Video Surveillance

Alliance Security Systems provides the latest in security cameras and digital video surveillance for both home and business. The use of a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) allows for much greater flexibility, will store more information, and does not have the mechanical problems associated with VCRs. Security cameras are also much less expensive as demand increases and there are literally hundreds of options depending on the application.

Recording Equipment

We prefer to use Watchnet DVRs due to their competitive pricing and technologically innovative equipment. Their head offices and 10,000 square foot manufacturing facility are located in Toronto. They provide two types of DVRs common to the CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) market. The first is what is referred to as an embedded, or 'stand-alone' unit. Often these will look like overgrown DVD players, with controls on the front for image retrieval as well as configuration. They are networkable as well, which means that the equipment can be stored in a secure location, and information retrieved via another computer on a local intranet or via the internet.

The second style is a PC-based system, either as a complete unit, or as an add-on card to an existing computer which accepts video inputs. These systems are often much easier to use, although they require more space. Searching and retrieval is usually easier, and everything is done via a mouse and keyboard. These can also be put onto a network, and again can be placed in a secure location on the internet for retrieval anywhere in the world.

Security Cameras

Standard indoor colour dome security cameras are available as well as outdoor infra-red colour by day, black-and-white by night cameras which can provide images with no light whatsoever. There are tamper-proof cameras which will withstand hits from a ten pound sledgehammer and even cameras specially designed to capture licence plate numbers. Obviously buying cameras over the internet may not necessarily provide you with the image or resolution that you need.

IP cameras are also becoming more familiar, however they do have some drawbacks. They require a much larger amount of disk space for storage and rely on the stability of your computer network to provide video. One hiccup from the accounting computer can mean the difference between an identifiable image and a black screen.

Retail Packages

Several stores now sell digital recording ‘packages’ which consist of a few cameras and a digital recorder. While the pricing looks attractive, it is not always as it seems. Firstly, the equipment normally does not come with a monitor which is available at an additional charge. We always include a UPS power supply in order to filter power and help protect your equipment. The cameras are usually a low resolution (400 lines or lower) and the recorded images are not normally usable for evidence. Also the equipment does not include any installation. Often times once everything is done the costs are normally comparable between security grade equipment and over the counter equipment.

Please see our Partners page for information on Watchnet DVRs and links to their systems.