Medium to large size businesses were the first to use video surveillance systems when they were pioneered. As technology improved, camera size and price tag got smaller and more and more systems made their way into homes. Vulnerable areas can be monitored from practically anywhere with closed circuit TV (CCTV), protecting your home from theft and other threats that go bump in the night.

One of the important elements in a home video surveillance system is the viewing monitor. The monitor is used to display pictures from the cameras. The images are of a higher resolution (typically between 500-1000 lines) than an analog television set and they are usually black and white.

The surveillance camera is another vital element. When a home surveillance system is set up, cameras are generally installed around the exterior of a home in the locations that are the most vulnerable. They must be placed where they can be hidden or at least very hard to see. These cameras run constantly, sending video to monitors on a regular basis. To work properly at night, you'll need either lighting or infrared security cameras that will monitor even in total darkness.

Unless you incorporate a wireless security system, the coaxial cables will also be needed for any video surveillance system. These cables will send video signals from a camera to a monitor. The cables are obtainable in many sizes which may be found at a home security supplier or electronics store. Your own home security system will have coaxial cables, though you might need more of them, depending upon where it is that you intend to set up the cameras.

A home video surveillance system should be controlled by switchers. The switches allow one monitor to show feeds from multiple cameras. If movement is detected by a motion sensor in one of the cameras, the switcher will lock the onto that camera feed. Otherwise, the switcher will cycle through each feed in turn.

There are some home video surveillance systems that utilize video recorders to record any live video feed that you program. This can be useful if you travel a lot, as the recorder can capture a break in as it occurs. If the case goes to court or to the police, you can use the video recording as evidence. Video recorders can catch burglars in the act - especially if you locate the camera where it is hard to spot.

A monitor and video surveillance cameras can be combined so that home video surveillance systems can be used to easily detect burglaries and break-in's. They are being used in thousands of homes across North America and have become quite affordable. If you are in search of the best way to secure your home- a home video surveillance system is definitely worth being checked out.

When it was first introduced, video surveillance systems were used primarily by medium to large businesses. Currently however, they are becoming much more common in homes. The surveillance cameras are also an important component. When setting up the home video surveillance system, the cameras are installed strategically around the outside of the home, in the most vulnerable locations. They should be placed where they are hidden or difficult to see. To work properly at night, you'll need either lighting or infrared security cameras that will monitor even in total darkness.