Residential Surveillance Market: When will it be ready?
I recently read an article in Security Sales & Integration magazine. It stated that according to Parks Associates’ North American Broadband Market Update, by 2012, 33 million homes will have 10Mbps access, thus giving home owners the ability to stream high definition video. In 2007, 5.7 million homes were equipped with broadband.
My question is when will homeowners embrace surveillance systems as they do home security systems? Where will these customers look for fulfillment? Do they go to the traditional security companies or surveillance integrators? I have talked to several surveillance integrators who want nothing to do with this piece of the business. They are saying that jobs are too small, there are more headaches, that customers “tinker” with the systems, and there is constant maintenance. I personally agree that the residential market is not where I would want to concentrate my personal business. However if you are a company that currently provides residential security, why not start to educate your customers on the benefits and the cost of a basic system?
There are several ways to approach this market. The first would be to offer a DVR System with analog cameras. The second would be an NVR solution with IP cameras allowing for better video. The third and final option would be to go with a wireless solution, using a transceiver along with IP cameras, this being the most expensive, but the easiest to install.
I would love to get your feedback on how you see this market evolving over the next 3 years and whether or not you are incorporating this segment into your future business plans.
