Phone displaying home security camera live view
By Dylan Johnson General Information • Home Security Tips • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Are You Getting Everything You Can Out of Your Security System?

If you’ve been a Security Options customer for a while, there’s a good chance you already have a powerful security app on your phone.

There’s also a pretty good chance you’re only using part of it.

At Security Options, we help Oklahoma homes and businesses stay connected through platforms including Alarm.com, Hik-Connect and UniEase. These apps can do much more than simply let you look at a camera or arm and disarm your alarm.

  • Depending on your system and equipment, you may be able to use your app to:
  • Arm and disarm your security system remotely
  • View live security cameras from anywhere
  • Review recorded video and past events
  • Receive motion, alarm and activity notifications
  • Customize which alerts you receive
  • Check multiple cameras or locations
  • Control compatible locks, lights, thermostats and other connected devices
  • Create routines and automations that make your system easier to use
  • Quickly see what happened when an alert occurs

Your Security System Should Work for You

A security system shouldn’t be something you install and forget about.

The technology continues to improve, apps are updated, and there may be features available today that weren’t part of your normal routine when your system was originally installed.

We regularly talk to longtime customers who discover something their system has been capable of doing for years.

That’s why we want to help.

Click here to go to youtube and find the alarm.com page>>

Using Alarm.com

Alarm.com can bring many parts of a compatible security and smart-home system together in one place.

Beyond arming and disarming, customers may be able to view cameras, receive customized alerts, control connected locks, lights and thermostats, and create automated Scenes for routines such as leaving home or going to bed.

If you have Alarm.com and haven’t explored the app recently, it may be worth taking another look.

Using Hik-Connect

Hik-Connect is used with compatible Hikvision camera and recording systems.

It gives customers remote access to compatible cameras, DVRs and NVRs so they can view live video and review recorded footage from a phone or tablet.

If you only open Hik-Connect when something goes wrong, we can help you learn how to navigate playback, notifications and the other features available with your particular camera system.

Using UniEase

UniEase, formerly known as UNV-Link, is another app used with many of the camera systems we install and service.

It provides features such as live camera viewing, recorded playback and alerts, giving you a convenient way to check your property without being in front of the recorder itself.

Not Sure What Your System Can Do? Ask Us.

You don’t need to be a new customer to call us with a question.

If Security Options installed or services your system and you’re unsure how to use your app, give us a call. We can help you understand what your particular equipment is capable of and make sure you’re getting the value out of the system you already own.

Already have Alarm.com, Hik-Connect or UniEase?

Take a few minutes today and explore your app. If you find something you don’t understand—or something you wish your system could do—contact Security Options.

There may be more power sitting in your pocket than you realize.

Security Options
Local security. Local support. Real people who can help.

A CCTV device mounted on a yellow wall
By Dylan Johnson Home Security • Home Security Tips • Security Cameras 0 Comments

Are Wireless Outdoor Security Cameras Really Worth It?

Every day we get someone asking us, “do you have wireless security cameras?” There are pros and cons, but the pros are a little more surface level and the cons may be unknown. So, if you’ve been looking into getting wireless security cameras for your home, we’ve written this article for you. Whether you are looking for night vision, cameras with lights, easy to install or professional or just something that connects to your phone. This is what you need to know about indoor and outdoor wireless security cameras. 

 

Are Wireless Video Surveillance Cameras Easy to Install?

 

Yes, wireless video surveillance is typically easier to install than professional or wired security cameras. That’s the number one reason to go with them. They typically have a monthly cloud storage fee for your video. The wifi can be spotty which can provide you with lackluster coverage from time to time and the they are more susceptible to be hacked. They are however easy to install. It might not take any experience for you to be up and running. It really comes down to what you are looking for. 

 

How Secure Are Wireless Security Camera Systems?

Wireless home security cameras are known to not be bulletproof as far as security goes. One of the big concerns is that a lot of wireless cameras are recording audio and video of your family and friends in your home. Interactions and conversations. That footage is then stored online. So, for a lot of people this is a no-go. Things like easy or default passwords make you more likely to be hacked. 

 

Security Cameras with Lights or Night Vision?

As for security cameras with lights vs night vision it mostly comes down to how close someone is likely to be to your camera if you catch them on video. When a dark night meets a bright light at a close distance you will have a blown out image of a person. Their face could appear completely white and lack the definition to make out who is actually in your yard. At a higher point in which the camera has at least a few feet to shine the light may prove to be perfect. 

 

An infrared camera can prove to be more of a consistent image no matter the distance of the subject to the camera. 

 

Amazon, Best Buy or Local for Security Cameras?

