Security equipment shopping is fun until its technical components leave you overwhelmed.  Your head might spin when the technicians or sales people hit with you that fast-talking pitch loaded with jargon. 

Here are few tips to help in the situation, particularly when looking for security cameras.

1. Learn the vocab (but only as far as it applies to what you need to know).
   1. CCTV.  Closed-circuit television.  This acronym refers to a television system that operates on a “closed circuit.”  In other words, it isn’t open to the world like cable or antenna TV.  It’s kind of like having a television network on your property, but the channels are of your premises.
   1. CAT 5 or CAT 6.  These are types of ethernet cables.  The cables offer high-quality images for you’re the surveillance equipment connected by an internet network.  Wi-fi enabled systems exist, but their quality is lower and easier for hackers to attack.
   1. IP cameras.  Internet Protocol Cameras.  This more or less means that the cameras are wired to your internet connection or a special server via an internet network.
   1. 1080P, 2K, and 4K HD resolutions.  If you are interested in the quality, these numbers deserve more research.  However, if you’re not interested in learning more, the basic thing to know is that the numbers refer to how many pixels are being used to record an image.  The higher the number, the better the quality.
2. Choosing the right system for you is important.
   1. IP systems offer many conveniences.  For example, they are generally affordable and easy to install.  Some don’t even require wires. When wiring is required, the good news is that only one wire connects the cameras to the computer that does the recording, using a CAT 5 or CAT 6 ethernet cable.  As stated, wireless options aren’t highly recommended due to low quality and lower security. 
   1. HD-over-coax cameras can be more affordable than some IP cameras.  These cameras are the good old boys of security camera technology.  They are wired to a surveillance system that stores everything without internet access.  A downside is that they require more wiring.  They have a separate wire for audio, video, and power.  They are more challenging to install, but they are generally sounder.

The truth is that security cameras, commercial and residential, across Florida come in all shapes and sizes. 

In the confusing market of security cameras, commercial and residential, in Florida, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the vast array of choices out there.  Instead of giving up, call on a security professional who can walk you through all the options available to you. 

Contact POGO Security for more information on what equipment is within your budget.