings . So if some kind of infrastructure failure occurs, such as a leak, crack, or surface drop, the camera can be impaired in its functions.

 5. Physical sabotage

 If a criminal manages to enter the security perimeter, they can attempt to sabotage electronic security equipment in their path. That is why there is a great risk that it will attack the cameras, knocking them down or disconnecting them.

 Knowing how to recover recordings from a security camera

Next, you will know the main ways to recover recordings from an affected device in its normal functions:

 1. Removing and checking the SD memory

It can be said that the first alternative to access the recording of a security camera that interrupted its transmission is to extract and analyze its integrated SD memory. This can be placed on a computer or smartphone and from there saved recordings can be viewed.

 2. Computer forensics

 Also, if this technique is not effective, then you can enlist the help of an expert computer forensic technician . These professionals have the necessary experience to detect, analyze and recover data from devices that are unusable or that have been the object of some damage.

 3. Inspection of the central monitoring station

 In a different vein, the wanted recording may have been transmitted to the central monitoring station before the camera was deactivated. If this is the case , it is necessary to carry out a legal expert opinion on the central database. Then all the video recordings you have received from the affected camera will need to be reviewed.

 Conclusions on how to recover recordings from a security camera

 If you have security cameras in your facilities, you should not worry about a possible loss of data. There are very efficient methods to recover them. In that way, we answer the question about how to recover recordings from a security camera systems in Chicago.

 

What are security systems and how do they work?

 All home security systems work on the same basic principle to protect entry points, such as doors and windows, as well as the interior space containing valuables such as art, computers, guns, and coin collections. Regardless of the size of your home, or the number of doors and windows or interior rooms a home owner decides to protect, the only real difference is in the number of security components distributed throughout the home and monitored from the control panel.

What is a security system?

The most basic definition of any security system is found in its name. It is literally a means or method by which something is protected through a system of components and devices.

In this case, we are talking about home alarm systems Chicago, which are networks of integrated electronic devices that work together with a central control panel to protect against thieves and other potential home intruders.

A typical home security system includes:

• A control panel, which is the main controller of a home's security system
• Sensors for doors and windows
• Motion sensors, both internal and external
• Wired or wireless security cameras
• A high decibel siren or alarm
• A garden sign and window stickers

How does a security system work?

Home security systems work on the simple concept of securing entry points into a home with sensors that are linked with a control panel or command center installed in a hidden or hidden location somewhere in the house.

Sensors are typically placed in doors leading to and from a home, as well as in easily accessible windows , especially open or ground-level windows . Open spaces inside houses can be protected with motion sensors.

Control panel:

The control panel is the computer that arm and disarm security systems, connected with each component installed, emits an alarm when a security zone is breached, and communicates with an alarm monitoring company.

They typically feature a touchpad for easy programming and interaction, is where access codes are entered to arm and disarm the system, can work on voice commands, and can be programmed to work with wireless remotes called remotes.

Door and window sensors:

The door and window sensors consist of two parts installed next to each other. One part of the device is installed on the door or window, and the other on the door frame or window sill. When a door or window is closed, the two parts of the sensor are joined, creating a safety circuit.

 When the security system is plugged into the control panel, these sensors communicate with it indicating that the entry point is safe. If a monitored door or window suddenly opens, the safety circuit is interrupted and the control panel interprets this as a violation of a protected zone. A high decibel alarm sounds and in most cases the alarm monitoring company is automatically activated.

Motion sensors:

These safety components, when armed, protect a certain space by creating an invisible zone that cannot be breached without sounding an alarm. These are typically used to protect rooms containing valuables as well as less frequented areas in larger homes.

Surveillance cameras:

Available in wired and wireless configurations, surveillance cameras can be used in a variety of ways as part of an overall home security systems in Chicago.

Typical uses include monitoring of:

Hard to see or distant areas of your property

Remote buildings such as garages, barns and workshops

Entry points, both external and internal, such as garage doors and front doors

The surveillance cameras are remotely accessible on computers, smartphones and tablets. They are often used with this method when homeowners are out of town, to control deliveries and service personnel as carers and to monitor the arrival of children after school. They can also be used to record any security breaches, which could involve footage of a home invasion, including a good look at the thieves and possibly even the vehicle they drove.

High decibel alarm:

Loud enough to be heard by neighbors, home security alarms serve several purposes. First, they alert people inside the house that a problem has occurred. They are also sharp enough to send a burglar on the run and alert neighbors of the situation at the same time.

Window signs and stickers:

On the surface, these articles may seem like nothing more than marketing tools for alarm companies, but they play important roles in home security. When you place a security company's sticker in a front window and put their sign on the backyard, the burglars are told that the home is professionally secured and not a wise choice for a burglary attempt. They are effective in conveying this message and should be used as recommended by the security company. That's why we are available 24 hours non-stop. One of the telephone operators who are always available to answer your questions will quickly put you in touch with a qualified technician closest to you! We have a wide coverage in the territory of United State.

