With the proliferation of low-cost wireless security cameras, it’s easy to dismiss wired security camera systems as obsolete. This is not the case.
Wired camera systems are suitable for home security and have benefits over wireless systems. The most significant advantage of wired camera systems is that the feed to the hub is secure.
The transmission will not be disrupted or deteriorate. The hub should always receive the feed uninterrupted and at optimum fidelity as long as the cable is in place. We have examined the best-wired security camera system in this post.
Table of contents
Why Choose a Wired Security Camera System?
A wired camera system’s most significant advantage is its dependability. You don’t have to worry about Wi-Fi signal degradation or charging the camera’s batteries with a cable configuration.
If the network goes down, so do the cameras with wireless cameras. With a battery backup and wired cameras, you can keep everything running.
Wired security cameras are also less likely (but not impossible) to be hacked, and they can still connect to the internet if you want to monitor footage while you’re away from home.
Although wired cameras can connect to the internet, they are safer because they can only operate locally. Wired cameras are the way to go if privacy and network security are high objectives.
Wired cameras are possible if your Wi-Fi signal is inconsistent or weak. They’re also an excellent choice if you have a large property with many grounds to cover.
Without being blocked by a wall or other impediment, wireless transmissions can only go 300 feet.
You’ll get a more consistent signal with a connected system. Furthermore, because bandwidth variations will not affect video quality, the video quality will always be stable.
The cameras will use less bandwidth because they won’t have to send their video to the cloud.
There are no monthly fees or cloud storage subscriptions with wired cameras; you can add more cameras for less money.
Because most of the system’s brains are housed in the recording device rather than the camera, the cameras are less expensive than their wireless counterparts.
Features To Look Out For In Wired Security Camera Systems
#1. Mobile App:
Along with its protection services, every security business offers a companion mobile app. You may use the mobile app to access, monitor, and control the security and home automation systems in and around your house from anywhere.
This includes your security cameras that are wired. If you receive an alert or want to check on your home or family at any time, you may use the corresponding app to pan, tilt, and zoom in on an event, depending on the sort of cameras you have.
The mobile app and your wired security cameras will provide live streaming capabilities, allowing you to monitor anything on-demand and in real time. You may also access everything from a single dashboard with the mobile app.
#2. Smart integration:
When a connected security camera system mentions intelligent home integration, it refers to its capacity to communicate with other smart home security and automation systems.
Some brands sell third-party compatible components, while others sell their equipment solely.
So, if you already have any home automation gadgets, pay attention to what’s compatible and what isn’t.
Smart home integration is beneficial since it allows you to access, monitor, and control everything from a single dashboard using a companion mobile app.
You can link your security cameras, lighting, garage door, and more with intelligent home-integrated goods and control them remotely using the related smartphone app.
#3. High resolution:
A connected security camera’s high resolution refers to the number of pixels. The higher the pixel count on a camera, the more precise the image.
The visual resolution of most wired home security cameras these days is either 720p or 1080p. However, some manufacturers are beginning to provide higher-resolution cameras, such as 2K and 4K.
The resolution is crucial because it determines how clear and sharp the image is, allowing you to see fine details such as a license plate number.
#4. Wide range of coverage:
Camera lenses are measured in degrees; therefore, the higher the number, the broader the field of view the camera can capture.
A wide field of vision refers to the space a security camera can see and record. Their lenses determine the area of fabrication of security cameras.
So, because a fixed camera has a limited field of view, you’ll need to choose the proper one for your purposes, which might be either a wide-angle or a narrow-angle, and if you need a greater field of view, go with a wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle camera.
#5. Night Vision:
The capability that allows a networked security camera to observe images in low-light circumstances is known as night vision.
Color photos are available on some night vision cameras, while black and white images are available on others.
Most wired security cameras use infrared technology with night vision to enable the camera to view objects in low-light situations.
#6. Weather resistance:
If you use a connected security camera outdoors, you should pay special attention to whether it’s weather-resistant. A security camera may claim to be weatherproof, but the power cords may not.
So keep that in mind while shopping for a connected outdoor security camera. The weather-resistant feature protects the camera’s internal elements from external influences such as moisture, dust, and humidity.
Furthermore, the level of weather resistance varies per manufacturer. As a result, be sure your camera is built to resist the environment in your chosen area.
Best Wired Security Camera System
#1. Ring:
The $199 Ring Spotlight Cam Wired is one of three external devices based on the Ring Floodlight Cam, announced in August 2017.
