Wireless Security Cameras – Busting the Misconceptions

   Over the years, there have been many customers who have called us looking for “Wireless” security cameras for their home or business.  While in theory, it would seem that this would be an ideal technology, there are several reasons that this is NOT a preferred technology for home or business security camera systems.  Before we look at the reasons NOT to use wireless cameras, let us first look at the reasons that people are drawn to this technology.

Reasons that customers may look for Wireless Security Cameras: 
1.  Ease of installation
2.  Not needing to run cables to the camera
3.  Ability to view camera while away

   Now let us look at these reasons, and really educate ourselves to the benefits and drawbacks of wireless security camera technology. 

1.  Ease of installation – In the consumer’s mind, it may appear that wireless cameras would be easier to install.  However, the reality of the situation is usually realized once the camera has been received from the supplier.  Then the customer finds, that the camera actually is not any easier to install than a wired camera.  The camera and bracket are equally easy to install…but the bulk of why it is not easier will be found in reason #2.

2.  Don’t need to run cables to the camera – One would assume that with a name like “Wireless Camera” that you would not need to run any cables for that camera.  However, “Wireless” is actually a misnomer.  The cameras should actually be labelled as “Cameras with Wireless Video transmission” because of the fact that wireless cameras require power…and lots of it.  Transmitting analog video wirelessly consumes 2-5 times the power of a wired camera.  So now you will need to run a power line out to your “wireless” camera during installation…making it no easier to install than a wired camera…and sometimes even more expensive.  The reason that this type of cabling is more expensive, is because wireless cameras come with short individual style power adapters, which need to be plugged into an outlet within 2 feet of where the camera is placed.  So a fully qualified and licensed electrician must be hired to run a 110 VAC outlet up to the location of each camera.  Whereas with wired style security cameras, you would simply need a Low-Voltage telephone jack installer, low voltage electrician or cable TV installer, which would be able to run the low-voltage combined power/video cable to your DVR or PC from the location of each camera.  Installing these wired type security cameras would be less expensive because of the nature of the low-voltage cabling.

3.  Ability to view camera while away – One of the most common misconceptions of customers who are calling and asking for “wireless cameras” is that they believe that they will be able to put a wireless camera into their car or somewhere else, and will be able to monitor that camera remotely.  The truth of the matter is, that wireless cameras are VERY SHORT RANGE.  With most of these cameras, you can view the cameras from 100-200′ away at most (with obstructions such as walls).  The cameras would come with a wireless receiver that would be plugged into your DVR Card or Standalone DVR/VCR, that would receive the wireless video signal and allow you to record and display from the camera.  Wireless cameras can NOT be installed into a vehicle and monitored remotely…the technology that would allow this type of access would require a constant cellular internet connection from the camera…and would be MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE than basic wireless cameras.  However, viewing cameras while away can be done with both Wireless AND WIRED style cameras by using an Internet Capable DVR Card/Software or a Standalone DVR with Internet remote viewing capabilities.  These recording solutions can permit viewing your cameras while away from the home or office easily.  Some of our DVR Cards will even allow you to view the cameras from a PDA Phone or Windows Mobile Smartphone and they work with BOTH Wired AND Wireless Cameras.

Other Reasons to Avoid Wireless Security Cameras:

1.  Wireless cameras operate on crowded frequencies – Most wireless cameras operate on 1.2 Ghz or 2.4 Ghz frequency bands.  Do these numbers sound familiar?  Well they should!  Most cordless phones, wireless internet connections and more use these frequencies.  So installing cameras that also operate in these frequency bands might cause interference with your phones or internet capabilities.  In fact, for testing purposes, I installed a wireless camera at my home for testing purposes…as soon as I plugged it in, my wireless internet connection dropped out, and would return only when I unplugged the wireless camera’s power source.  It took 5 tries to find a frequency setting in my Wireless Router, to allow the camera and wireless internet to remain operable simultaneously…however you will see the definition of “operable” in the explanations below.

2. Wireless cameras do NOT work with Motion Detection – Most standalone dvrs (digital video recorder) and PC-Based DVR Systems now provide motion detection recording capabilities.  Motion detection allow you to record only when motion is detected by the system.  With “Wireless” Security cameras, interference with other devices that use the same frequency band, or interference caused by high-load electrical devices such as flourescent light ballasts, refridgerators and Air Conditioning systems can cause wavy lines and distortion in the picture from the “wireless camera”.  This distortion is picked up as movement, and causes the camera to record constantly.  Constant recording will eat up the hard drive of your recording device, and will render special features like email alerts, etc useless.  See the video to the right to see what wireless interference looks like.

3.  Wireless cameras are not Secure – As a matter of expectation, most people would expect that a camera that is marketed as a “Wireless” security camera to be Secure.  However, the reality of the matter is, that analog video transmission, which is transmitted by these “Wireless” Cameras, can not be secured by encryption.  This means that the video feed is available to anyone within range.  This is a BIG SECURITY ISSUE, especially if you are planning on installing cameras into your home or business.  This will basically put up a big Billboard for tech savy thieves to rob you!  Because they can simply tune in to the wireless frequencies, and be able to see if anyone is at home, what room you are in, as well as where the valuables of your house are located.  Not to mention the creepy neighbors who might be getting their voyeuristic rocks off by watching you in your home.  So PLEASE, if you insist on using wireless cameras, ONLY USE THEM OUTDOORS.

4.  Wireless cameras are not reliable – Because of the fact that the analog  video is transmitted wirelessly over crowded frequencies, you are relying on the fact that no other wireless devices will change frequency and begin to use the same frequency as your wireless cameras.  So the innocent reasons for loss of video – could be that your neighbor might have installed a new cordless phone or wireless internet router.  Then there are less innocent reasons for your cameras to cease operation:  A tech-savy thief can jam the frequency bands for your cameras with inexpensive frequency jammers, and completely disable your video surveillance security camera system, rendering it completely useless as they break in and steal everything of value from you.

 

   It is for all of these reasons, that we do NOT recommend any wireless camera solutions for your home or business security camera installation.  There are those of you who may ignore our warnings, but at least make sure that you KNOW the downfalls of the wireless security camera technology before making a purchase, so that you can be educated, and know what you are getting yourself into.

Educate Yourself First
Visit our Websites for more information about wired security cameras and systems
   Official Platinum CCTV Surveillance Solutions website
   Our Online Security Camera Store – Ez-Toyz.com

-Michael