Why Choose HD Surveillance Cameras

September 15th, 2022



Camera technology has gone through a revolution in recent years, and today you can cameras in all kinds of shapes and sizes with an almost endless list of features, camera modes, and quality levels. This includes all the different surveillance cameras you can buy for your Chico, CA home or business. One of the most popular options today is HD and above image quality, although you can still find plenty of security cameras that deliver SD quality. HD cameras cost more, so what does that extra quality give you? 

Pixel Size 

The main difference between standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and 4k cameras is the number of vertical pixels in the footage they create. The SD range goes from 144p to 480p, and the HD range is 720p and 1080p. “4k” gets its name from the number of horizontal pixels, so the range actually starts at 2160p and goes up from there.

Detail Level

Every camera of the same basic design will show you the same area if you place them in the same spot. However, a camera with a high resolution can provide more details because it has more pixels for each part of the image. These details can be important when you need to figure out what happened or what someone looked like. 

For instance, imagine you put a camera in your retail store and it can see a shelf towards the back. With a 480p SD camera, that shelf is about 100 pixels across and 50 pixels tall. Each item on that shelf would only be maybe one or two pixels in size, so you’d have a hard time figuring out if something moved or what someone is doing next to it. An HD camera with 1080p would give you more than four times as many pixels, which is enough to make out important details. A 4k camera would quadruple that again. 

Facial Recognition 

Between HD cameras and AI developments, facial recognition has gone from a science fiction concept to a very real way to identify guests, burglars, robbers, and anyone else who steps in front of a camera. Some homeowners have started installing biometric cameras for their homes that use facial recognition software to decide who can enter their home, and police in Chico, CA are using facial recognition to spot suspects and track their movements. Even without the fancy software, HD cameras in your workplace will let you clearly identify who is doing what while on screen.

HD is an added expense compared to SD cameras, but the extra image quality is worth it since it lets you identify people close to the camera and keep track of what people are doing on the other side of the room. You may need to pay a little extra to update your surveillance system if you haven’t already, but the benefits are definitely worth the extra costs. Be sure to contact a local security company in Chico, CA when you upgrade since they can point you at all the best cameras and help you install them correctly.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268