Surveillance Cameras and Peace of Mind for Spring Break and Summer Travel

August 15, 2018 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Surveillance Camera Installation

As you’re making plans for spring break travel or summer trips, you might take a breather from itinerary planning to consider home security. Protecting your home is an investment you make in your property. Surveillance camera installation can provide peace of mind while you’re away enjoying family time.

We field frequent questions about crime and security for both residential and business properties. Here are answers to the top five we’re often asked:

camera-surveillance-installation-houston

Study shows that installing camera surveillance does actually deter burglars.

Is there a real security concern here in the Houston area?

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, a resounding yes. Property crime rates in the Houston area are nearly double the national median, and safety is a real concern for many businesses and homeowners. Furthermore, in 2016, the FBI released new data on crime in America’s metropolitan areas. Houston has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, and some of its suburbs also see some high crime rates. Surveillance camera installation can help solve and deter crimes committed on your properties.

Do alarm systems really deter would-be burglars?

Simply put—yes. Most criminals or would-be burglars are seeking an easy target. Alarm systems, access control systems, CCTV, as well as other surveillance technology deters them from breaking in. A study conducted at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte found that 60% of burglars—nearly 2/3 overall—cased their targets for on-site security before deciding whether to break in or not.

What are surveillance cameras?

Surveillance cameras record what is going on at your residential or commercial property whether or not you are on site. They’re either mounted or stand-alone.

What is CCTV?

Surveillance-Camera-Installation-Houston

Have peace of mind anywhere you go with access to home surveillance from your smart device.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are surveillance systems for commercial and residential properties. They incorporate surveillance cameras and a closed (non-monitored) TV channel to give you visual access to your property 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. While our CCTV systems aren’t monitored by outside security experts, they do provide peace of mind. You’re able to view what’s going on at your property from your smartphone anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet or data connection.

And, if you notice something, you have the warning you might need to call in security or the authorities. Even if you don’t catch a situation in time, CCTV systems can give you valuable video evidence you might need later.

What else can I do to protect my property?

Surveillance cameras and CCTV systems are excellent for protecting your property. The most comprehensive security measures, however, include ample lighting (motion-activated, and especially at night), secure locks, and an alarm system. We offer a variety of options to fit your need and budget. As fully licensed, bonded, and insured alarm technicians in the state of Texas, we’re prepared to both recommend and install a system for you.

We also suggest that you make your security and surveillance measures very obvious to everyone on your property, authorized or not. You can post a notice that your property is monitored by CCTV or protected by an alarm system. If you’re using surveillance cameras and a CCTV system, put your hanging or mounted cameras up very high, so they’re out of reach of tampering, yet visually obvious to any intruders.

Grand Slam A/V and Security is your expert partner for home automation, security and comfort. Through connected systems and creative solutions, we give you on-demand access to music and media, simplify your home and business systems, and help you protect what matters most. With over 20 years’ experience and a staff of technicians at the top of their game, we bring expertise, collaboration, and service to every engagement. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our services and expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

Small Business Security Controls

August 15, 2018 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Security Controls for Small Business

Owning and running a business comes with many rewards—as well as risks, of course. Security shouldn’t be one of them. Many small business owners are so focused on the demands of the day-to-day that they fail to consider security as a crucial part of operations. Consider these stats in favor of small business security controls for your enterprise:

Property crime rates in the Houston area are nearly double the national median and affect both residential and commercial properties. Property crimes are statistically far more likely to occur during the dark hours, when many business owners are off the property.
Employee theft can be an issue, too. According to the US Chamber of Commerce, 25-40% of employees steal from their employers, and employee theft accounts for $10 to $40 billion in losses nationwide.
Employee productivity and customer service can also be problematic for small business owners, costing time and loyalty, which of course translate into revenue losses.

Small business security controls give owners technological solutions to addressing some of these challenges. Here’s how:

Keep an eye on your business from anywhere with the latest in surveillance technology for small business.

Protect your property with an alarm system

As fully licensed, bonded, and insured alarm technicians in the state of Texas, we implement entry or burglar alarm systems for both residences and small business security controls. We offer full initial installation and noninvasive solutions. We can also replace your current vendor with a superior level of service. Whatever your location, budget, or need, we can work with you to find the right fit. And, with our interactive systems, you can have access and control right from your smartphone for peace of mind when you’re off-site or out of town.

Provide limits on access

Are there places you want to limit employees’ or customers’ access to? Our commercial access control systems can give you that control. By requiring entry with some level of encryption—via keycard access—you can limit who enters office spaces, an elevator bank, or other areas of a building.

