What is happening in your house right now? Perhaps the cat is pulling up his curtains, or his young son is playing ball in a room full of decorations. There might even be a window open, inviting intruders.
If you are at home, you can fix all these things. But if you are out of the house, you would generally be unaware of them and therefore unable to deal with the various dangers and incidents that are likely to occur.
To find out what's going on, you'll need to set up a remote video surveillance system and some means of seeing what's going on. There's a good chance you have a smartphone connected to the internet, so that's the organized viewing. But what solutions can you use to set up video surveillance in your home, and once you've done that, what should you be looking at?
Perhaps the easiest option is to use one or more webcams connected to your PC. SKJM's iCam is probably the best product out there right now, facilitating easy connectivity between a desktop computer (Windows or Mac camera servers can be downloaded from the iCam website) and an Android mobile device. or iPhone / iPad.
While the desktop app is free, the mobile clients will set you back $5, but once set up, you'll be able to watch what's happening on your webcam on your smart device.
Various other tools are also available to create a remote video surveillance system with your PC webcam Use your webcam for home surveillance with these tools Use your webcam for home surveillance with these tools Have your own system Home surveillance can be a powerful deterrent. Intruders, snooping roommates, or frustrating co-workers. Here are 6 great options for webcam-based surveillance products that you can use today! Read more.
If it's not practical to rely on your PC's webcam (maybe the USB cable isn't long enough to position the camera the way you prefer), why not use one or more old smartphones?
These days almost every electronic device comes with a camera, and by leveraging your old smartphone's camera you can keep an eye on your property from afar. Whether your drawer hides an iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, or even an old Windows Mobile device, you should be able to find a suitable app to stream what the camera captures and view it remotely.
Our guide to building a security camera network from old smartphones How to build a security camera network from old smartphones How to build a security camera network from old smartphones There is no best use of old smartphones than building your own DIY network security camera. System - We show you everything you need to know! Read More explains this in more detail.
If you enjoy recording footage of yourself skiing, skateboarding, or some other exciting outdoor activity, and would rather finance that type of hobby than insure your home, but think the latter is probably a good idea, then you might consider the FLIR FX..
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Incredibly, this is a streaming security camera that actually doubles as an action camera! With up to 160 degrees of 1080p capture and recording, the camera can also show things you can't see with the naked eye, like temperature and humidity.
Compatible with FLIR Systems cases, you can view streamed footage using the iPhone and Android apps.
If you're happy to spend money, instead of a security camera that doubles as an action camera, you can opt for a dedicated, out-of-the-box streaming security camera.
Unlike the other solutions suggested here, this is not a cheap option, but the results can be described as more professional. You get dedicated hardware, configured specifically for capturing images in your home and streaming them instantly online through a manufacturer-provided server. The action camera, the Raspberry Pi, the webcam and the old smartphones can stay where they are, or be adapted to other projects.
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Buying a streaming security camera is a good option, but if you go down this path, make sure you keep the system secure, otherwise you might find streaming footage online without your knowledge. Are your home security cameras being broadcast online without your knowledge? Are your home security cameras being broadcast online without your knowledge? Read more.
If using iCam with your PC, or setting up a network of smartphone security cameras wasn't good enough for you, we suggest you take a look at the Raspberry Pi, which can be configured to work as a system. of security cameras with a USB webcam. or the dedicated camera Pi 5 things you can do with the Raspberry Pi camera module 5 things you can do with the Raspberry Pi camera module One of the first expansions you should buy for the Raspberry Pi is the camera module. With a dedicated connector, the camera can be used for a variety of tasks. We'll see. Read More (an infrared version is also available).
The benefit of this solution is that you can combine low cost with easy positioning (see below), as the devices, once installed in a camera case, are light and compact. Also, if you plan to set up a device outside, you can use a Pi to Go? 3 ways to power a Raspberry Pi for portable Pi to Go projects? 3 Ways to Power a Raspberry Pi for Portable Projects Want to get your Raspberry Pi out of the house and into some mobile projects? You'll need a battery of some kind, but there are several options available. Read more . Our previous guide to developing a Raspberry Pi motion capture device Build a motion capture security system using a Raspberry Pi Build a motion capture security system using a Raspberry Pi Of the many projects you can build with the Raspberry Pi, one of the most interesting and permanently useful is the motion capture security system. Read More
Getting your camera position right can make all the difference. We already know that properties have weak spots, but if you're streaming footage over the web and you haven't secured your cameras or footage, there's a chance criminals and other users could intercept video and time-lapse images. . undesirable.
As such, take steps not only to secure the feed, but also to position cameras in such a way that naked bodies, intrusion opportunities, and other vital information are not shared. Our Guide to Placing Home Security Cameras 5 Dangers to Consider When Pointing Your Home Security Cameras 5 Dangers to Consider When Pointing Your Home Security Cameras It is important to carefully consider where you place your cameras and at what parts of your home. their home points them out. Keeping things secure is important, but so is keeping your privacy. Read More
Just as important, though, is deciding what you're going to record and stream. If you have a young child, for example, you may want to make sure their crib is covered, for those nights when you suspect your client might distract your babysitter.
Similarly, an external camera that captures all visitors to your home can be useful, as can any device that covers both interior and exterior entry points. But if you just want to see your fish, it's probably best to put a waterproof camera in your aquarium.
Are you using a streaming-capable home security camera? Maybe build your own? Share your story and thoughts in the comments.
