When it comes to home security, smart home surveillance (CCTV and Smart Cameras) are one of the most effective deterrents and monitoring tools you can have. Whether you’re concerned about crime in your neighbourhood, want to keep an eye on your property while travelling, or simply value peace of mind, a well-planned home camera system can make all the difference. But not all CCTV systems are created equal and installation isn’t just about sticking a few cameras on the wall. To get the most out of your setup, there are several important factors to consider before you invest.
At Horizon Connect, we’ve been helping homeowners secure their spaces with professional CCTV installations since 1996. Here’s what you should think about before getting started.
- Camera Placement: Coverage is Key
Your cameras are only effective if they’re installed in the right places. Start with the key entry points: your front door, back door, and driveway. Add coverage to blind spots: corners of the property, side paths, or alleyways. Don’t forget secondary points of access: garages, back gates, or sliding doors. It’s also important to install cameras high enough to avoid tampering, but not so high that you lose detail. A typical mounting height is between 2.5 to 3 metres. At Horizon Connect, our team assesses your property and designs a layout that offers maximum visibility with minimal equipment, saving you money and improving performance.
- Motion Detection: Smart Monitoring Without the Noise
Modern smart camera systems include motion detection features, which allow cameras to record only when movement is detected, which is ideal for saving storage space and reducing false alerts. But here’s the key: sensitivity and zones matter. You don’t want the wind blowing through a tree to trigger a dozen alerts a day. We configure motion zones carefully during installation, ensuring your system is accurate and useful — not annoying.
- Storage Options: How Long Do You Want to Keep Footage?
All that recorded footage needs to go somewhere. There are two main options:
- On-site DVR or NVR storage (digital or network video recorder)
- Cloud-based storage
On-site storage gives you direct access and control, while cloud solutions allow for off-site backups, safer if the physical system is ever tampered with or damaged. How much storage you need depends on:
- Number of cameras
- Recording resolution
- Whether recording is continuous or motion-triggered
- How many days of footage you want to keep
Our team at Horizon Connect will help you choose the right setup for your needs and budget — no guesswork required.
- Remote Viewing: Monitor Your Property from Anywhere
One of the biggest advances in CCTV technology is remote access. With the right setup, you can view live feeds and recorded footage directly from your smartphone, tablet or laptop – anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re at the office, on holiday, or just checking in from bed, remote viewing adds a powerful layer of convenience and control. We’ll help you:
- Connect your system to a secure app
- Set up multi-device viewing for the whole family
- Troubleshoot notifications and access permissions
- Wired vs Wireless Systems: Which Is Better?
Both wired and wireless CCTV systems come with their own set of advantages and considerations. Wired CCTV systems are generally more stable and reliable, making them ideal for larger homes where consistent performance is essential. When installed professionally, they also offer a neat, discreet finish. However, they do require more upfront planning, especially when it comes to routing cables through walls and ceilings. On the other hand, wireless CCTV systems are easier to install in existing homes and offer greater flexibility in terms of placement. They’re also portable and often integrate well with smart home systems, making them a popular choice for tech-savvy homeowners. That said, they can be affected by WiFi signal strength or interference, which may impact performance.
We’ll assess your home’s layout, your internet setup, and your security needs to recommend the best option for your space.
Why Choose Horizon Connect?
We’ve been securing homes since 1996, and we know that every property is unique. That’s why our approach is always personal, professional, and focused on long-term peace of mind. With Horizon Connect, you get:
- Customised CCTV design based on your home’s layout
- Neat, secure installation with tamper-proof cable routing
- Smart motion detection setup to reduce false alerts
- Remote access configuration so you can monitor anytime
- Reliable support and maintenance whenever you need it
Whether you’re upgrading your current system or installing CCTV for the first time, we’re here to help you every step of the way. At Horizon Connect, we install reliable, high-quality CCTV systems that work hard behind the scenes so you can relax. Call us today on 021 557 6493.
