best wireless security camera reviews image
Diego Ross
I'm wanting to put one in my room be cause it think my maid is taking my valuables. I'm wanting a pinhole camera (small enough I be hidden) to be attached to a USB hardrive (i have one of those 500 GB ones) so I can check it at the end if the day, is that possible? I can hook it up to a monitor or tv all day and am not looking for a dvr either. Is this already made? Can I use my own external hardrive?
Answer
Hi Diego:
The first part of your Question is a simple "no": most small cameras can NOT record directly to a USB storage drive. (The technical reason has to do with "USB host" electronics, etc.)
Even though you say you're "not looking for a DVR", that is exactly the video interface that's required to record to an external USB drive.
You can load DVR/PVR software onto a laptop or desktop/tower computer, and these apps typically have "zone detection" (similar to motion-detection) features that trigger the recording when someone enters the room or a certain area (like a dresser where your valuables are). The zones can also be "tuned" to ignore low-to-the-ground pets who might wander in & out.
Having DVR/PVR software allows you to use a wider variety of small video or IP/wireless connection cameras. And since the advent of digital storage, standalone DVRs made just for security recording are relatively cheap ($60-$150 depending where you shop). A small DVR can be hidden in another room or cabinet, if you use a wireless camera.
There are self-contained pinhole cam security gadgets with SD card storage & motion detection, like this VisionTek "smoke detector" model in the $50-$70 range (depending on card size): http://www.atlantawirelesssecurity.com/8gb-smoke-detector-hidden-spy-camera-dvr-with-motion-detection/
You can find self-contained versions disguised as books, alarm clocks, hats, etc.
Other than that, shop online for a "deer hunting" digital camera (video or still photo), which has motion detection and continuous-loop record features (no need for a USB drive, since the circuits record over the oldest file entry). You simply review the footage when you notice something missing, and the latest video or photo entries are still there.
hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
Â
Hi Diego:
The first part of your Question is a simple "no": most small cameras can NOT record directly to a USB storage drive. (The technical reason has to do with "USB host" electronics, etc.)
Even though you say you're "not looking for a DVR", that is exactly the video interface that's required to record to an external USB drive.
You can load DVR/PVR software onto a laptop or desktop/tower computer, and these apps typically have "zone detection" (similar to motion-detection) features that trigger the recording when someone enters the room or a certain area (like a dresser where your valuables are). The zones can also be "tuned" to ignore low-to-the-ground pets who might wander in & out.
Having DVR/PVR software allows you to use a wider variety of small video or IP/wireless connection cameras. And since the advent of digital storage, standalone DVRs made just for security recording are relatively cheap ($60-$150 depending where you shop). A small DVR can be hidden in another room or cabinet, if you use a wireless camera.
There are self-contained pinhole cam security gadgets with SD card storage & motion detection, like this VisionTek "smoke detector" model in the $50-$70 range (depending on card size): http://www.atlantawirelesssecurity.com/8gb-smoke-detector-hidden-spy-camera-dvr-with-motion-detection/
You can find self-contained versions disguised as books, alarm clocks, hats, etc.
Other than that, shop online for a "deer hunting" digital camera (video or still photo), which has motion detection and continuous-loop record features (no need for a USB drive, since the circuits record over the oldest file entry). You simply review the footage when you notice something missing, and the latest video or photo entries are still there.
hope this helps,
--Dennis C.
Â
if I move to a rental home that doesn't have a security system can I cancel my ADT contract?
Daniel
I am selling my home and moving into a rental that doesn't have a preexisting security system. Can I cancel my contract with ADT because of this?
Answer
Great question. First, the ADT contract: depends where you are ion the contract terms. There is usually an initial term of three years, followed by a renewal period (and that varies by state, and by when you bought the system, and even by whether you bought it from ADT directly, or one of their authorized dealers). The contract will tell you exactly what the timing is, and the penalty for early termination. Companies like ADT discount the upfront cost (and lose money), which they make back over time from the monthly fee. If you stop paying the monthly fee, they are possibly not even breaking even on the relationship - and they do not like that. They may be willing to work with you, so it pays to try. As for as getting a system from ADT for your rental, that will be a tough one. But again, it pays to ask. They may be willing to set you up in the rental, but from what I hear, it's a stretch.
In the past, there were few choices for renters, since most alarm companies did not want to deal with them. Now there are 100% wireless systems, which means not just the sensors (and landlords like wireless sensors!) but also wireless communications. That means cellular monitoring, the only truly safe way to go, and with so many folks going cell only, it's the solution for the future. It also means you can move it with you from apartment to apartment, or to a house.
