The technicians and staff at Chief DataCom were professional and efficient with their installation. They took the time to explain everything in detail. They made sure their work exceeded all my expectations! I am extremely satisfied, trust them completely and would highly recommend them to all my clients, friends, and family.

Mandy Renee

“Video surveillance” is the term that is used more by the professional installers in the field. Is is the term that (to us) best describes what it is.

“Security camera” is the term used primarily by the end user. Why? Because security is usually the reason they are purchasing. Sometimes people mistake a “security system” for “security cameras” or vice versa. A security system may consist a burglar alarm, access control, video surveillance, various other software and hardware or all of these components. Whereas security cameras are just that, a camera system (with some type of recording device such as a DVR or NVR).

“CCTV” is the term used by many manufacturers of CCTV components (it is also used by professionals in the field since it is much shorter to say and write than “video surveillance”!) CCTV stands for “closed circuit television”. Wikipedia defines CCTV as “..the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly transmitted..”

On a related note, many people who desire to access their video surveillance system via their iPhone or internet oftentimes refer to it as an “IP system”. They will call and ask us “can you tell me how much and IP system for my home would cost?” Most of the time, what they are really after is the price of a system they can access via the internet, not necessarily an actual IP system. An IP (internet protocol) system will offer much higher image quality (mega pixels) than a standard system, but the cost can be significantly more. Here is a video that goes into more detail about this subject.

Still have questions? Give us a call! 405-708-6510.

The ones that really get to me though, are the ones where someone is injured or killed by an intruder. I just think “I wish they would have had a gun”….. or some other time of means to defend themselves. The simple fact is, that it could happen to any of us, at any time. It could be the soccer mom who is home alone after dropping kids off at school, or her husband “Mr. Fix It” working on his 67 Mustang with the garage door wide open. But, he should be able to work on his car with the garage door open and not have to worry about some whacked out crack addict looking to steal something for his next fix, right?

To some degree, we are all potential targets. We are not helpless, but we do have a right and responsibility to protect our self, our home and loved ones should something like this happen. Better yet, we should do everything we can to prevent it from ever happening!

Look on line and you will find a plethora of information on home safety. Here are some of the best tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.

1) LOCK your doors whether you are home or not. Yes, even you people in Mayberry.
2) Have some sort of sign posted indicating that you have security; an alarm company sign, NRA sign, beware of dog sign… SOMETHING.
3) Have a weapon on or near you at ALL times. Weapon= gun, baseball bat, golf club, stun gun, crow bar.. you get the picture.
4) Make sure EVERYONE in your house has a weapon and knows how to use it.
5) Keep some lights on, ALL of the time. Wicked people HATE light. They do not want to go near it because it exposes them. (and it makes it tough to sneak in a side door if there is a big spot light pointed at it!)
6) Have a plan. Everyone in your house should know what to do if; they hear gun fire, a burglar enters the house, if anyone unexpected comes to the door etc…. (there are literally millions of scenarios)
7) Don’t leave your garage door remote in your car unless your car door is locked AND you hide the remote AND you set your alarm on your house!
8 ) Don’t leave spare keys in an obvious place (like under the door mat, or flower pot…)

For more information on home safety, click here to learn about our next Home Safety and Survival workshop! Lunch is provided!

We install video surveillance (also known as security camera systems), business phone systems and structured cabling. Chad started in this business about 25 years ago and is well respected in this industry. We are very community minded; we both coach youth sports and volunteer for our church and other community organizations. We even offer free workshops on home safety and security. We believe it is our responsibility to give back to the community!

Right now, video surveillance is in high demand. It seems that we cannot go a week without someone calling us because they were burglarized, the victim of employee dishonesty or some other type of crime. We have a true passion for this business and helping people. Nothing is more satisfying than one of our customers calling us to say that we helped them avoid loss or catch a bad guy!

Video surveillance is so much more affordable now than it was just a few short years ago. In addition, the technology has really advanced! Now, a person can be in another country and can keep an eye on their home or business in real time on their smart phone. With 5 kids ranging in age from 9 to 19, we have put our cameras to good use!

If you have every though about having a security camera system installed in your home or business, please give us a call. We offer great service, great products and a great price! And, we are right down the street from you!

Proud members of the Deer Creek Chamber of Commerce!

Deer Creek Business of the Month

“As a police officer, I know the importance of protecting my home. Unfortunately, often times when there is a burglary, the thief is long gone before the police arrive. This is why having security cameras is so important. Chief DataCom installed my security camera system and I know what is going on at my house 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I can view it all right from my iPhone or computer. I can even see what happened a month ago! The best part is, Chief DataCom is a local company with local people, great prices and great service. These days, anyone who can have this type of system, should get it.”

