How To Choose A Video Surveillance System for Your Home

December 29th, 2023



Video surveillance systems are the first step to protecting your Chico, CA home, your property and your loved ones. The best home security systems are those that can provide a continuous watch on your property all day.

But how does one choose among the many security camera types? Here's a list of the best video cameras, their features and the benefits they can bring to the table:

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras can be installed just under the eaves to protect your home and its perimeter in Chico, CA. With it, you can have a reliable camera that monitors your driveway, backyard, front yard, patio or any outdoor area you need looking out for. These bullet cameras often come with a vandal-resistant feature which varies according to strike rating. The higher the rating, the more it can resist physical impact at various distances.

Advantages of Bullet Cameras

  • Easy to install.
  • The multi-axis brackets allow for easy angle adjustments to view the spots you need.
  • One of the best cost-effective ways to monitor your property.
  • There are outdoor and indoor models available.

Hidden Cameras

Spy or hidden cameras provide the surveillance you need in a discreet manner. Coupled with traditional, visible Chico home security cameras, a hidden camera ensures an additional protective layer aside from the enhanced security measures. Hidden video cameras are easily concealable by nature

  • you can put them in various household fixtures such as clocks, picture frames, smoke detectors and thermostats. They blend right in home environments and are almost invisible to the casual eye.

    Hidden cameras are best for catching vandals, thieves, and criminals who aren't aware they are being watched and recorded. They aren't likely to tamper with the video camera because they don't know it's there in the first place.

    Advantages of Spy Cameras

    • Provide a good layer of enhanced protection for your family and your property in Chico, CA.
    • Almost tamper-proof due to being invisible under casual observance.
    • Great for catching criminals as they are unaware of the covert camera installed.
    • The wireless varieties don't require hard-wiring and can be installed in any part of your property.

    Infrared Cameras

    IR, or infrared cameras are excellent for 24/7 monitoring. They can see in the dark as well as during daytime. You can choose various IR ranges, from 65' to 300' or higher, depending on the location in Chico, CA and your application. Some of the more advanced IR video cameras include better performance against low-light conditions (Full Frame Illumination) and Smart IR technology.

    IR Video Camera Advantages

    • Clear images captured during night time.
    • Total 24/7 surveillance.
    • Night capability features such as IR illumination.

    Dome Cameras

    Dome cameras are self-contained video units that are marked by a tough exterior covering the camera lens. They can blend into any Chico home environment and are quite easy to install and run. This type of video surveillance system is versatile and great for aesthetic purposes.

    Dome Security Camera Advantages

    • Can be ceiling or wall-mounted, depending on your application needs.
    • Easy installation properties.
    • The form factor is aesthetically pleasing and can fit into any part of your house.
    • The dome camera's obscured lens make it difficult for thieves and criminals to detect.

    Choosing the right type of video surveillance system according to your Chico, CA home situation is essential for top security and unparalleled peace of mind. Take the time to consider each type that fits in with your needs and application purposes. If you need a free security assessment or consultation, please call Crime Free Living at 530-327-7268

  • 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