HOME SECURITY FOR THE MODERN AGE

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably considering investing in a home security system, or at the very least, are considering updating or adding extra security to your current system. We specialize in a wide variety of products and services; whether you need a few indoor or outdoor security cameras, are interested in a home security system, or are interested in full Home Automation, we at Performance Audio can help with whatever your individual needs might be.

WHY BUY A SECURITY CAMERA?

Security cameras can be placed indoors or outdoors, and they offer a wide array of features that give you access to 24/7 home surveillance. Here is how security cameras can help keep you and your loved ones safe:

Help you stay in the know — Home security cameras are the frontline defensive measures when it comes to self-monitoring your property, particularly in areas of your property that are concealed or outside of public view. Different features such as motion sensors, night vision, and high-resolution video can help you keep an eye on your vehicles, home entry points, as well as detached structures like barns, sheds, and garages. Some security cameras have built-in sirens that can be activated from an app on your phone.

Keep you connected with family — With a security camera’s live video and two-way audio capabilities, you’ll be able to check in on your family while you’re out at the grocery store and even remind them to set the dinner table before you return.

And when it comes to leaving your pets home alone, an indoor security camera can help put your mind at ease. You can use it to check in on them throughout the day and make sure they’re staying out of mischief. If your pooch happens to accidentally sneak out, your outdoor security cameras will send you an alert when they detect motion from your four-legged friend roaming around the backyard.

Protect your family, home, and belongings — at the end of the day, home security is all about keeping you safe. According to a study done by the University of North Carolina, roughly 60% of convicted burglars that they interviewed stated that the presence of any security device would cause them to seek an alternative target altogether—so it pays dividends to have even the most basic of home security protections in place.

HOW TO CHOOSE A HOME SECURITY CAMERA

When it comes time to make a decision on which Security Camera or Security System will suit your property’s needs, you’ll have to consider a variety of different criteria: what type of areas or entry-points you’ll need to cover, the type of Security Camera that will be required, and lastly the type of special features you’re looking for in your device.

What areas do you need to cover?

- - Access points — like front doors, near first-floor windows and garages.
  - Hard to see areas — areas that are out of sight, such as basement doors or dark corners on the property.
  - Detached buildings — garages, barns, or sheds.
  - Your driveway — especially if you park your vehicles in it.
  - Inside your home — playrooms, nurseries, rooms that your pets have access to, or other areas inside your home you want to keep an eye on when you’re away on vacation or when you’re in a different area of the home.

Types of Security Cameras

When deciding between what type of Home Security Cameras will best suit your needs, you have to consider all the variables that go into placement, power source, proximity to internet access, as well as a variety of additional features. Consider these options below:

- - Mounting options — Some security cameras come with built-in stands, so they can simply be placed on a flat service and cover a wide area, while others need to be mounted—which will typically require some power tools. If you don’t own the home or condo that you’re securing, be sure to follow your Home Owner’s Association or landlord’s guidelines, as applicable, before you start drilling into the foundation.
  - Power sources — Security cameras come with a variety of different power options, from being hardwired into the mains of your home, to having a standard plug-in cable that can be installed in the nearest outlet, or some may even offer power over ethernet—which if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology means that the ethernet cable coming from the camera will not only supply the network connection, but it will also supply power to the device. When considering whether you’d need a powered or battery-powered device, begin by checking to see if you have power available in the locations you’ll be covering. If you opt for a wireless option, always keep in mind that you’ll need access to the mounting location in order to change the battery. There are also security cameras that offer solar panels that aid in trickle-charging the battery. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll never have to charge the battery; it’ll simply give an additional charge to the battery, so you have to change it less frequently.
  - Access to the internet — If you decide to go wireless, please ensure you have a strong wireless signal in each area and that you have the internet speeds to support audio and video streaming. If the area you wish to cover has weak or spotty wifi coverage, your device may not function adequately when you need it to, and you may need to discuss increasing your wifi coverage with your provider. Lastly, if you have access to ethernet in some locations, you can choose a camera that offers power over ethernet (PoE).
  - Additional features — Consider what added layers of functionality you may need in each location—if there are particularly dark zones on your property, you may need a camera that’s equipped with Night Vision. If you could use additional illumination over a particular driveway or walkway, then a security camera with motion-activated LED lights would be an ideal fit. A siren can be a helpful added layer of extra security, warding off potential trespassers, stopping them in their tracks before they can get onto your property.

Consider A Smart Home Security System

If you’re the type of person who often forgets to lock the front door, or forgets to arm your security system from time to time, then you may want to consider Home Automation. As we mentioned previously, home security cameras are the first line of defense for your home, but if you’re looking for the complete home protection and management package, this technology will give you complete peace of mind.

WHAT IS HOME AUTOMATION?

Home automation is the process of taking the standard American home and turning it into a futuristic living space. The process uses intelligence and some of the most innovative technology available today. You may not realize it, but a lot of different things can be automated around your home to make your life easier—such as watering the grass, locking the doors, arming your home security system, checking in on your family with a range of indoor/outdoor security cameras, or simply changing the temperature, just to name a few.

Better yet, home automation systems are intelligent enough to know when it’s time to divert from the schedule. For example, your sprinkler system can be set to skip a day if the soil moisture is already past a certain level. Sensors in the ground will measure the amount of water that’s already in your lawn and report back to the central system. A wide variety of sensors can be placed in your home and around your yard, which is what makes home automation so unique—it goes beyond just scheduling tasks and allowing you to execute a few voice commands for dinner party guests. After a while, your home will be able to use environmental data to keep everything just the way you like it.

Next time you’re out of the house, you can use your phone to confirm that every door is locked and your alarm is set to armed. You can even check individual rooms to ensure that everything is in order, shutting off lights and other devices to ensure you’re not spending excess money on utilities when no one is home to use them. The safety of your home and family is of the utmost importance, and now you can have the technology to keep your loved ones more secure than ever. You’ll be amazed at how comforting it is to have a constant and direct connection to all the safety features in your home.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS

Performance Audio works with a wide variety of Major Brands and Retailers that offer an exhaustive list of products that feature the latest in-home security innovation and hardware. We’ve been serving the Bay Area for years and are constantly working to improve our range of products, so if you’re still not sure where to begin or just want to speak with a knowledgeable expert about what your home security needs are, then feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can make your home a safer and more secure residence, as well as making it an entertainment destination for you and your family. You can also find us on Google!

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