Home security 24/7: key notes

Home security 24/7 with Xeoma

For every property owner, one of the main priorities is ensuring home security. Modern technologies offer numerous solutions for home security and monitoring of what happens on the premises. Multifunctional video surveillance systems providing round-the-clock monitoring have become an integral part of comprehensive protection.

In the age of modern technologies, video surveillance systems are not just about cameras and their monitoring — they also include video analytics, artificial intelligence, and neural networks. Today, you can rely on computer vision, which can automatically recognize specific people in a camera’s field of view, determine their gender/age, and even detect their emotions.

Types of video surveillance systems

You can choose any type of video surveillance system based on your budget and existing equipment. A video surveillance system essentially consists of a camera (or multiple cameras), a server (for processing footage and storing recordings), and software for viewing the cameras.

There are the following types of cameras:

Analog cameras are traditional cameras that transmit a signal via a coaxial cable. They are easy to install and relatively inexpensive, but the image quality is usually low. Such cameras are considered obsolete and are typically connected to a video recorder (DVR) that processes their signal.
IP cameras are digital cameras with an internet connection (connected by running a cable and often via a PoE switch). They provide high image quality and wide remote access capabilities. Modern IP cameras also include built-in detectors and even AI technologies.
Wi-Fi cameras are wireless cameras that operate via the internet. They are ideal as a temporary solution, as they are easy to install without pulling wires. However, they depend on internet connectivity and may show a distorted image or freeze when the connection is unstable.
Webcams and USB cameras are typically built-in cameras on laptops or separate cameras connected via a USB port. The main advantage of such cameras is their affordability and compact size. However, they often have low image quality, require significant USB bandwidth, and may struggle to support more than one camera simultaneously.

Next, we move to servers. A computer, all-in-one PC, laptop, or even a phone can act as a server. For example, the Xeoma video surveillance program can be launched in server mode on any Android phone and used to process data, with other client-devices connecting to the Android server. Additionally, budget-friendly single-board computers such as Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and Odroid are suitable for small video surveillance systems. Modern microPCs can handle a significant number of cameras, which may be sufficient to cover the video surveillance needs of an office, apartment, or even a house. In order to select the proper equipment, it is better to use a system requirements calculator, which will guide you on the best options.

As for camera viewing software, it is better to choose a program that works on different devices (e.g., phone, computer, tablet) and operating systems, so this way you avoid adapting to some programs with limited functionality and only one supported OS. In such cases, switching from Windows to Mac OSX could risk losing the software and video surveillance for an indefinite period while searching for alternatives. At the same time, the program’s functionality should allow for system expansion — i.e., adding new cameras. Therefore, it is best to choose software with a flexible licensing system. The Xeoma video surveillance program meets all these criteria, offering over 100 video analytics capabilities, including AI-based features.

Isn’t it easier to use an NVR or DVR?

In fact, video recorders (NVRs/DVRs) are still commonly used in video surveillance. However, their main drawback is limited range of functions and, more often than not, a restricted number of cameras. Therefore, the system “camera + server + video surveillance software” is considered more modern due to its flexibility and continuously evolving functionality.

Additionally, video recorders typically work with analog cameras, which means the image resolution will not be as high. Adding new cameras becomes problematic due to the limited number of slots in the video recorder.

Key functions of modern video surveillance systems for the home that are worth paying attention to:

24/7 real-time surveillance with remote access from anywhere in the world

Video archive recording and storage (sufficient disk space)

Night vision cameras with IR illumination

PTZ and wide-angle cameras for full coverage

Motion detection and notifications

Remote access via smartphone

Cloud storage as a data backup option

Data security when choosing P2P cameras, as they transmit signals via third-party servers

Video surveillance system maintenance

At home it is not necessary to install a large number of cameras. Usually, it is enough to install 8-10 cameras to cover the house and its surroundings, ensuring no blind spots. For outdoor camera installation, it is recommended to use cameras with protection against dust, moisture, and wind, or to use special protective housings for standard IP cameras.

It is advisable to wipe the indoor cameras and periodically restart them (especially IP and Wi-Fi cameras) to avoid freezing issues. Updating the video surveillance software regularly ensures access to the latest features and new technologies. It is also recommended to restart the server (the device processing camera data) from time to time and monitor for critical errors. For example, hard drives may fail, leading to intermittent recording or corrupted files.

The Xeoma video surveillance program is regularly updated, incorporating new features and improvements. Choosing Xeoma as your home surveillance solution ensures future-proof flexibility for system expansion and licensing.

In conclusion

Modern video surveillance systems are not just about cameras — they are comprehensive security solutions. They allow you to monitor your home and its surroundings at all times, even when you’re away. The suitable equipment, installation, and configuration of the system will create reliable protection for your family and property. Regardless of your home’s size, there is a solution tailored to your needs. Xeoma provides not only the flexibility of the entire system but also time-tested reliability.

October 1, 2025