Home Security Information

Whether you are planning on a home security system or already have one installed, there are certain terms that are crucial to know. This primer will help you be a well-versed consumer.
Alarm monitoring - When an alarm is enabled by a break-in or fire, a signal will be sent to a monitoring service that will contact the appropriate authorities and log the situation.
Alarm system - An alarm system consists of any device that sets off an audio or visual alert to warn of a problem, such as a fire or unauthorized access.
Burglar alarm - A burglar alarm is a mechanical system used to scare off burglars if they breach the protected area with a siren or other audible alert. When monitored by a central station the property has the added protection of the local authorities being notified at the time of the incident.
Carbon Monoxide - Carbon monoxide gas or CO is a by-product of burning fossil fuels. It is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas. A 0.1% concentration of carbon monoxide can be deadly. Some common household sources of carbon monoxide are old or leaky furnaces, blocked gas or appliance vents, fireplaces, stoves, vehicles in attached garages, and even tobacco smoke. Carbon monoxide is a serious and common concern as it is present in almost every home in very small concentrations. Many home security systems monitor levels of carbon monoxide and alert the monitoring station so that the proper authorities can be notified.
Carbon Monoxide Detector - A device that monitors the presence and levels of carbon monoxide gas in a given area. If carbon monoxide is detected an alarm is sounded to notify occupants to vacate the area.
Carbon Monoxide Monitoring - If the Carbon Monoxide Monitor is tripped a signal will be sent to the central station and the proper authorities will be notified to respond.
CCD - CCD (charge-coupled device) is a type of image sensor. In effect, it is the "eye" of a camera phone, digital camera, or video camera. It is a device similar to a computer chip, which senses light focused on its surface, like electronic film. CCD image sensors are becoming more advanced for more detailed outputs. Their small form factor makes them ideal for discreet security cameras.
CCTV - CCTV is frequently used in video surveillance systems. CCTV (closed circuit television) is a television system in which signals are not publicly circulated; cameras are linked to television monitors in a restricted region such as a store, an office building, or on a college campus. CCTV's are being installed more commonly in homes, outbuildings and expansive property.
CCTV Surveillance System - Closed circuit television video surveillance systems are often used for security purposes.
Decoders - A tool or program that deciphers encoded data into its original arrangement. The term is frequently utilized in mention to MPEG-2 video and sound data, which must be decoded before it can be produced. Decoders are used when a computer system is tied into a security system to record video or live monitoring.
Digital Video Monitoring System - Digital monitoring systems are video security systems that can be used with a VCR, DVR, or personal computer. Surveillance can be recorded and saved or rewritten.
DVR - A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is a device that records video to a hard disk in digital format. DVR's are becoming more commonplace, and in some cases are replacing VCR's for recording purposes.
DVR CCTV Recorder - DVR CCTV Recorders record actions on a surveillance camera on closed circuit television that can be used for later viewing.
Electronic Surveillance System - Electronic Surveillance Systems can protect homes from break-ins, burglary, and assault. They can be in the form of burglar alarms that notify the police, security cameras, and closed circuit television systems.
Emergency Response Locator - An emergency response locator is a sign placed in your yard to help deter would be burglars and to assist fire, police and medical personnel in finding your property easily. The signs are marked with reflective numbers that are easily visible day or night.
Environmental Monitoring - A threat to your home or business can come from internal mechanical failures or extreme environmental conditions such as flooding. These failures/conditions include HVAC system failure; extreme temperatures, both hot and cold; a build up of water either from a plumbing failure or flood conditions, or high levels of dangerous gases such as propane, carbon monoxide or natural gas. Monitoring of these threats is crucial to the safety of your home or work environment.
Fire Alarm - A fire alarm is a mechanical system used to detect smoke and/or heat. When monitored by a certified central station the property has the added protection of the local authorities being notified to respond at the time of the incident, sometimes even before you may be aware of the threat yourself.
Home Security - Home security is crucial in order to protect your family, house, property and possessions. A well planned home security system is simple to use by all family members.
Home Security System - A home security system is a complete system that secures a home from various threats and catastrophic events.
Remote Video Monitoring - Remote Video Monitoring (RVM) systems supply a method of automatically obtaining video information from isolated locations and transferring them to a central station for processing. This includes web-based monitoring.
Remote Security Alarm - Remote Video Monitoring (RVM) systems supply a method of automatically obtaining video information from isolated locations and transferring them to a central laboratory workstation for processing.
Remote Video Surveillance - See Remote Video Monitoring.
Remote Access - Remote access is the ability to get access to a computer or a network from a remote distance.
Smart Card - Smart Cards, also known as integrated circuit cards (ICC), are plastic cards with embedded microchips that can be downloaded with data. Although there is a diverse range of applications, there are two broad categories of ICCs. With a smart card, one can make electronic cash payments, pay for parking, pay for public transportation, give personal information, and make other purchases. As far as personal safety is concerned, they are capable of providing security services (e.g. confidentiality of information in the memory).
Video Surveillance Systems - Video Surveillance Systems can protect homes and businesses from break-ins, burglary, and assault. They can be in the form of burglar alarms that notify the central station, security cameras, and closed circuit television systems.
VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems are the new low cost telephone services that send calls over the Internet instead of traditional phone lines or any other IP-based network.
VoIP Alarm - Not all VoIP systems are the same. Many deal with the phone traffic in ways that prevent alarm signal transmission entirely, or during peak calling periods. And because VoIP is currently unregulated by the FCC, companies are not yet required to resolve the potential problems with alarm signal transmission. VoIP alarms are beginning to become more popular as consumers move from traditional telephones to high-speed data transfer utilizing fiber-optics.