Home Security Systems

Home security systems are a great way to protect your home, your investment, and most importantly, your loved ones. With the ability to view, record, and playback video of your home and property, you are ensuring that they are safe and protected, even when you are far away.

Over the last five years, home security systems have proliferated rapidly into increasingly customizable solutions. Technology has improved greatly and the costs have dropped significantly. Historically, the cost of home security and quality of the cameras left much to be desired. Today, having a custom built Home Security System by Bruns Audio Video is very affordable.

Although all packages are tailored to the individual, below are the most common systems that excel at protecting your property, home, business, and family.

Analog Cameras with DVR

A camera security system comprised of a Digital Video Recorder and Analog cameras is a popular choice. This system employs a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), which usually has a mass storage device inside it, typically a 1-4 Terabyte hard drive that contains all the video footage from the connected cameras. The cameras are connected via a coaxial cable, typically with BNC connectors on the ends, to the DVR. Systems can range in size from having 1 camera attached, up to 32 or more by linking DVR's. Despite the cameras not having to rely on bandwidth signal to function, the DVR can support remote viewing of the cameras by being hooked into an internet hard-line and port forwarded.

Advantages of DVR

Usually less expensive than other options.
Connection is stable regardless of internet signal.

Disadvantages of DVR

Depending on the number of cameras attached to the system, a large amount of cable needs to be ran.
The cable restricts the camera from being placed more than 1000 feet from the centrally located DVR.
The resolution is inferior to IP cams, maxing out at 1080p.

IP Cameras with an NVR

A camera security system comprised of a Network Video Recorder (NVR) and IP cameras is the newest and most popular choice. This system employs an NVR which, as with the previous option, has a mass storage device inside it. tThe difference lies in the IP cameras, which also have a specific amount of on-board storage within. The NVR and IP cam system is by far the most flexible as cameras can be placed virtually anywhere as long as the cams are on the same LAN network as the NVR. Similar to DVR systems, NVR's can support from 1 to 32 cameras on a single recorder, and more if they are linked.

Advantages of NVR

The placement of IP cams and the NVR are flexible as long as they are in range of the internet network
The NVR links to the IP cams wirelessly and if desired for better speeds it can be linked through a PoE switch,
They also record in a higher quality resolution, as some even support 5MP.

Disadvantages of NVR

A large number of cameras attached to the system can result in a big bandwidth pull on the network, causing cameras to lag or lower resolution if the network is weak.
Wireless signals are prone to outside interference, making the connection less stable,
Not all IP cameras will work with the same NVR, so the installer must know how the cams integrate to avoid purchasing a non-functioning cam.

3rd Party IP Cams/Smart Doorbells/Z-Wave

This is the most diverse and yet another completely customized form of home security system offered by the team at Bruns Audio Video. By taking IP cameras that have been developed by large corporations a system can be setup to use their proprietary software and devices to create an integrated and expansive system. Any combination of doorbell, outdoor, and indoor cameras can be employed to create a secure home or building. Additionally, these brand cameras can be integrated with a wide variety of Z-Wave devices. Motion sensors, door/window sensors, sirens/alarms, tilt sensors, temperature sensors, glass break sensors, and more can be quickly integrated into a whole home security system to provide an extra level of security.