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But what of convenience? We've just seen examples of the security provided by video, but how does a video system provide convenience? It does that by saving the homeowner time and effort. Simply providing a dated, time-stamped record of visitors to the home can be a convenience in itself. With such a record, the homeowner can determine whether a delivery was made, or how long the landscaper worked on the project. A guest's arrival is another example of a convenience provided by the camera. With the video integrated into the home's television system or computer network, one may view a guest's arrival in one window† while simultaneously watching a television program or sending email in the primary window. It's true that a doorbell would work almost as well and cost less, but sometimes the doorbell can't be heard. And sometimes you'd prefer to greet your guests as they arrive, or perhaps open the garage door for them as they drive up the driveway. Homeowners whose homes have gates installed might find it convenient to be able to see, as well as speak with visitors at the gate. Some homes, especially those in which small children live or visit frequently, use a camera to monitor the swimming pool. Integrated into the home's television and/or computer system, the camera conveniently enables any adult in the home to watch over the children without actually being poolside. And, of course, this capability is heightened if the camera is also equipped with a microphone. Other conveniences include providing a means for distant family members such as students away at school, or servicemen on remote assignment, to 'visit' occasionally, even if only for a few minutes over the Internet. Internet video also provides a means for homeowners to periodically visit their boat or † Like a computer, television sets with Picture-in-Picture feature may display two or more windows (channels) simultaneously.
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vacation home, or look in on their primary home while traveling, even going so far as to view in real-time, work in progress at or in the home. Security and convenience are but two of the reasons homeowners should, and in increasing numbers, are, giving serious consideration to installing a video system in their home. Configuring your system is probably best approached by first drawing up a list of requirements for the system. What capabilities should the system provide? What coverage is required? Should the system be accessible over the Internet? Some people will have minimal needs … a camera to cover the front door will suffice. Others may want 24-hour coverage of several areas around the home, plus Internet access, but aren't interested in integrating the video system into the home television system or the computer network. Still others, especially technophiles, will want it all. And in this case, 'all' is a lot. The industry is quite advanced. Already, there is equipment in the marketplace to do pretty much whatever is desired, and each day, more and better equipment comes to the marketplace. The most basic system would probably be an inexpensive camera and lens, a very inexpensive power transformer, a length of video cable, and a display adapter purchased for less than $4. With this equipment, the homeowner has everything needed to capture the video and display it on the AUX channel of virtually any television set. If the camera is to be placed outside, then the |
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