A digital video recorder, or DVR, along with at least one security camera is easy to install and adds an extra layer of protection for your home or small business. That extra layer of protection also gives you peace of mind to you and your family or your employees, knowing that your home or office is protected by the video surveillance system.
You will need
- Security Camera System with DVR
- PC
- Cordless drill
- Bits 1/8 and 3/16 inch (0.3 to 0.4 cm)
Instructions
- Choose locations for CCTV cameras to cover the areas you want to monitor. For most small businesses includes a cash register, inputs, equipment and seating areas. For households, including the front entrance, back door and garage. Placing a camera in the corner of a room usually covers most of the area and allows you to run the cable from the camera through a small hole in the corner of a ceiling plate.
- Locate the DVR near the PC and the monitor you want to use for viewing the cameras. It wiring down from the ceiling in a corner will look better; cables can be covered with plastic gutters or pipe later.
- Place cables Camera DVR in each camera location. If the camera and the DVR end connectors are different, make sure you get the right ones.
- Cameras mounted with screws and / or plastic anchors. Make each mounting hole with a pencil, then pre-drill each drill with 1/8 inch (0.3 cm). If you hit a wooden post or metal, drill at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) and use a screw to secure the bracket. If the wall is hollow, re-drill the drywall drill with 3/16 inch (0.4 cm) and use a plastic anchor and screw.
- Make all connections to the cameras, DVR and PC. Connect power to the DVR and power supply of the camera. Use a power strip surge suppressor outlets to protect equipment. Connect the DVR to your network server or router using a standard network cable.
- Install the desktop software on your computer by following the instructions. Set the DVR to the correct time and date. Choose a name for each camera location to display on the screen and identifies each. Set the DVR following the installation instructions as a guide. This allows the video to be visible in the network locally and remotely via the Internet.
- Use the desktop interface to see some of the recorded video. Most systems record continuously, regardless of the display mode you can select live. Adjust your camera for the best view, if necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- If your DVR system does not automatically records all the time, learn how to start and stop recording to avoid losing the history of video.
- The total recording time is depends on the system memory size and number of cameras and recording settings. Consult the manual looking for a table to calculate the amount of time that your system can provide, and sets the speed or resolution to match the amount of time you need. Use the calculator fps in Resources if you have a table in the system manual.
- Most surveillance systems have several live view modes such as Quad, string, a single camera, etc… These usually do not affect what is recorded if all cameras are positioned correctly and record all the time.
- Make sure you change the default password for the DVR to prevent hackers from accessing your system.
- Do not use video surveillance for illegal activity.