A lot of us are thinking about upgrading our CCTV at home, but the big question is always the same – wired vs wireless CCTV, which one’s better? Both have their perks and can be great for different needs. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between wired and wireless CCTV systems, so you can choose the right one to protect your property.
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference - wired vs wireless cctv
Wired CCTV System
The CCTV cameras connect with wires to a recording device (like a DVR or NVR). These wires send the video. They also often give power to the cameras. Wired CCTV is a popular choice for many homes and businesses in Malaysia. Here’s why:
Advantages:
- Very Stable Signal: Because they use wires, the video signal is very strong. You will not have problems like slow Wi-Fi. The picture is always clear.
- Harder to Hack Remotely: It is hard for others to steal your video signal from outside. They would need to cut the wires.
- No Need to Worry About Batteries: Cameras get power directly from the wires. So, you do not have to worry about batteries running out when you are away.
- Good for Large Areas: If you have a big house or want many cameras, a wired system is usually more reliable.
Disadvantages:
- Installation Can Be Difficult: You need to pull wires and drill holes in walls. This can be hard. You often need a professional to install it. The installation cost can also be high.
- Not Flexible: Once installed, it is hard to move the cameras. You would need to run new wires.
- Visible Wires: If you do not hide the wires well, they can look messy.
Wireless CCTV System
Wireless CCTV systems, as the name suggests, do not use many wires. Wireless CCTV is getting more popular. It’s easy and modern. Here’s what makes it great:
Advantages:
- Very Easy to Install: You do not need to drill walls. Just place the camera, connect to Wi-Fi, and you are done! You can do it yourself.
- Flexible Placement: Want to move a camera? Unplug it and put it in a new spot. Easy! This is good for people who rent.
- Looks Neat: No messy wires. Your home looks tidy.
- Many Smart Features: They often come with an app. You can watch live video from your phone. They may have motion detection and two-way audio (you can talk to people at home).
Disadvantages:
- Depends on Wi-Fi: If your home Wi-Fi is slow or often has problems, the CCTV picture might freeze or not connect.
- Can Have Interference: Other Wi-Fi signals or even a microwave oven can disturb your camera's signal.
- Small Hacking Risk: If you do not use a strong Wi-Fi password, there is a small risk someone might try to access it. But today, their security is much better.
- Batteries (For Battery Models): If you use battery-powered cameras, you need to charge them often. If not, the camera will stop working.
- Cameras Can Be a Bit More Expensive: For good models, the price per camera can be a bit higher than for wired cameras.
Which One Should You Choose?
It depends on your needs. If you want a stable and high-quality video and don’t mind the setup, wired CCTV is a great choice. It’s perfect for big houses or businesses with many cameras.
But if you prefer quick setup and flexibility, go for wireless CCTV. It’s great for smaller homes, rental properties, or even for monitoring pets.
Extra Tips
- Power Cuts: In Malaysia, we sometimes have power cuts. If you choose a wired system, make sure your recording device has backup power (like a UPS). For wireless systems, some battery models can last a while during a power cut.
- Internet Issues: Sometimes, our internet has problems. If you choose a wireless system, try to get a model that can record on an SD card when the internet is down. This way, you will not miss important recordings.
- Hot Weather and Rain: If you want to put cameras outside your home, make sure they are weatherproof (can handle the weather). This is important for both wired vs wireless CCTV cameras.
Final Thought
Choosing between wired vs wireless CCTV depends on what you need. Wired CCTV gives you a stable and strong security connection, but installation is a bit hard. Wireless CCTV is easy to install and flexible, but you need good Wi-Fi.
No matter which one you choose, make sure you pick a reliable brand to keep your home safe.
Check out the best CCTV options in Malaysia today!