 

Wired vs Wireless Security Cameras?

One example of security issues arose when a certain brand of cameras were found to be very open to attacks from outside sources. The owners of a certain kind of camera with the CamHi app were urged to unplug devices immediately. 

 

Another issue is keeping your batteries charged in your device. If you are using a dead battery when something happens you aren’t going to have any footage at all. So, you may want to set reminders to install, recharge or replace batteries frequently. 

 

A pro of wired cameras is that they are not prone to the same poor quality wifi signal, hacking or unexpected batteries dying. This is why I believe that as the new car smell wears off on the technology that makes wireless cameras, more people are finding their way back over to wired.

 

Another reason to be weary of wireless is that while often easy to install, you are much more prone to seeing issues or not having a working system a year or so after you have it installed. Small changes like moving a mirror, refrigerator or other reflective surface may disrupt your signal causing you to lose video. All the way to major changes like taking a wall down or moving things in your room. Another potential issue could be your neighbor getting a wireless security camera and unintentionally meddling with the power or clarity of your signal. Be very wary of changes in your home affecting whether or not you get a proper signal.

A woman and a dog blocking the door
By Dylan Johnson Home Security Tips • Oklahoma City • Uncategorized 0 Comments

Door to Door Salesman and Scams in Oklahoma

Hey Friends,

Door to door sales can be a hassle. It’s a rarity that you happen to be shopping for a vacuum the day the salesman pulls up with the new suckjet 9000. Yet here they are telling you what you might need today. This guy is the exception. We like him. On top of that you have to be aware of people trying to nab your information or tell you tall tales about your current service providers.

Things to Look Out For

As a valued reader or customer, we wanted to warn you that homeowners in the Oklahoma area have reported suspicious door-to-door security system sales or service activity.

To help you protect your home and finances, we encourage you to be on the lookout for anyone posing as an alarm technician, sales consultant or clowns for that matter (I still find them creepy) who:

• Tells you that we are no longer in business, no longer serve your area, or that we were bought or sold. These are false statements.
• Asks you to sign a new contract to ensure your security continues.
• Asks for access to your system or says it has been recalled, requires replacement or that they are from the manufacturer.
• Uses high-pressure tactics to force you to make a decision.

Protect yourself and your neighbors with these tips

There are things you can do to safeguard your home and account:

• Never open the door to someone who doesn’t have an appointment.
• Call us to confirm we have sent a representative or to check the details.
• Build a moat (budget allowing)
• Check details before signing a contract. You might end up being billed again byanother company.
• Consider our smart home video service and keep an eye on your home – using your smartphone and our video options.
• Research company reviews and scam alerts. Be informed by doing a google search on anyone you may be doing business with.
• Report suspicious activity or call us if you have concerns.

If you ever have any questions about upgrades or your system, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 405-605-0101.

We’re here 24/7 and are happy to help!

A person looking at the screen of the laptop
By Dylan Johnson Home Security Tips • Security Cameras • Security Questions 0 Comments

Why are Security Cameras Pixelated?

We’ve written recently about whether or how cameras can see license plates. While we’re on the subject, you may have wondered why so many security cameras are pixelated.

Security cameras are pixelated for a variety of reasons. The usual reasons being that they are designed for more low light or high contrast scenarios or people choose to go with a lower cost camera and recording device.

For example. If you’re like me, you may have seen footage on the news of someone breaking into a store or a car and their face looks like a nintendo game or the scrambled naughty channels from when I was in middle school. The answer is simple, yet complex.

Smart Phone Cameras Vs. Security Cameras

Smart phone cameras have gotten incredibly sharp and versatile of the last few years, with telephoto options, vivid colors and wide angle options. They incorporate multiple lenses now and are generally impressive for the small package they come in. The goals and build of security cameras however are surprisingly different. CCTV cameras aren’t trying to be small usually and they aim at something different. Versatility and low light conditions though IR technology. If someone walks up day or night, they are designed to get the best pic they can, no matter if there is a light shining into the censor or if someone is in all black. They are made to seek out detail even if the scene is high contrast or a subject is wearing all black at night, often using infrared technology.

There is often a wide angle shot to cover lots of area and then at a later date the file has to be zoomed in upon to find a face. This creates a digital zoom situation instead of an optical zoom. A smart phone can be pointed right at someone or something. Video security cameras often don’t have that luxury.

You Never Know You Need High Quality Until You Need It

In a lot of scenarios, it is more affordable to go with a lower quality camera as well, and people opt for the lower cost option. This can help deter criminals and hopefully not, but even identify if an employee or someone you know may be stealing from you. However, often times, when the footage is needed the owner is regretting the decision to cut costs on the camera quality.

