Home automation is no longer the exclusive domain of techno geeks and lovers of home electronics. It is now mainstream, thanks to technological advancements and cheap prices. Just about anyone can turn an average home into a smart home. For my money, doing so would include a selection of security cameras.
I consider security cameras indispensable to home automation. They have so many valuable applications that I wouldn’t even consider jumping into the smart home pool without including at least a couple of them.
Modern Systems Are Multifunctional
Security cameras are also considered home automation devices for one simple reason: home security and smart home automation are no longer treated as independent things. Today’s systems are multifunctional. They perform both security and automation functions in a fully integrated ecosystem.
Take Vivint Smart Home. They are one of the nation’s leading providers of smart home and security technology. An entry level Vivint system typically includes at least one security camera. But Vivint Smart Home also encourages customers to invest in smart thermostats, smart door locks, smart lighting systems, and more.
From a security standpoint, cameras bring a lot to the table. They can function as a deterrent to burglary and home invasion. When crimes are committed, they provide evidence valuable for both investigative and prosecutorial purposes. But security cameras can also be leveraged for other reasons.
Keeping an Eye on Pets
Have you ever wondered how so many dog and cat videos end up on YouTube? Some of the videos are captured by security cameras. Pet owners install the cameras so they can keep an eye on their furry friends when they are not home. What a brilliant idea!
A strategically installed camera can reveal which of a homeowner’s three dogs is getting into the garbage. A homeowner can monitor his pet’s eating habits if he suspects the animal might be sick. Get a camera with a few extra features and its capabilities are even more impressive.
Picture a camera with onboard audio. Now you can not only check on your pet, but you can also talk to it at the same time. Talking with your pet a couple of times per day can create the reassurance necessary to keep the animal calm and out of trouble.
Keeping an Eye on the Kids
If you think keeping an eye on your pet is a big deal, imagine keeping an eye on your kids. How many parents worry about their kids being home alone for a few hours after school? With a few strategically placed cameras, you can always know what is happening in the hours before you get home from work.
Maybe you’re not concerned about your kid’s safety. But you are concerned that they are watching TV or playing video games instead of doing their homework. You will know the score just by checking live video feeds. I am guessing homework will get done more often than not.
Wired or Wireless Cameras
I am obviously a big fan of security cameras integrated with a home automation system. The next question is whether to go wireless or wired. My personal preference is wireless, but a case can be made for wired cameras, too.
One of the biggest advantages of wireless technology is easy installation. Wireless cameras that operate on batteries and connect to the main system via Wi-Fi require very little effort to set up. If you know how to connect a smartphone or computer to your Wi-Fi network, you should have no trouble connecting a wireless camera.
Most wireless cameras come with mobile apps that make signing into a Wi-Fi network easy. You just launch the app, select the network, and enter your password. Of course, you will want to change the default password on your router. You should never use the factory-assigned password.
Installing Wired Cameras
Installing wired cameras is considerably harder. In terms of connectivity, you are likely to have to run cable from your cameras to the central command center. Being able to plug the cameras into a wall outlet for power is fairly straightforward. But if the cameras need to be hard wired to the electrical system, you are looking at cutting into the walls and running lines.
Wired cameras are best left to professional installers. That means your expenses go up. On the other hand, wired cameras are more dependable. As long as you have power, they will work. Even without power, a high-quality wired camera should work on a battery backup.
The Storage Question
When choosing security cameras, it is important to consider storage. A typical camera with access to live video feeds still records and stores data somewhere. You also have cameras that store data but don’t offer live feeds. Either way, understanding storage options is pretty important.
Local Storage
Some entry-level cameras offer local storage only. This is to say that they have an installed micro-SD card on which limited data is stored. If you want to see the footage recorded by the camera, you need to remove the card and insert it into either a phone or computer.
The next level up would be a camera with local storage and live viewing. You can see video feeds in real time, but data is still stored on the micro-SD card. Local storage is better than no storage at all, but it can be a hassle – particularly if a camera is installed in a hard-to-reach location.
Cloud Storage
Your best bet for storage is cloud storage. Data is recorded and sent to your account in the cloud. It can be accessed with your phone or computer. Among the advantages of cloud storage are more storage space and instant access without having to retrieve a micro-SD card.
For my money, security cameras are an indispensable part of home automation. They offer both security and convenience benefits that I would not be willing to trade just to save a few dollars. If I am going to invest in home automation, some of my budget is going to high-end security cameras.
