Are wireless outdoor monitoring systems any better than wired ones? Distance from camera to TV is 200 feet.?

Question

I want to monitor the front and back of my house by installing a remote CCTV camera system. The distance from the cameras to the monitor would be at least 200 feet. I am tempted to buy the wireless system but I am not quite sure how good they are compared to the wired ones. Its a 2400 sq. ft. two storied house. Also at what height the camera should be located to get a good over-all view of the activity in the area?

Any suggestions and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

The primary benefit of wireless is the ease of installation.  If you plan to keep this in place for the long term and getting a cable to each camera location is not an issue I would recommend the hardwired system.  The benefits of a hardwired system:

1. No radio interference.

2. Better quality video.

3. No risk of signal interception.

4. Lower cost.

If you have access to your attic I would recommend two exterior dome cameras mounted on the soffet area (just underneath the gutters). If possible mount the camera above a second floor window so that you don't need a ladder to tweak or clean it.

If you must utilize the wireless cameras I recommend the wifi type because if encryption is utilized it is difficult to intercept the video stream.  Also, with wifi you will not get splash from other cameras or interference.  Wifi still has a long way to go but is much better than the open broadcast 2.4 GHQ video links.  Anyone can intercept the signal if within range.

A two camera system with DVR should cost under $500 (not installed)

I hope this helps