Use CCTV to monitor and protect internally as well as externally

Closed-circuit TV systems give you peace of mind by allowing you visual access to your property from your smartphone, wherever you have a signal. By pairing surveillance cameras with a TV system, CCTV lets you monitor what’s going on even when you’re not there. You can use CCTV on the interior or exterior of your business. Although CCTV isn’t monitored by outside security experts, the system can provide valuable video evidence in the case of theft or other damage.

Implement wireless locks

Control entry to your business location using keycodes and your smartphone. You can set specific keycodes for employees, vendors, or maintenance people, and you can see who entered the property—and when—from your smartphone.

Differences in Security Camera Technologies

July 15, 2018 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

The Differences Between IP Camera Quality and Other Technologies

Here at Grand Slam A/V and Security, we work with many clients on security solutions for both residential and commercial properties. More often than not, clients have some familiarity with various security camera technologies ask us about the differences between them.

Security Camera Technologies

IP Cameras

IP cameras are increasingly popular because of their ability to capture high-resolution megapixel images and video. IP-based video surveillance solutions are becoming more cost-effective with increasing compatibility and the evolution of IP-based technology.

IP cameras use an embedded video server that converts images to a digital format right inside the camera itself. Because of this capability, IP cameras can record in far higher resolution than conventional analog cameras. They are sometimes called network or megapixel cameras.

IP cameras connect to a local network using a single Ethernet cable. This single cable transmits power to the camera and video and data from the camera. Because IP cameras have a unique IP address, they can be accessed remotely.

IP cameras offer superior resolution and image quality. They can capture forensic-level detail and users can digitally zoom in on any image without losing clarity. When used in security solutions, IP camera technology can result in stronger video evidence and more effective identification.

Analog

There are many options when it comes to surveillance security technologies, but keeping your property safe is the top concern.

Analog cameras in CCTV settings require less bandwidth overall than IP-based, HD-DVI, or CVI systems. When cost, network, or bandwidth is a constraint, traditional analog CCTV can still provide an excellent monitoring solution for visual access and peace of mind. The downside is that lower-resolution images pixilate upon zoom. This can make facial recognition or license plate identification much more challenging for video evidence.

HD-TVI

High Definition Digital Video Interface (HD-TVI) technology provides high-definition surveillance at a lower cost with less complexity. With HD-DVI technology, you can transmit megapixel video

over standard coaxial cabling. HD-TVI offers crucial digital zoom capabilities, ideal for facial or license plate recognition. HD-TVI technology is compatible with traditional analog cameras and so can be an add-on to beef up an existing CCTV system.

HD-CVI

High Definition Composite Video Interface (HD-CVI) technology uses a licensed video transmitter and receiver to transmit 1080p video resolution over standard CCTV coaxial cables. This format is uncompressed and can be transmitted over long distances without some of the bandwidth and delay issues that can constrain other solutions.

What’s best for me?

We’re here to discuss your security needs and objectives and help you determine the ideal solution for your surveillance needs, from security camera technologies and equipment to overall budget.

Does CCTV Really Prevent Crime in Houston?

January 15, 2018 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Does CCTV Really Prevent Crime?

Every day, our staff at Grand Slam A/V and Security fields calls from homeowners and business owners wondering how to best keep their properties safe and secure. Property crime rates in the Houston area are nearly double the national median, and safety is top-of-mind for many people. When looking for CCTV Houston, let us help you deter crime.

We install CCTV (closed-circuit television) surveillance systems for both commercial and residential properties throughout Houston.

At Grand Slam A/V and Security, we offer an array of solutions to fit needs and budgets. In addition to alarm and access control systems, we install CCTV (closed-circuit television) surveillance systems for both commercial and residential properties throughout Houston. Here’s our primer on CCTV and why it can provide peace of mind.

What is CCTV?

Closed-circuit TV systems include both mounted and stand-alone surveillance cameras on your property and the closed—non-monitored—TV channel for your viewing. Our CCTV systems are not monitored by outside security experts, but they do allow you to see what is going on at your property whether you’re home or not. What’s more, you can view your property from your smartphone, anywhere in the world where you have internet.

Why it works

Most people targeting homes or businesses for burglary are looking for an easy target. The presence of an alarm system, access control system, CCTV, or other surveillance technology acts as a deterrent. Not only have you added a layer of security beyond door and window locks, you’ve also added technology to your level of property protection.