Posted by: John Labunski

Video surveillance or video verification: which one to choose?

 Choosing and purchasing an effective security system to protect your home or business is essential to ensure the necessary peace of mind when you are away from these places.

 Nowadays the market offers us a series of effective and innovative security systems that must be carefully evaluated based on the spaces to be controlled and personal needs, bearing in mind that the perfect alarm system does not exist, but with the help of experienced professionals in the sector, you can choose the most suitable and performing one.

 Great is the use of video surveillance cameras whose sale is growing significantly especially for commercial activities, but also of video verification which is also used for home security cameras system installation.

 Let's see together what are the main characteristics and differences between the two video surveillance systems.

 Systems with video surveillance cameras

 The video surveillance systems are able to control constantly and in real time, through cameras placed in some strategic points, homes or businesses and offices.

 The cameras record images in high definition and are generally equipped with infrared technologies for adequate viewing even at night. Some models also allow the installation of microphones to be able to hear the sound of the shooting.

 The recording of the shots is then imported into a digital database, in order to keep the images for a set period of time.

 The cameras can be managed remotely through easy and intuitive applications and the footage can be viewed remotely, on a smartphone, PC or tablet.

 The video surveillance, however, does not necessarily imply a link with the Police or security companies. For this option it is necessary to connect the cameras to an alarm system or to a security service that communicates directly with the security and alerts the rescue.

 Video Verification Systems

 Video verification, on the other hand, is an innovative and effective alarm system that is spreading in the residential and business security market.

 Specifically, video verification is a wireless system equipped with cameras and electronic sensors that are activated when they detect unauthorized movement within the activation limits and send signals to a preconfigured operations center and to the owner's PC or smartphone.

 

Those who receive the images assess whether the alarm is real or if it has been triggered by mistake and alert the Police if necessary.

 The video verification therefore assumes that the video images are controlled by an H24 Operations Center which in this way will be able to prevent theft and make the intervention of the Police more efficient.

 To protect privacy, security cameras must send images to the security company only when the alarm triggered by motion sensors is triggered.

 Furthermore, always to ensure maximum confidentiality, images and videos must be accessible only via password from your Smartphone, Tablet or PC or via access to the Cloud.

 Video surveillance bonus

 The use of security systems is also encouraged by the state to deal with the phenomenon of thefts and shoplifters which is always growing. Specifically, the government for 2020 has provided for the video surveillance bonus which is a tax incentive, in the form of a tax credit, for those who install video surveillance and home alarm systems in Chicago in their homes, with a tax deduction of up to 50% of the expenditure incurred.

Outdoor sensors: what are they for?

 The outdoor sensors, also called perimeter sensors are small electronic devices that through various systems, such as infrared rays or microwaves, are able to identify the attackers who come to your home and through the control unit trigger the alarm.

 The perimeter alarm is efficient when the sensors are placed in strategic positions in the garden or courtyard adjacent to the home, or in positions that intercept the main access routes.

 How does it work?

 The perimeter anti-theft device works through external sensors which are external peripherals of the alarm system which through beams create an invisible protection system, with which any unwanted presences can occur.

 The sensors are constantly active and send all the information collected to the control unit, but only the signals that indicate the presence of an intruder trigger the alarm.

 Most of the wireless external perimeter sensors have a programming inside them, which allows to avoid false alarms, due for example to the circulation in the garden of the dog or cat.

 Types of perimeter sensors based on waves

 The sensors according to the rays they use are divided into:

 ·         Infrared sensors that use two different mechanisms: with active infrared, the waves are introduced into the reference area by the sensor itself, which then processes the return signals to see if there are any interruptions. With passive infrared instead, the waves are generated by the external elements that move in the external space and are reworked by the control unit.

·         Microwave sensors that analyze analyze the reflected radiation of a moving body. Microwaves reduce false alarms and allow for more accurate monitoring.

·         Dual technology sensors:  which use both microwaves and infrared rays, to ensure greater safety in areas very close to the home?

 Perimeter anti-theft devices

 It is evident that sensors are fundamental components of the alarm system because they are the first to be alerted by the presence of an intruder.

 The outdoor sensors are also divided according to the specific task to be performed:

 1.       External perimeter curtain sensors: create a barrier that has a triangular shape and is used for fairly limited areas. These sensors are usually used in front of entrance doors and are also called "volumetric" because they analyze the difference in volume between the moment when the area is safe and when an intruder arrives.

2.       Sensors for windows: they can be curtain or magnetic and are activated in the event of an attempted break-in.

3.       Underground sensors with wire: they detect the presence of an intruder based on the imperceptible movements of the ground. They are very efficient because they are very difficult to evade.

4.       Fiber optic sensors: they intervene against tampering in wired home alarm systems in Chicago.

5.       Barrier sensors: they create an invisible barrier through the waves (infrared / microwave) and can be both wireless and wired. Barrier sensors can monitor up to 100 meters away and secure the entire garden area.