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Taking home security to a new level

A recent spate of crime in a suburban residential complex forced a Johannesburg couple to explore various surveillance system options. Cost effectiveness and ease of installation were two of the most important factors guiding the investigation and influencing the couple’s final decision.

Wireless telecommunication experts, Zinia, proposed a solution comprising Axis network cameras and Axis Camera Companion. The Camera Companion allows all video to be recorded on SD memory cards in the cameras; this eliminates the need for a central DVR, NVR, PC or server. For small businesses or budget conscious homeowners, Axis Camera Companion software provides a cost-saving opportunity to view live or recorded video free of charge.

Installation without exertion

Authorised Axis reseller, Zinia, provides communications technology to businesses of all sizes.

“We were already running a Zinia wireless network in this particular home. Creating a surveillance solution from this platform was a simple task with Axis products,” remarks Zinia operations director, Frank Mullen.

Chosen for their image quality and day/night functionality, Axis P1343-E network cameras have been installed to monitor the perimeter of the home. This IP66-rated camera is supplied with a wall bracket and is ready for outdoor mounting out of the box. The Axis P1343-E has protection against sun, rain and dust and contains focus assistant, remote back focus and pixel counter features that simplify installation.

An Axis P3343-VE fixed dome network camera is mounted above the garage at the front of the home. The Axis P3343-VE is an outdoor, vandal resistant camera that provides clear images in a discreet, aesthetically pleasing form. As this house is in a residential complex, it is imperative that the surveillance system is neither bulky nor unsightly.

A safe haven

The importance of a secure home becomes even more pronounced when children are brought into the equation. The Johannesburg couple wanted a solution that is capable of effectively monitoring the interior as well as the exterior of their house. This makes it possible to keep an eye on the activities within the home, even from a remote location, while still maintaining a close watch over potential threats or incidents outside the premises.

Axis Camera Companion allows video to be recorded to the SD card inside the Axis P1343-E and P3343-VE cameras, making each camera an independent surveillance device. It supports up to 16 cameras and can be used on a computer, iPad, iPhone or Android device. This household plans to take advantage of the system size and expand their surveillance by adding cameras from the Axis M10 Series range. These tiny, wireless cameras combine functionality, smart design and an affordable price tag.

Reaping the benefits

The network camera that monitors the rear of the home has been positioned to include a view of the main entrance and exit gate of the complex. An incident involving tail-gating and damage to a vehicle that concluded with an irate driver threatening to sue the homeowners association, was captured on video and saved. This footage resulted in the vehicle operator admitting responsibility for the accident and averted a potentially expensive and time-consuming claim. The ability of this system to record for up to five days has already proved to be extremely practical.

The northern-Johannesburg based couple are able to sleep easier now knowing that their home is under 24-hour surveillance. They are able to log on to the network cameras from the comfort and safety of their upstairs bedroom using an application on their iPad or iPhone. With the recent decision to start a family, there is a sense of relief that the baby will have a much more secure place to come home to.

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