Things To Consider When Shopping For Surveillance Systems

March 25th, 2024



A comprehensive security system in Chico, CA is very crucial to provide proper surveillance as well as give you a peace of mind whenever you are around or not. To avoid theft or intrusion into your home or property in Chico, CA, a good security camera provides precise monitoring that is on-going around the premises. However, when trying to select the best security camera, the choices can be overwhelming. Below are the key tips on how to choose a suitable security camera.

1. First, understand the different available security camera options

It is crucial to have an understanding of various camera types available in the market so that you can analyze your choices. With so many choices to select from, the most trending and prominent security systems available include:

Dome Security Cameras

Infrared (IR) security cameras

Pan tilt zoom cameras

Pro box cameras and Hidden cameras

2. Considering infrared (IR) surveillance camera benefits

It's a very modern monitoring system for homes and businesses in Chico, CA and contains the following advantages:

Production of high-resolution video color during daytime while in low light or when there are no light conditions they are the most preferred types of cameras.

Infrared cameras have the ability to illuminate security areas by switching automatically from black and white. The illuminators found in the camera mainly turn on allowing you to see clearer in low light or no light at than the human eye.

They can be used for both indoors and outdoors. Indoor Infrared cameras provide a clear video image in the dark and in the light.

They are weather-proof hence can withstand cold and hot temperatures without the use of an additional camera.

3. Consider the benefits of pro box cameras

Commonly used in banks, convenience stores, supermarkets among other places in Chico, CA.

Have changeable lenses based on the zoom and viewing angle required.

Some are day and night cameras as they automatically switch from color when its daytime to black and white during low light conditions.

4. Benefits of pan tilt zoom cameras

The camera can be controlled using DVR, software for remote viewing, a joystick and zooming capability.

Can zoom and capture an image from a distance.

They can do preset tours through monitoring particular places when you are away.

They are mostly used in casinos. Airports, large department stores among other locations.

5. Considering Dome Camera benefits

Come with different styles that are; infrared domes, outdoor domes, indoor domes, pan tilt controllable zoom domes and vandal proof domes.

They provide clear, high-resolution color pictures.

They can be useful for indoor and outdoor particularly professional box type cameras.

6. Consider the Hidden Camera benefits

Provide the highest surveillance degree as no one can detect or see them

They include motion detectors, clocks, fake smoke detectors, and EXIT signs are good examples of hidden cameras used.

7. Decide to choose either the wired or the wireless cameras

Wired cameras provide a better video quality compared to wireless which can be somehow misleading as they need frequent powering and a sight line without obstacles which can be a problem. Also, Wired cameras have a longer lifespan and of high quality, as they are equipped with the DVR at the back and only one cable is required to run from the DVR to every camera.

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