Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems can break your security budget, or cost next to nothing if you do it yourself. DIY CCTV is easy to set up with the right equipment. The quality may not be as good as professional systems, but depending on what you need it for, you may be better off doing it yourself. Here are a few DIY CCTV options.

DIY CCTV with DVR

Those who already use DVR love it for recording their favorite television shows so they can watch it later. Many security systems use similar DVR  technology. Connect a camera to a power adapter then to a DVR system. This is basis for your own CCTV that will record whatever the camera sees. Then play it back when you’re ready to view.

DIY CCTV with Webcams

Webcams are typically used for recording video through a computer over the Internet. You can set up external webcams around your home to show you what’s going on in real time. Connect the webcam to the computer via a USB connector and download the appropriate software to set up your own CCTV. Different programs allow you to adjust settings, like motion detection, save video files, and view your recordings.

DIY CCTV with Cell Phones

If you have an old cell phone, you can easily set up a new CCTV system. The phone needs to be new enough to download apps and record video. You can mount the phone to the wall or prop it in the area you’d like to monitor. There are also different lenses you can add to the camera to make it a wide angle for a better view. Make sure the CCTV phone you use is connected to a power source since it will be running for as long as you’d like to survey the area. There are several apps you can download to the CCTV phone for recording and your phone for viewing the feed.

DIY CCTV Help

Want to learn more about how to set up the best CCTV for your needs? Contact Security Five at 610-323-9511 to talk to one of our security experts today.

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