New & Noteworthy

4 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A MODERN HD SECURITY CAMERA SYSTEM

ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera systems have become an important tool for businesses and families. CCTV systems of the past were bulky and expensive and only banks, airports, large retailers, grocery stores and big businesses could afford them. Not anymore! Thanks to early adoption, mass production and payment plans ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera packages are very affordable. We still install video surveillance systems at traditional businesses, but they can now be found just about everywhere – small businesses, gas stations, local restaurants, boutique stores, farms, grain processing facilities, mines, construction sites, schools and at homes.

So, what should you look for when shopping for a modern HD video surveillance system?

1) Ease of Use

We recommend the “try before you buy” method and demo the system you are considering investing in. We have a variety of systems to fit every budget, but the general rule is you get what you pay for. A user managing 4 cameras at a single site has different requirements than a Security Manager that manages 200+ cameras in multiple cities. Our certified technicians will professionally install your ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera system and ensure you understand how to view cameras on your smartphone, search for evidence and make a back-up for the Police.

2) Performance

The image quality of security cameras and recording lengths are performance indicators. Security cameras have resolutions ranging from VGA (640x480) to 7K (7360x4128). Some companies advertise “HD quality”, but the cameras may only be 720p (1280x720) HD. You will find a lot of these cameras at Costco and on-line stores. 720p HD is great for a homeowner or small business wanting the basics, but 1080p (1920x1080) should be the starting point for high definition security cameras. We go above and beyond with ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera packages and often use 4MP (2560 x1440) which is 30% greater than 1080p. Ultra HD 4K (3840x2160) will soon be our new standard. The higher the security camera resolution, the more details you will get on playback. This is extremely important when using our digital zoom tool when looking for evidence. We have samples of HD video surveillance on our YouTube channel.

If you have a compound or construction site you should consider ReedHD™ Smart Cameras. They have built in video analytics and that can detect People and Vehicles or when an object is removed from the security camera view. Next they alert you via smartphone or our UCIT Video Monitoring Stations (who will dispatch the Police). This is an effective way to intervene while a crime is in progress and reduce losses.

You should also pay attention to the NVR (network video recorder) and storage requirements. HD Security Cameras use a lot of storage so the first question should be “how many days would you like to record for”? At Reed Security we use a camera calculator tool that factors in the amount of movement, the scene, the frames per second and the resolution of each HD security camera. Most people need 14 days to 30 days of recording before recycling the data. An NVR with 4 cameras should have 2TB of storage, 8 cameras should have 4TB of storage, and 16 cameras should have 8TB of storage as minimums.

Most people forget that you also need a fast high speed internet connection to view the HD security cameras remotely on your smartphone app. At Reed Security we work with you and your internet provider to make sure you are on the right package for downloading and more importantly uploading video. We recommend a package with 1 MBPS upload for a quality remote viewing experience.



3) Effectiveness

Having an expensive 7K (29MP) HD security camera that can record license plates from 2000 feet away won’t do you any good in poor lighting conditions or if there is an obstructed view. We have installed nearly 20,000 security cameras and have consulted local Police services on optimal placements to help solve crimes. An experienced Reed Security Specialist knows which cameras to install where to ensure your video surveillance solution is effective when you need it most. We also recommend placing several Protected by ReedHD™ warning signs and decals at a site to make potential criminals think twice before committing a crime. Internal theft (employees, shoplifting) is far more common than external theft by an 8:1 ratio. We install warning signage on the inside of the building too - in particular high risk areas such as cash registers and exits.




4) Affordability

What should a HD security camera package cost? If you want an inexpensive system and you are prepared to install it yourself then consider Costco. A very basic system is $500 to $2000 (no labour) and the quality is OK for a basic home or small business. Disadvantages are: poor storage capacity, poor HD quality, poor reliability, poor warranty, no customization of views, pre-made (maximum 25 feet) cables that limit installation locations and if you are not tech savvy a pain to setup for remote viewing on your smartphone or desktop PC.

ReedHD™ Hi-Def Security Camera systems are professionally designed and installed. Our solutions are customized to your needs and budget so the pricing varies. The price ranges from $2500 for a 4 camera 4MP HD security camera package to $100,000+ for a 60 HD security camera solution. The most popular option is our Business Bundles. One low monthly fee covers it all - equipment, parts and labour warranty, helpdesk tech support, on-site service and *free upgrades. It's also a great way to preserve your capital, deduct the payments on your corporate tax return and grow your business.


If you would like more information on Smart Home or Business Security & Automation please Contact Us for a Free Security Evaluation.


SASKATOON SECURITY INQUIRIES
Reed Security Headquarters
Call 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.SAFE (7233)
SuRe InnoVations
Call 306.974.0888
PRINCE ALBERT 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.922.7200
CALGARY 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 587.393.2800
REGINA 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
Call 306.206.0700
LLOYDMINSTER 
SECURITY INQUIRIES
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LOCATIONS

SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
232 Kent St W Unit 4
Lindsay, ON K9V 6A4
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY
Ph: 1.844.384.7233