You may decide you still want a system, even though renting. If you had a system before, and are used to it, that may mean it's part of your peace of mind.So, you may be shopping, and looking into the few companies that can serve renters. There are a lot of things to consider in a new system: first, is the equipment listed by Underwriters Laboratories listed, and CP-01 compliant? Many states require these levels of approval, and there are recent entries into the alarm industry that are not "real" alarm companies - they just provide equipment and service - and you hope they are the real deal. Another way to tell is the cellular network they use: you want GSM (the same network platform used by AT&T and T-Mobile for coverage and reliability). frankly, I would be worried about any "one-off" networks.
Another point is licensing - and this is a good way to tell the newcomers from the bad guys. Make sure the company you choose is licensed in your state and local jurisdiction, as required. The real alarm companies spend the time and money to become and remain compliant, and that says a lot.
Then comes interactive features. You probably want the best, like the features sold by Alarm.com through a network of dealers. Alarm.com really invented this arena, and they remain ahead of the others by a wide margin. Services now include not just the notifications, but apps for iPhone, Bâberry, and even Droid, full video with wireless cameras, and even appliance control with Z-Wave. In other words, the real deal.
You also want a full-featured system, so that you can add devices any time, from the complete array of wireless sensors out there. GE has the most complete line - and be sure you get a wireless monitored smoke/heat sensor with your system. Our company recommends at least one with every system, and it does not add to the monthly fee.
Last is reviews. you want to look hard on-line for reviews of the various companies you consider, and there should be lots of good reviews (and few if any bad ones). Look at the level of enthusiasm and specific references to things people like - are you looking for the same things!
So, as you can see, lots to think about, but worth the time. Good luck to you!
Great question. First, the ADT contract: depends where you are ion the contract terms. There is usually an initial term of three years, followed by a renewal period (and that varies by state, and by when you bought the system, and even by whether you bought it from ADT directly, or one of their authorized dealers). The contract will tell you exactly what the timing is, and the penalty for early termination. Companies like ADT discount the upfront cost (and lose money), which they make back over time from the monthly fee. If you stop paying the monthly fee, they are possibly not even breaking even on the relationship - and they do not like that. They may be willing to work with you, so it pays to try. As for as getting a system from ADT for your rental, that will be a tough one. But again, it pays to ask. They may be willing to set you up in the rental, but from what I hear, it's a stretch.
In the past, there were few choices for renters, since most alarm companies did not want to deal with them. Now there are 100% wireless systems, which means not just the sensors (and landlords like wireless sensors!) but also wireless communications. That means cellular monitoring, the only truly safe way to go, and with so many folks going cell only, it's the solution for the future. It also means you can move it with you from apartment to apartment, or to a house.
You may decide you still want a system, even though renting. If you had a system before, and are used to it, that may mean it's part of your peace of mind.So, you may be shopping, and looking into the few companies that can serve renters. There are a lot of things to consider in a new system: first, is the equipment listed by Underwriters Laboratories listed, and CP-01 compliant? Many states require these levels of approval, and there are recent entries into the alarm industry that are not "real" alarm companies - they just provide equipment and service - and you hope they are the real deal. Another way to tell is the cellular network they use: you want GSM (the same network platform used by AT&T and T-Mobile for coverage and reliability). frankly, I would be worried about any "one-off" networks.
Another point is licensing - and this is a good way to tell the newcomers from the bad guys. Make sure the company you choose is licensed in your state and local jurisdiction, as required. The real alarm companies spend the time and money to become and remain compliant, and that says a lot.
Then comes interactive features. You probably want the best, like the features sold by Alarm.com through a network of dealers. Alarm.com really invented this arena, and they remain ahead of the others by a wide margin. Services now include not just the notifications, but apps for iPhone, Bâberry, and even Droid, full video with wireless cameras, and even appliance control with Z-Wave. In other words, the real deal.
You also want a full-featured system, so that you can add devices any time, from the complete array of wireless sensors out there. GE has the most complete line - and be sure you get a wireless monitored smoke/heat sensor with your system. Our company recommends at least one with every system, and it does not add to the monthly fee.
Last is reviews. you want to look hard on-line for reviews of the various companies you consider, and there should be lots of good reviews (and few if any bad ones). Look at the level of enthusiasm and specific references to things people like - are you looking for the same things!
So, as you can see, lots to think about, but worth the time. Good luck to you!
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