As the name implies, this fixed camera requires a wired power connection, but a battery-operated variation, cleverly dubbed Spotlight Cam Battery, is also available at the same price point.
A $229 Spotlight Cam Solar package, which combines the battery-powered camera with a solar panel for charging, is included with these products.
The Spotlight Cam’s proposition will be recognizable to anyone who has used the Ring Floodlight Cam.
It improves home security by combining a motion detector, a high-definition 1080p video camera with intense LED spotlights, and a 110-decibel siren to frighten off would-be burglars.
The Ring Spotlight Cam provides better burglar detection and protection than the Ring Video Doorbell, but it isn’t highly outstanding.
The Ring app, available for iOS, Android, and Windows mobile devices, is used to set up the Spotlight Cam, as with most smart home devices.
It walks you through the basics of setting up an account before customizing the camera. Before going outside to install the camera, you turn it on and set it up inside.
The configuration is relatively user-friendly. Not only does the software provide a step-by-step tutorial with video clips, but the camera itself provides additional commentary via its speaker. It’s a small addition that makes things much more manageable.
When it’s linked to your Wi-Fi network, when it needs to update its firmware, and more, the camera informs you pleasantly.
You can install the camera once you connect it to your Wi-Fi network. The app contains videos that walk you through the device’s external installation; you can even have instructions sent to you. It’s right up there with the best installation experiences.
#2. ADT:
ADT’s brilliant security system prices range from $599 for a beginning kit plus $45.98 per month for monitoring to several thousand dollars for equipment plus $59.99 per month.
It includes professional installation, ensuring everything is in perfect working order.
ADT demands a 36-month contract for professional monitoring, with a six-month money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
It has a 720p resolution, which isn’t quite as sharp as the industry standard of 1080p, the difference in visual quality isn’t that significant.
Although the lens isn’t adjustable, the device also incorporates motion detection and infrared night vision.
When the motion sensor detects movement or your alarm is triggered, the ADT Indoor Camera will begin recording video for thirty seconds before turning it off for five minutes.
Remember that the Control app allows you to watch live videos at any moment, so you may check your feed as soon as you get a notification on your phone.
While watching the live feed, you also have the option of manually initiating a recording.
ADT is the US’s largest residential security business. Because of its size, ADT can provide several points of contact, making it more dependable than smaller companies.
It includes nine fully staffed, networked monitoring centers, approximately 300 local offices, and an extensive network of authorized dealers.
Because ADT operates on a two-tier basis, with a central corporate office that permits local dealers and a network of independently owned dealers, customer support and installation quality varies according to the local provider.
Variations of Wired Security Camera Systems to Consider
Security cameras “wired for power” are powered by an AC power adapter plugged into an outlet.
The most popular method for powering a security camera is to plug the recorder into a wall socket and then wirelessly communicate the video feed to the recorder. Connecting a security camera to the internet is another option for powering it.
Security cameras connected to the internet are a little easier to utilize. This is because security cameras wired for internet connectivity require one Ethernet cable instead of an AC adapter and a cable cord for the other choice.
A POE (Power Over Ethernet)-enabled system uses Internet connectivity to power a security system.
To power a POE-enabled device, plug the Ethernet cable into your device on one end and into your internet router on the other, providing energy and an internet connection to your system from a single cord. As a result, you’ll need to use one line rather than two.
Conclusion
If you don’t mind performing some effort on the front end for the long-term advantage of system stability, a wired camera system can be your best option.
If you own the house or plan to stay there for a long time, you’re handy with tools and don’t mind slamming your head against a few brick walls. If you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, paying a business to install the wired system is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some wired cameras connect to a power outlet. For a clean look, others are hardwired to your current electrical circuit. If you’ve never worked with electricity, hire a professional to install a hardwired camera.
Not all wired cameras have internet access. Some go straight to a monitor and/or hard disk at home. An Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection can link wired cameras to the internet.
ADT has the best-hardwired system on the market. The company has been in business for almost 145 years and has earned a reputation for durability and creativity. ADT’s Pulse app is one of the most user-friendly home security apps available, and it works nicely with both Alexa and Google Home. Brinks, Ring Alarm, and Lorex are three other fantastic hardwired systems.
References
- safehome.org/home-security-cameras/best/wired/#arlo
- usnews.com/360-reviews/services/security-cameras/wired-vs-wireless
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