When it comes to having a home security camera and surveillance system, you should keep in mind that your system is only as good as its weakest component. Thus, it is very important that your color security monitor will help enhance your overall home security surveillance system.
2 Types of Color Security Monitors
1. Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
Cathode ray tube monitors, or commonly known as CRT monitors, are considered to be the heaviest and bulkiest of color security monitors. Therefore, if you are considering buying a CRT monitor, you need to be aware of the fact that it will be somewhat permanently stationary most of the time. Unlike other types of color security monitors, CRTs have greater color fidelity. They also have the best contrast. This feature can be very important in low-light conditions that may occur when all the lights are turned off in a room. A CRT monitor is also the best option when the camera angle is positioned in a high place and it is looking down on its surroundings. One downside to CRT monitors is that most of them have screens that are smaller than 14 inches, making them quite difficult to see in some circumstances.
Flat CRT vs. Non-flat CRTs
A flat CRT is normally flat from one side of the bezel to the other, which cuts down significantly on glare and provides viewing convenience. On the other hand, non-flat CRTs typically have a curve around the edges which can distort the picture in case you use the whole screen. In order to minimize the effect of the curvature, some people simply adjust the viewable area of a curved screen to create a border. You do not really get to take advantage of the actual size of a curved CRT whether you adjust it or not, unless of course you do not mind at all if the picture is bending around at the edges. Typically, flat CRTs cost a little bit more due to the fact that the production method is harder to execute. However, if you would like to experience a decent picture and you do not mind much on paying a little extra, then flat screen CRTs are the best option because you get to view the whole picture easily and satisfactorily.
2. LCD Monitors
LCD monitors are considered to be the most popular choice of color security monitors for surveillance camera system users. The major advantage of having LCD monitors is that they are cheaper nowadays and they have a fairly much larger screen size. One of the benefits of having a larger screen size is that it is oftentimes much easier and quicker to recognize a person’s face being captured by the security camera. Moreover, it is also easier to see the details of a scenario. Keep in mind that LCD monitors are still quite expensive on the market. Due to the fact that recorded scenes often do not change frequently, LCD monitors may have a bit of difficulty recording the scene. LCD monitors give the brightest overall picture unlike the CRT monitors. Plus, LCD monitors can come in a variety of sizes, which makes it easy for anyone to choose in order to meet their needs and their budgets.
5 Primary Things to Consider When Getting a Color Security Monitor
After determining which type of color security monitor is best for your needs, there are primary factors that you also should consider regarding color security monitors.
1. Compatibility
The most practical and cheapest way when buying security cameras and surveillance system is to purchase the whole system in one go. However, there are times that this method is not always practical. If you are thinking of adding the security monitor to an already existing system, ensure that the system itself is compatible with the current components.
2. Contrast Level
Avail a color security monitor that is easy to set its contrast level. This is very important especially when viewing images wherein two colors in a scene are very much the same. When buying a color security monitor, ensure that you get one with a minimum of 1000:1.
3. Resolution
Choose a color security monitor that has a high resolution. Many new models nowadays have 500 lines of resolution. You could consider that 400 lines of resolution as the minimum range. Keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the clearer the picture will turn out to be. This is very beneficial in low-light situations.
4. Response Time
Choose a color security monitor that has a quick response time. In emergency situations, milliseconds really do count a lot. Search for a color security monitor that has a response time of about 5 milliseconds or less.
5. Display Colors
The last primary thing to consider when buying a color security monitor is the display colors. The higher the display color, the brighter the colors will turn out to be. When the colors are nice and bright, it is much easier to view the scenes. Look for a color security monitor that has a minimum of 167 M.
Other Things to Consider When Getting a Color Security Monitor
After narrowing down your choices on color security monitors, below are other things to consider. Take note that these considerations depend solely on personal preference.
1. Brand
Nowadays, there are lots of brands of color security monitors available on the market. Choose a color security monitor from a company that has been in that industry for several years. This alone will assure you that the company will continue to prevail, so that you can turn to them for help when you encounter problems with your color security monitor.
2. Audio
Lots of people would like to hear what is happening in a situation, while there are others who do not actually need this option. Color security monitors with built-in audio are typically more expensive than those without one. Actually, you can buy a color security monitor wherein you can add the audio function later in case you need it. If something happens in your home or office, there are times that the best clues may be something that is said.
3. Black-and-White Option
There are people who like to have a color security monitor that would let them to also view a scene in black-and-white mode. There are times that when you view a scene in black and white, there are more details that will tend to show up which will normally be missed when viewing the scene in color.
4. Warranty
Keep in mind that the warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind the warranty. Know what type of warranty that comes with the color security monitor that you are going to buy. After that, know what other additional warranties that the manufacturer offers when you purchase from them. Typically, most buyers would like to avail a warranty that lasts for at least 2 years.
5. Price
Last but not least, the price is one factor that can sometimes, if not always, influence a buyer to avail one brand of color security monitor from the other one. Typically, in color security monitors, the more expensive it is, then the better the monitor will be. Shop around and you may find that different companies may offer the same product at different prices. Many consumers nowadays also tend to buy at companies or shops that offer coupons or discounts. At online shopping, one of the best offers for color security monitors is its free shipping.
Take note that when getting color security monitors for your surveillance system, ensure that anything you buy will turn out to work perfectly with your other security devices.
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