5 Tips for Getting the Best Deal Out Of Your Security System

February 8th, 2024



A good security system in Chico, CA makes all the difference between a good night's sleep and a restless one. How many people understand how to optimize their surveillance system entirely? Only setting the system up is not enough. You need to do it right.

1. Cover the Right Areas

Especially when you have just moved into a new house or business location, don't just take over without confirming whether the cameras are functional, and facing the right side.

Suppose you have installed the system in your Chico business, wouldn't you'd want to have the cameras pointing at the cash register, your office, entrances, and exits, etc.? Likewise to your home, have the cameras covering the prime areas and regularly check to make sure this is still the case.

2. Optimize Frame Rates and Resolutions

Frames per second (FPS) and resolution are what contribute towards the clarity of a camera footage as well as the disc space taken up by the recording.

An ideal situation is whereby you have a video of superior clarity while still having most of it on the hard drive before it requires recycling. Otherwise, what would be the use of having a surveillance system in Chico, CA when hardly any of it can be stored on the drive before it gets recorded over?

Invest in a system that guarantees high resolution, high frame rates and one that comes it a high capacity DVR as well.

3. Install the right Video Surveillance System

Which Type Of Security System Is Right For Your Chico Business? There are two parts to any surveillance system: the camera and the receiver into which the footage shall be taped. As far as cameras go, the options available are:

Night Vision/Infrared Cameras - Ideal for securing the outdoor of your home or business space. Can work even in adverse lighting conditions.

Dome Cameras - Ideal for indoor spaces and have the added advantage or providing 360° visibility.

Outdoor/Bullet Cameras - used for securing outdoor spaces such as parking lots and warehouses. They come in a sturdy casing so as to withstand harsh elements.

Network/IP Cameras - meant for interior spaces and work by providing live feeds through an internet-enabled device.

4. Remote Smartphone Access

With remote access via your tablet or phone, you can have your surveillance system literally at your fingertips. Gone are the days when you constantly had to be physically present in Chico, CA for everything. With broadband internet, you can watch over your family when you are miles away. The same applies to your business in that you can ensure all employees are present and working right from your mobile phone even when you are physically miles away.

5. Routine Check-Ups

This may sound rather obvious, but you may be surprised at just how many people rarely check whether their cameras are still in good working condition. Perhaps the system has been fried during a power surge, or the cameras have even been vandalized; how are you to know if you don't check on them regularly?

Anyone can install a security system in their home or business in Chico, CA but not many take the time to optimize that system and making sure they are getting the best deal out of it. With the above tips though, you ought to be better informed.

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