Making it obvious

To reap the most benefit from CCTV, we recommend that our clients make some elements of the system obvious. Posting a notice that your property is monitored by CCTV acts as a deterrent. It also keeps you on the straight and narrow: while it’s your right to monitor your property, it’s also a good idea to let anyone visiting your property know he or she is being recorded.

Outsmart potential criminals

While you do want to make elements of your surveillance system obvious, you also want to keep your equipment out of reach. Hanging cameras should be high enough to prevent tampering. Consider locations high on building walls or in tall trees.

Visual access

Our CCTV systems give you visual access to what’s going on at your property, whether you’re there or not. If you’re away, and you check in on your property and see something amiss—an unauthorized person there, or a problem inside your home—you have the ability to address the situation without actually being there. That can bring peace of mind or a swift resolution when there’s a problem.

Recorded footage

Recorded CCTV footage can also provide valuable evidence. Haven’t you ever seen a TV news story that included CCTV clips? If something does happen on your property, and the local authorities become involved, having available footage can increase the chances that the perpetrator is caught.

Part of a complete security system

The best property security measures are comprehensive. Ample lighting, secure locks, surveillance, and alarm systems all work together to deter criminals and provide you peace of mind.

As a businessperson or homeowner, you’ve worked hard—and you should protect your property. Grand Slam A/V and Security is your expert partner for home automation, security and comfort. Through connected systems and creative solutions, we give you on-demand access to music and media, simplify your home and business systems, and help you protect what matters most. With over 20 years’ experience and a staff of technicians at the top of their game, we bring expertise, collaboration, and service to every engagement. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our services and expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

Do Burglar Alarm Systems Really Work?

October 18, 2017 by gsavs17 Leave a Comment

Are Burglar Alarm Systems Necessary in Houston?

Commercial burglar alarm systems have been used to secure offices, work sites, and retail locations for years. Now these systems are increasingly popular for private home use. In Houston, property crime rates are nearly double the national median, and many residents strongly consider adding extra security to their homes.

You might be wondering if you should, too. But you find yourself asking: do burglar alarms really work?

Survey says ‘yes’

Are Burglar Alarm Systems Necessary in Houston?

Keep an eye on the things that matter most, 24/7 from your smartphone.

The short answer is yes, they do. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte surveyed convicted burglars. The study found that 60% of burglars assessed on-property security measures before deciding whether to break into a home or not. Half of those survey respondents would never break into a home that had active burglar alarm systems in place.

Additional research out of the United Kingdom confirms the results of the UNC study. In the UK study, 2/3 of burgled homes had no security measures in place whatsoever at the time of the crime. The takeaway is that the best security systems have many layers, from deadbolt locks to securing windows and garage doors and implementing an alarm system that works to protect your home.

Many alarm systems are configured as a simple circuit, and when someone enters your home, the circuit is broken. If that person doesn’t have a code to disarm the system, the system then notifies you and the authorities. Other alarm systems are based on motion detection at your home’s entry points. When motion is detected, you and the authorities are notified. In either case, the biggest deterrent for potential burglars is the immediate notification to police. A burglar will likely choose an easier target for the crime.

Many options for Burglar Alarm Systems

At Grand Slam A/V and Security, we work with many commercial and residential clients who are interested in ensuring property safety. We help clients determine which option is the right fit.

We offer an array of options, from full initial installation to noninvasive solutions. We also often replace an existing vendor for clients. We’re licensed alarm technicians in the state of Texas and are able to offer comprehensive service for less. In many cases, our services are lower than current vendors.

All of our alarm systems are fully interactive, so that you can access and check your system’s status from your smartphone—anytime, anywhere, as long as you have a connection. Talk about peace of mind.

Additional Security Measures

Your garage door is your home’s largest entryway. With garage door control, you can see the status of your door and—if necessary—close it by pressing one button, even if you’re already far away.

Stop Worrying, Check Facebook, Check Your Fantasy Stats, and Check the Safety of Your Home.

You might also consider wireless locks. You can create specific keycodes for entry for a babysitter, a housekeeper, a pet-sitter, and individual family members, further controlling entry to your home.

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured for both residential and commercial projects, we pride ourselves on working with both your vision and your budget. Learn more about our services and expertise and reach us at 866-99-(GSAVS) or sales@gsavs.com.

PHONE: (866)99-GSAVS

Surveillance Cameras and Peace of Mind for Spring Break and Summer Travel

Surveillance Camera Installation

Is there a real security concern here in the Houston area?