Install Security Cameras

Step 1

Decide where you want to install surveillance cameras around your home or business. For Retail installations, you should mount cameras towards the cash registers and hard-to-watch areas; for home installations, cameras should be mounted towards the areas where valuables are kept. Install cameras at the entrances or exits of all locations.

Step 2

Mount the cameras on walls or ceilings or place them on the top of tall furniture. The higher its position, the wider the view angle of the room and thus reducing the number of blind spots.

Step 3

Connect the camera and digital video recorder (DVR) via cables of BNC connections if you're installing a wired surveillance system. Generally speaking, only one wire is needed for each camera, as that one wire carries both power and video signal.

Step 4

Plug the receiver into your digital video recorder (DVR) if you're using a wireless surveillance system. You also have to plug each individual camera into a power outlet or install batteries.

Choose and Install DVR Recording Device

Step 1

Determine what type of DVR recording device you want to use. Consider how much video you will store at any one time and how much money you have to spend.

Step 2

Choose a system that uses a standalone DVR if you want to store the greatest amount of video data. Compared with a PC-Based system, the standalone DVRs come with a monitor and has more advanced options.

Step 3

Select a DVR card to turn your desktop PC into a video recording system. You might need a professional to install the card inside your PCU, but this option holds a lot of data and the DVR card is about half the price of a dedicated DVR.

Step 4

Pick a DVD interface for the least expensive option. An independent unit that typically connects to your PC via USB cable, these units generally hold the least amount of video data. Still, DVD interfaces usually hold enough data for the average user at less than half the cost of a DVR card.

Step 5

Connect the cameras to the DVR by attaching camera wires or plugging in the wireless receiver. You'll have to choose a DVR that has enough ports for the number of cameras you have if you're using a wired system.

Step 6

Install the appropriate software on your computer if using a DVR card or a DVR interface. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.