Getting the Most Out of Your Cameras

The thing you can do to get the best quality is to have someone who knows what they are doing to help you establish a game plan. You may need a lower cost camera in a certain room or area and then a high quality camera in a different spot. You may have a camera that is used to deter crime just by it’s looks more than anything. Then another camera placed perfectly to get people’s faces as they come into your business. In some cases you can increase camera count to make up for the camera quality.

Possible Reasons Security Footage is Bad

The easiest thing to check is possibly the easiest answer. You may look to see if your lens is damaged or dirty. You can possibly get it repaired or replaced. Or if it is dirty, you can just clean it with a designated lens cleaner for glasses or a camera lens. The camera be over worked for the scene you have it in. The cable going to the camera may be too long. If you’re going wireless you may need to ensure you are not out of distance from the receiver or router. Last, you might check and see if your vari-focal lens is just out of focus. You can try zooming in or out or manually adjusting the focus yourself at the camera.

Security Camera Placement

A camera placed too far away is a common problem. Blind spots or cameras placed with intrusive objects in the way is common as well. Poor installation, execution or poor maintenance can also be deciding factors when it matters. If you have a lower quality camera and/or a bad lighting situation, and you want facial detail, you may want to get the camera closer to eye level. You may want to make sure it is in direct proximity to where someone would be standing or looking and make sure the camera is designed for all your lighting conditions.

For Best Camera Quality for the Best Price in Oklahoma, Contact Us. 405-605-0101

A person is using a laptop with a camera on it.
By Dylan Johnson Home Security Tips • • 0 Comments

TIPS: Aiming Indoor Cameras Outside of Your Window

Video security has two approaches. There is the good way and the bad way.

If you already own your cameras and you are not planning on changing anything, you actually can point an indoor surveillance camera outside. The problem is quality. You will be susceptible to bad lighting and blind spots.

If the goal is to catch and/or steer a potential criminal away you may be putting the horse before the cart. A quick search or phone call to us can lead you to some pretty simple answers that are surprisingly in the same price range. We have cameras in store that you can look at in person that may be mounted outside.


More Benefits to Outdoor Cameras


Another thing that people may not always take into consideration is that there are cameras that do more than just record video. A nicely placed camera outside your door can be a clear message to a potential burglar that they have chosen the wrong place. The most effective thing a camera can do is prevent a crime from ever happening.


The Problem with Pointing Indoor Cameras Outside


The issues you may face could prove to be a deterrent when making this decision. A company like Security Options can do your doing your wiring for you. If you don’t have that it may be easier than running professional wiring and finding the right weather resistant camera for your house. However, anything at sunrise, sunset or night time is going to be an issue. Your infrared sensor LEDs will cause the video to record blown out when they refract on the window.


If You Do Choose to Keep Your Indoor Camera Pointed Outside

What to do if you want to keep your indoor cameras and point them outside

Time needed: 1 hour

  1. Place your camera lens as close to the window as possible.


    This will help you avoid losing video quality because of the glass barrier.

    If you can’t afford to go with an outdoor camera at the current moment, there are a couple of things you may want to do. You can first place the lens as close to the window as possible. This will help you avoid losing video quality because of the glass barrier. Second, keep your window as clean as possible. Any smudges can cause significant visual blockage. Third, you are going to want to disable any IR or status lights so you get the least amount of video wash out.

  2. Keep your window as clean as you can.

    Any smudges can cause significant visual blockage.

  3. Disable any IR or status lights.

    Turning any lights coming off of your camera can help prevent wash out and avoid any glare that may effect your video.

  4. Get an outdoor motion light

    Having your outside lit up at night time will immensely help your video quality when it comes time to review.

In Conclusion

I would recommend just getting a similarly prices outdoor camera. If you can’t at this time, follow all the tips and tricks to get your shots right so you don’t miss the action.






I would recommend just getting a similarly prices outdoor camera. If you can’t at this time, follow all the tips and tricks to get your shots right so you don’t miss the action.




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								By Dylan Johnson
								 Home Security Tips																0 Comments
							

							
How to Pause Your Skybell Notifications

							

								





Step 1. Open your Alarm.com app. Click the three white lines to see your settings. 














Step 2. Click on “Doorbell Camera”














Step 3. Click the gear icon to see your settings. 














Step 4. Click “Recording Schedules” to pause or resume your recordings. 














Step 5. Click the status button on “doorbell call” and “doorbell motion” to temporarily turn it off.










Step 6. Click the save checkmark.  










You are done! Don’t forget to follow the same steps to turn it back on when you are ready.