Wireless Security Camera Overview

November 21st, 2023



First Generation Wireless Security Cameras

The early “analog” cameras send out the video signal to a receiver, which can be then connected to either a video monitor or a recording device, such as a videotape recorder, or digital video recording system (DVR). Note that most of them operate over the 2.4 GHz band, the same band that a lot of other household wireless appliances, such as cordless phones and video game controllers, operate on. Additionally, microwave ovens operate at 2.45 GHz, and radio-controlled toys also use the 2.4 GHz band. You can see there are many possible causes of interference when using these kinds of cameras. Not only can the camera interfere with the other devices, but it also works both ways – the other equipment may interfere with the camera’s signal, causing low-quality video.

Analog Wireless Security Cameras Have These Advantages:

* They Cost Less:

* They can be used with more than one receiver;

* You can use as many as 12 cameras with a single receiver;

* Setup and installation are easy. You can have a wireless video security system operational very quickly, and at low cost.

Analog Camera Disadvantages:

* Shares frequency band with other common electronic devices;

* The signal can be intercepted and viewed by anyone with a receiver;

* Easily interfered with.

For installations where there are a lot of physical obstructions, look into installing a system using 900MHz transmission. For small systems, where only 1 or 2 cameras are required, the 900 MHz versions may be an excellent solution. For more channels, up to 12, look at 2.4 GHz wireless cameras. Since there are many devices now that use this frequency range, you may have interference. There is less interference when using wireless cameras based on the 5.8 GHz spectrum. There are 8 channels available (so you can have up to 8 cameras). For best results only use 5.8 GHz wireless when there are few physical obstacles. Walls and other objects cause signal degradation.

Transmitter Power Output Affects Signal Strength and Distance

When selecting an analog wireless security camera system, make sure you find out the transmission power and determine whether this will be enough to overcome any obstacles in your system.

Most claims of distance are for line-of-sight transmission, where there are no obstacles between the camera’s antenna and the receiver’s antenna. This rarely happens. Factors such as distance, weather, trees, buildings, walls all have an effect. Due to the short wavelength of 5.8 GHz signals, they have the most difficult of the 3 frequencies available to pass through obstacles.

Digital Wireless Security cameras

Digital security cameras are more sophisticated than analog wireless cameras. The digital video signal may be compressed or uncompressed before it is sent to the receiver, where it will be re-converted to the baseband for viewing unless it is an IP camera (discussed below). The transmission frequency is usually 2.4 GHz, however, because it is digital, there are fewer interference problems. Transmission power is usually 16dBm, which is a bit under the typical wireless router power.

Advantages Of A Digital Wireless Security Camera:

* The range of transmission of the signal is as much as 450 feet with line of sight between camera and receiving station;

* Video and audio quality higher than analog;

* Allows for audio communication to the remote site;

* Digital video can be encrypted to maintain the security of the images.

 

Connecting a Wireless Security Camera To a Local Area Network

Wireless security cameras are now available that can connect through a local area network over IEEE 802.11b/g WiFi systems. The camera has it’s own IP address on your network in Chico, CA and can be viewed using a browser.

 

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
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