Closed circuit television systems, for the home, have finally reached affordability. There was a time when the price of a CCTV camera would scare the heck out of most of us, but no longer. You can set up a basic system for under $200.
A simple wireless color camera, with sound, can be had for approximately $80. The camera can transmit a signal to a receiver, located by a TV set, up to 100 feet. You can use a standard VCR to record up to 8 hours of activity if you choose, or get motion detectors to activate the VCR when something is detected. The cost for a two camera set up, as you can see, is not out of reach. The hardest part of installing them is running the power lead to an electric outlet inside the house or garage. The receiver will need to be plugged in too. Most of the wireless cameras come with an option for selecting channel 3 or 4 on your tv for viewing. If you go beyond two of these cameras, then you will need to buy a "quad splitter" so you can see up to four cameras displayed on one screen of your TV. These units run about $170 for a good one, but there are lesser priced ones around.
You can go for a few more bucks, and get a wired setup. This would mean running a cable to your TV location and plugging in a transformer there. This allows more flexibility , and a better selection of cameras to choose from, i.e. low light, wide angle.
Why bother with a CCTV system? Well let's see...
If you have young children, and you have a swimming pool, well........
If you're watching TV in the evening and the door bell rings, well.......
If your car has been taking some abuse, well........
If you have a nanny or babysitter and, well...........
As you can see, it's up to your own imagination as to where you can use them. So, if you have any questions I can help you with feel free to e-mail me at frlent@optonline.net.
Be safe