From the smallest apartment to the largest home, people are installing video to protect themselves. It’s relatively easy to accomplish on your own in some cases, and you can rig a serviceable system just using your computer and some net cameras if you really want to use video.

The more state-of-the-art, and of course more costly systems are the CCTV systems. These are closed circuit television and have several transmitters in your home that transmit signal to a receiver that is connecting to a television or a recording device.

Generally a system that uses wires is more reliable but not everyone wants wires strung in their home. Most often new systems today are the wireless variety.

Wired or Wireless, the video surveillance system is only as good as your common sense. It sounds like something we shouldn’t have to say, but the video only works if you turn it on.

Video surveillance systems are very often coupled with other kinds of alarm systems so that not only do you get a picture of the person or people who have attempted to break into your home, you also have an alarm that will sound or a silent alarm sent to a monitoring company.

In most cases video surveillance is best when coupled with other kinds of security. It may be great to have those photos but losing your best silver or your great aunts favorite ring probably won’t impress you even if you get their photo.

Bear in mind that no matter what kind of home security system that you have, common sense and good solid effort on your part is still necessary in order to keep your home secure. A few well-placed locks on windows and doors, a deadbolt and other security devices can’t be replaced by a video, a state of the art alarm panel or anything else.