How to Use Webcams as CCTV Surveillance System!

Currently, even hi-tech CCTV security cameras are available at affordable prices. The reason is simple. The demand for these cameras is increasing in leaps and bounds and so is the production. The increase in production has also increased competition which is ultimately good for the wallet of the customer. If your budget is too tight and you cannot fork out for advanced cameras then we got a solution for you. You can use the webcam of your computer or laptop as a CCTV camera plus motion detection recording system. Here is what you need:

-          A laptop or computer

-          A built-in or USB-connected webcam

-          A software for recording motion activated or continuous feed from the webcam

There are some free and paid applications that are used for recording the webcam feed. Since you have a tight budget, you can opt for free software such as iSpy Connect. This software does not require any technical expertise for deploying. Simply install it and use it. Moreover, it also supports multiple cameras.  

Once it is installed, this software provides you with a list of all connected webcams. Now, it is time to configure zones. A zone is a rectangular area within the view of the webcam. You can select the door, parking space, or any other area to monitor.

Good software comes with a playback console for showing recorded clips on a timeline. This allows you to watch the video that was recorded when the motion was detected. Some software applications send a text message, an email with attached jpg image and upload video to YouTube or FTP server when a motion is detected.

There is a cool feature in iSpy that enables the webcam surveillance system to respond to the motion or audio trigger.

There Are Some Downsides

You’re PC or the laptop should be always on. This will definitely increase your electricity bills. Apart from this, it also pares down the life of the machine as computers and laptops usually get heated when run for a long period. Moreover, you need lengthy USB cables. Most of the webcams do not have night vision feature. So, the webcam will be useless at night if proper lighting is not there.

When you are using an IP camera, you need not keep your PC running. An IP camera is connected to the router and can be mounted anywhere within the range of the Wi-Fi. Moreover, with IP camera, you also get real-time footage on your computer. Apart from this, the majority of IP cameras have microSD card slot for storing the recorded video in a memory card.

Whether you are looking forward for IP cameras or webcam surveillancein Edmonton, it is important to buy cameras and components from a reputed supplier only.