Getting Started With A CCTV Security Camera System

March 26th, 2024



If you are considering whether or not investing in a security camera system in Chico, CA is the right choice for your home or business, you may be interested in finding more information about the basics of a closed circuit television system, or CCTV. While these systems are by no means new, advancements in camera technology means that they are more versatile and flexible than ever before, making them a great choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

The first thing that you will need to decide when it comes to choosing a CCTV security camera system is where it is exactly that you would like to monitor. If, for example, you need a system so that you can monitor and outdoor area, whether it is your backyard or a dimly lit parking garage in Chico, CA, you will want to invest in a camera specifically designed for outdoor use. While outdoor cameras can be used both inside and outside a building, indoor cameras will quickly stop working if they are exposed to the elements and weather on a regular basis. That is not say, however, that you should plan on using an outdoor camera inside the building since these are often more expensive and their outdoor functionality will not provide you with any real advantages in doors.

When it comes to surveying an area that does not have adequate light, an infrared camera is an excellent choice. These cameras are specifically designed to record high resolution images even when there is little to no light available. Of course, you should plan on spending a bit more for this type of camera, but the added protection that they provide often makes them well worth the added investment.

For indoor use, you have a wide variety of options available to you ranging from fixed cameras to ones that offer the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom. Cameras are also available in an incredible variety of resolutions, which means that you can choose ones that record grainy, low resolution images or ones that record in stunning high definition. Of course, if you choose an HD camera, you should plan on having plenty of space available for the recordings since high definition recordings are considerably larger than their low definition counterparts.

Speaking of recording, you probably will not be able to monitor your security system 24 hours a day. Is that it will be necessary for you to make recordings of your surveillance so that you can go back and review the recordings later on if you find that some type of criminal activity has occurred. While in the past the most common type of recording was a VCR, modern systems use either a dedicated DVR or you may choose to connect your security system to a computer and save the recordings onto a hard drive.

It is incredibly easy to spend a small fortune on a top-of-the-line security camera system, but you can get a relatively basic CCTV system relatively inexpensively. While the hardware itself can be quite pricey, having a system installed by a professional firm in Chico, CA often puts it out of the reach of the average individual. While businesses may be able to afford hundreds of thousands of dollars for an advanced security system, a homeowner will probably need to make do with something considerably less costly. Fortunately, wireless security systems can be installed in just a matter of minutes even if a person is not incredibly handy around the house. An IP system connects wirelessly to a home network and can be monitored remotely even if you are thousands of miles away.

From hidden cameras to wide angle cameras that can record the activity in an entire store, it is easier than ever to set up a CCTV system.

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