On the Internet you can find complete video security systems that include four to 16 cameras, including a monitor and VCR. Often they look like great deals, but most of the time, they’re too good to be true. Low-quality components and a lack of support combine to create an offer that can do more harm than good.
Individual component pricing
The bulk of your home video surveillance costs will be in the recorder you select.
Expect to pay about $500 to $700 for a single channel DVR with an 80 GB to 160 GB hard drive. You’ll pay more as you add more memory and input. Intelligent DVRs start at $800 to $1,000 and go up depending on how many cameras you want to accommodate and how much memory you need.
If you’d prefer a VCR for recording, security-specific models are available for $400 to $600. You can also find older or used VCRs for a few hundred dollars. Since the costs of surveillance VCRs are comparable to those of DVRs, we recommend you stick with the more standardized technology.
Standard bullet, mini dome, or hybrid cameras for home surveillance use typically cost about $100 to $200 apiece. Prices vary according to features – larger formats, higher resolution, and better sensitivity all drive prices up. Expect to pay about the same for IP cameras for wireless setups.
Some vendors will provide a discount if you buy multiple cameras – typically starting at four cameras or more.
You may have to pay an extra $100 to $200 for cables, brackets, and other devices the installer will use as part of your setup.
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Complete system pricing
Home video surveillance dealers can also provide complete systems equipped with four cameras, a DVR, a monitor, and cables for one price. These are not the poorly designed systems at cut-rate pricing that you may find online. Trustworthy vendors typically offer complete systems for your convenience, but ensure each component is high quality and fully reliable.
Complete, non-intelligent video surveillance systems range in price from $800 to $1,000, while intelligent system packages come in between $1,500 and $1,700.
If you need more than four cameras, the next step up is an eight-camera complete system. This will raise your costs significantly, but the gap between non-intelligent and intelligent systems gets a little tighter. Non-intelligent eight-camera home surveillance systems range from $1,800 to $2,000, and intelligent eight-camera systems cost $2,200 to $2,500.
Installation costs
Installation can make up a good percentage of your total costs: about $350 to $700 for a standard installation. You’ll pay more if you need cameras installed in brick or solid oak, or if you choose lots of additional equipment. Installation requiring cameras to be hidden in everyday objects such as clocks, smoke detectors, and books will also add to your costs.
If you’re buying a small system from a local company – say, two cameras and a standard DVR connected to your computer monitor – you may get the installation included in your costs. Just make sure you’re working with a quality, experienced installer. If you get a shoddy installation for free, it could cause problems that will cost you even more in the long run.
Warranties
As with most modern electronics, CCTV components are generally very reliable, especially if you’re purchasing industry-recognized names. If they are going to fail, they will almost always do so within the first 90 days, while covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In most cases, it is not worth purchasing the extended warranty coverage that vendors will offer you.
However, you may want to consider a maintenance plan for your video security system. Having your vendor regularly come in to clean and test your system can improve the overall performance and ensure that any problems that do occur are quickly remedied.
