A security monitor is one of the most important parts of home security camera systems. It is through this device that you can view the feeds from your security camera, and generally the device through which you will view your computerized security options.
If you are considering purchasing a video surveillance monitor, try to keep in mind the fact that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of models on the market. When making your choice, try to find a good balance between image quality, networking and recording ability, and the ability to display multiple images. If you can find the right balance, your security system will be better able to handle outside threats.
Color Monitors versus Black and White Monitors
Many businesses choose to use simple black and white monitors for their security purposes, generally because these monitors are both less costly and work quite well with older cameras. If you are investing in color cameras, though, you might wish to invest in a monitor that can display color clearly.
More important than the color versus black and white choice is clarity, though. Make sure that your monitor is able to show images in the best possible resolution, and you should be able to keep track of images with far less effort.
Network and Recording
It is often wise to pick a security monitor that is meant to work with a specific brand of camera. Certain security systems work more easily with like components, and there are a number of surveillance kits that include a security monitor alongside the cameras.
It may also be wise to consider the networking possibilities of your monitor; some monitor-based computer units function quite nicely as security monitors, and they contain all the necessary components to both receive wireless signals and to record the data directly onto its hard-drive.
Try to take the necessity of recording seriously when you choose your monitor, as a unit that does not come with a hard-drive will require a further purchase.
Multiple Images
One of the more important decisions to make with a security monitor is whether or not it needs to have the capability to show multiple images. Most monitors can handle such a task, but a monitor should be large enough to actually show each image in enough detail to actually be useful.
Try to decide if you need a single master monitor to show multiple images, or whether your system may be better suited to the use of multiple smaller monitors that can each be dedicated to a single camera.
When choosing security monitors, you should keep several factors in mind. Make sure to choose a monitor with the correct image quality, consider networking and recording capabilities, and keep in mind the choice between multiple images on one monitor and multiple monitors.
Whatever your choice, remember that your security monitor will be the center of your home’s security system, and make sure to choose wisely. Try to remember that a good monitor is often the key to good monitoring, and choosing poorly may make you less likely to make use of your system.