Consider Getting Surveillance Cameras With Extra Features

September 13th, 2022



When you take a look at the surveillance cameras you can buy for your Chico, CA home or business, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of options available. Dozens of brands offer hundreds of camera models, and each one offers its own list of options, quality levels, software, and special features. A basic set of cameras doesn’t cost much, but you can get cameras with all kinds of interesting features that could boost their effectiveness. Depending on what you need, the boost could be worth much more than the price.

Night Vision

Some cameras can see in the infrared spectrum, so they can make out people and objects even when it looks completely dark to normal eyes. These cameras also come with dozens of infrared LEDs that light up the area and help the camera pick out important details like facial features, vehicle shapes, and so on. These cameras can be more expensive than the normal kind, but if you can’t keep an area well-lit for some reason then an IR-capable camera can still give you a clear picture of what’s going on. 

Pan-Tilt-Zoom

A pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera comes with a mount you can move around by remote control. A single camera can look left and right, up and down, and zoom in or out to give you a different perspective. A single PTZ camera can do the job of two or three cameras pointed in different directions, plus you can program an automatic pattern for the camera to follow so you don’t need to keep moving it yourself. PTZ cameras are great for when you need to pay attention to a large area or focus in on several specific spots.

Wireless Cameras

Old cameras needed two cables: one to provide power and one to transmit the signal. Most modern cameras now use Wi-Fi networks to send the signal to the recording device, but many of them still need a wire to give them the power they need to operate. You may still want that stable connection, but some models are now completely wireless and run on batteries instead. The downside is that you’ll have to replace the batteries regularly, but the big advantage is that you can move wireless cameras throughout your Chico, CA home or store if you need to.

Motion Detection

Standard surveillance cameras transmit a steady signal 24 hours per day, and that can make it hard to review the footage later to spot something you might not have seen the first time. That’s why many new cameras come with motion detection, which means they only start recording once they notice something move in their field of vision. This means you’ll only have to review footage where something happens. However, this feature is less useful if you point the camera at a road or other high-traffic area. 

Modern cameras have a lot of interesting features. However, some of them can be more useful than others depending on what your security needs are. The best way to find out is to contact a Chico, CA security company and discuss your needs and your budget.

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