CCTV security cameras and DVRs are becoming more and more prevalent, and with their use in more private business and homes than ever before, I wanted to take a moment to discuss the benefit of the different levels of equipment and potential ROI.
As the PC revolution continues to produce faster, better and less expensive hardware, the CCTV surveillance world has reaped the benefits. We have gone from unreliable VCRs and black & white, grainy cameras to much faster, more reliable computer based DVR cards and Standalone systems. This has boosted the technical capabilities and reliability of the electronics, while at the same time driving the cost down to a level that is much more enticing to individual homeowners and small businesses than before.
These new security DVRs and surveillance cameras can record on motion activation and allow uninterrupted playback locally or 
over the internet, allowing concerned individuals to keep an eye on their elderly parents who still live alone, their valuables, etc, all from anywhere that has an internet connection. Also, there is often a reduction in homeowner insurance premiums (5-20%) if security systems are in place. With complete CCTV Security System packages beginning in the mid $500.00 price range, and more capable, larger systems still well under the $2,000.00 mark, the savings on your homeowners insurance can cover a significant portion, if not all, of the costs.
The largest financial benefit can be the identification of vandals and thieves, which can lead to the recovery of stolen goods, or reparations, as well as documentation for your insurance claims. A visible and well laid out CCTV system can also deter criminals from attempting malicious crimes in the first place.
As prices continue to fall on consumer-level systems, you can be sure that more and more people will be installing their own surveillance equipment in homes and small offices. If you are a homeowner that is thinking about doing just that, or maybe you already have a CCTV system installed, we want to hear from you! Let us know what type of system you are looking at or went with and whether you are satisfied with that decision.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I have a Avermedia 1304net 4 channel dvr at home. I got this unit after my work truck was broke into if I had this system before I would have been able to see who did it. Or if they saw the cameras the people that did this may not have done it in the first place. Do the math $450.00 worth of tools and the cost of repairs to my truck. was well over $1000.00 dollars. the cost of a good 4-8 channel system is less than that. plus the peice of mind to know that if this happens to you, you can give the police something other than a list of what is missing.
November 11th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
The fact that you can save on your homeowner’s insurance is a big plus! I wasn’t even aware of this and I bet a majority of the public isn’t either.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Great points Luke. The ROI of surveillance systems is pretty clear for more people. They typically pay for themselves in the first incident they prevent or correct.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I like your explanation of the cost benefit for these systems. I work in the insurance industry and can’t tell you how many of my customers absolutely need this type of product. I like referring them to you Apex!
November 11th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I bought a system for my house recently… I hadn’t considered that I could end up paying lower insurance. Need to call them tomorrow!
November 12th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Hm, I was unaware that you can get insurance breaks by having a surveillance system. Interesting.
November 12th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I purchased my surveillance package from you and I have less crime in my convenience store. This was absolutely the best investment I have made for my store.
November 30th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Security Cameras & CCTV Practices – Nov 30, 2009 – Edition #2…
Welcome to the November 30, 2009 edition of the Security Cameras and CCTV Practices blog carnival.
CCTV Security Cameras
ApexCCTV presents Home Security Systems – a Cost Benefit Perspective posted at The CCTV Blog, saying, “It is becoming mor…