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FAQ

  1. How much does it cost to install security cameras? Answer: On average, a residential camera can range between $165-$225 per camera. Business cameras can range between $185-$300 per camera. This cost includes labor.

  2. What are the best security cameras for home use? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends hardwiring cameras if possible. The best cameras would be cameras that fit your needs. 

  3. How many security cameras do I need for my house? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends being able to view all exterior entrances and windows with a combination of 4K turret cameras and 180 degree cameras on the exterior of the house. 

  4. How many security cameras does a small business need? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends monitoring exterior doors, large storefront windows, point of sale areas, and general coverage of space using a combination of 4K cameras and 360 degree fisheye cameras.

  5. Are wired or wireless security cameras better? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends wiring an alarm system in pre-construction phase of a build. If the building or home is already finished, we recommend a wireless system. 

  6. What’s the difference between DVR and NVR systems? Answer: A DVR utilizes an analog video signal, known for having less features and lower quality video. An NVR utilizes IP cameras offering higher quality cameras and smart features like person detection, facial detection and more.

  7. How long do security cameras keep footage? Answer: It depends on each scene. More motion and high resolutions means you need more storage, Steel City Surveillance uses a storage calculator if you are looking for a specific range.

  8. Can I view my security cameras on my phone? Answer: Internet is required to view cameras on a phone. Steel City Surveillance sets up remote viewing after the install process.

  9. Do security cameras work without internet? Answer: Yes most cameras do not need internet to work, but it is based on the configuration. With no internet you may be able to view the cameras on a monitor or TV via HDMI.

  10. Do I need 4K cameras or is 1080p enough? Answer: It all depends on what you are trying to see and from how far away. 4K cameras without a zoom lens can see a license plate from around 20'-30' away.

  11. Are outdoor security cameras weatherproof? Answer: No camera is weatherproof but if a camera is rated to go outside it has something called an IP rating. You will want a camera to be IP65-IP67 for water resistant cameras.

  12. How far can a security camera see at night? Answer: It varies on the camera. Steel City Surveillance offers outdoor cameras with an average range of 90' of night vision.

  13. How do I stop security cameras from getting hacked? Answer: To reduce your chances of getting "hacked" it all starts with Network Security as well as choosing complex passwords and dual factor authentication. Steel City Surveillance helps with these features.

  14. How high should I mount my security cameras? Answer: Always refer to the manufacturer recommendation. In most installs Steel City Surveillance is mounting outdoor cameras between 10'-15' high.

  15. What’s the best place to install cameras at home? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends covering all exterior doors and large windows at a minimum.

  16. Can security cameras record audio legally in Colorado?​ Answer: You must have it posted in an obvious place if you are recording audio.

  17. Is it legal for my neighbor’s camera to record my yard in Colorado?​ Answer: Always refer to local laws at https://dre.colorado.gov/division-notifications/audio-and-video-surveillance-in-properties

  18. Can I point my security camera at the street or sidewalk?​ Answer: Yes this is a public space.

  19. Do security cameras reduce crime or just help after the fact?​ Answer: Both if you have smart cameras that can deter via live monitoring or built-in strobes and sirens.

  20. What is the best security camera system for small businesses? Answer: Steel City Surveillance offers security cameras that are HD quality and offer easy to use features like AI search and person and vehicle detection. Brands like AXIS, Reolink, Luminys, Hanwha and Uniview.

  • What is the best security camera setup for a small retail shop in Pueblo, Colorado? Answer: At a minimum we recommend and alarm system and cameras covering entrances.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a professionally installed camera system for my Pueblo home? Answer: Steel City Surveillance offers different ways to pay. Card, Check, Paypal, Google Pay and Apple pay. We also offer financing with custom terms.

  • How many cameras do I really need to cover my entire house, including driveway and backyard? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends 180 degree cameras for sides of home with no obstructions and turret cameras for non entry areas. For example if your home is about the shape of a rectangle we can cover the majority of the exterior with 4-5 cameras. 

  • What’s the difference between cheap DIY camera kits and a professionally installed system, and is it worth paying more? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends professionally installed cameras. Most DIY cameras don't work without Wifi and require you to store your video in a 3rd party server. We like our customer in control of their video and wired systems keep recording without Wifi.

  • How can I use security cameras to reduce theft and shoplifting in my small business? Answer: Identifying a person can help authorities identify a suspect. While some cameras use AI to catch them in the act and alert a decision maker. 

  • What camera features should I look for if I want to monitor my business from my phone while traveling? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends. Cameras with smart features like person detection, vehicle detection and connecting your cameras to a 24/7 monitoring station so you have people watching for suspicious activity. 

  • How can I make sure my security cameras are installed legally and don’t violate my neighbors’ privacy in Colorado? Answer: Refer to https://dre.colorado.gov/division-notifications/audio-and-video-surveillance-in-properties

  • Where should I place cameras around my home to get the best coverage without wasting money? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends placing cameras to view main entrances and paths like sidewalks and driveways to view when somebody enters your property.

  • What’s the most effective way to cover a parking lot or warehouse yard with cameras? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends 180 degree cameras for general coverage and PTZ cameras to have the ability to track and zoom where you need it. SCS also offers cameras that can be placed away from a building using solar. 

  • How long should I keep video footage, and what storage size do I need for my property? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends at least 14 days of storage. We use a calculator specific to your camera design to determine storage size.

  • How can I tell if my current security camera system is outdated and needs an upgrade? Answer: Steel City Surveillance recommends upgrading when your current system doesn't meet your needs like remote viewing, low resolution, difficulty in finding footage, no integration with AI.

  • What are the most common problems with security cameras and how can I prevent them? Answer: An Issue you might run into is the ability to find video you are looking for. Steel City Surveillance offers systems that are easy to use.

  • ​How do AI or “smart” cameras work, and do they actually help catch suspicious activity? Answer: Yes they can be helpful. The AI is trained by the manufacturer to recognize things like people, vehicles and suspicious activity instead of recording dead space like trees blowing in the wind.

  • What’s the step‑by‑step process if I hire a local company to install security cameras? Answer: Give Steel City Surveillance a call, text, email or reach out via social media. We will schedule a consultation via phone or in person.

  • How can I integrate my security cameras with my alarm or access control system? Answer: If this is a feature you need we would simply include cameras and an alarm of the same manufacturer.

  • Are there areas inside my business where I’m not allowed to put cameras in Colorado? (like bathrooms or changing rooms). Answer: Refer to the following link https://dre.colorado.gov/division-notifications/audio-and-video-surveillance-in-properties

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  • How can I secure my Wi‑Fi network so my cameras don’t get hacked? Answer: VPN, WPA3 encryption, complicated passwords, disable WPS and more. Give Steel City Surveillance a call and we can send you a check list.

  • What’s the best camera solution if I have multiple buildings or locations around Pueblo? Answer: Steel City Surveillance offers on premise and cloud solutions that work with multiple buildings. OpenEye, Axis, Reolink, Verkada are some of our brands.

  • How do I choose between different brands and types of security cameras when I’m not technical? Answer: Reach out to Steel City Surveillance. We will reccomend a system over phone, email, text with no obligation to work with us. steelcitysurveillance.biz

    At Steel City Surveillance, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe that everyone should have access to the best security solutions, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of service and support.
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