Chad Peery
OKC Police Department

News 9 Trailers Stolen from 5 Star Storage

If you recognize the crooks, PLEASE notify the police or see the email info in the pictures. These guys are local. Someone will know who they are.

This story made national news! Check it out. Click here>>> Chief DataCom Client Makes National News

By the way, I LOVE Sam’s….. just not for this type of equipment. Chief DataCom spends a LOT of money at SAM’s! In fact, they offer very high quality products at a significant discount. If you do not have a membership, you need to get one TODAY. However, there is a reason it requires a license to sell or install video surveillance equipment!

Why Not Buy From Sam’s (or any other place that sells the DIY systems)?

If I said I have been asked the question “why shouldn’t I buy a camera system from Sam’s?” a thousand times….. I would be exaggerating. But, I do get asked that type of question a lot. Sam’s does carry a lot of video surveillance packages and many of them are dirt cheap. To be frank with you, there are people who will be satisfied with buying one of their systems. (And, something is better than nothing).

However, If Sam’s could offer what we do, at the price we do, with the service we do, then….. we would not “do” what we do. So, what is the difference?

1) The most obvious difference is the expertise of the installer: you or us. We have an Oklahoma state license for video surveillance (#1911), thousands of hours of installation experience and we understand low voltage electricity. We also have the tools (some of them VERY expensive) to install a system. What’s more, the majority of people do not have the time or knowledge to poke hole in their walls or ceilings to run the cable. It ends up looking tacky and wires are exposed. (This means they can be cut easily by an intruder)

2) Which brings me to the next reason: It is NOT the same system. Since you are not a licensed installer, the systems you can buy from Sam’s are not made for “professional” installation. Most of them have a proprietary connection which means if it breaks, you must replace it with the same camera. It also means you cannot add another camera of a different brand. The cabling is usually standard “telephone” cable which is not nearly as reliable or as sturdy as the various cables used by professionals. The warranty is often less than a professional grade camera AND the service is non-existent. Most reputable video surveillance companies would not consider installing a system from Sam’s.

3) Most of the cameras at Sam’s (or other retail establishments) are lower grade cameras. Their resolution is typically 420 TVL or lower. (We sell nothing below 580 TVL)

4) The same goes for the DVR quality. Remember, since you are not a professional, you do not get “professional grade”. This means that the features you get are for the “novice” and the hard drive space is sometimes minimal (250 GB or less).

5) If you are planning to expand your home or business and may want to add cameras at a later date, with most do it yourself systems, you can’t. If it is a 4 camera system, it will only support 4 cameras. That means you would need to buy an entire system if you were to upgrade, whereas a professional company (such as Chief DataCom) can install a system that can be upgraded at a very low cost.

6) We offer financing. Yes, Sam’s has a credit card, but it is a credit card. There is a difference!

7) Finally, and most importantly: WE ARE A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS. We warranty our products and services and we believe you should NEVER hire a company you can’t reach out and choke if needed. We are here for our customers and we are just darn good people.

The bottom line is, “cheap” may appear to be a great deal, but if you compare apples to apples, you may find that you save money and time by having a system professionally installed. In fact, we had a man call who was so frustrated with the system he bought from Sam’s that he wanted to PAY US to install it for him! He paid about $1000 for the system and after paying us to install it, he would have paid MORE than it would have cost for us to do it in the first place!

Baby boomers, listen to this! Click here ====> Security cameras for elderly parents So many times we are faced with caring for elderly parents. How do you check in on them without driving across town? What if they live hours away and do not answer when you call? Too many baby boomers are spending valuable time and money traveling to elderly parents houses just to see if they are ok. What if you could just peek in, from ANYWHERE in the world? What if you did not need to wonder “What is mom doing today?”
Security cameras for parents <=== Parents click here!
Do you have kids at home? Maybe they ride the bus and are too old for a sitter, or maybe they are teens still in need of supervision? Wouldn’t it be nice to KNOW what they are doing? What if you could check in and make sure things are ok and everyone is getting along and doing homework? You can! Right from your smart phone or PC!

Business owners, listen to this! ===> Security cameras for business owners

As a business owner, how many times have you wondered “are my customers getting great service?” or “I wonder what happens when I am not at the office?” Hopefully, you have never wondered “Did an employee steal from the company?” With security cameras, you will know.

Security cameras are a very cost effective way to be in the know!

Shop Yukon, Interview With Leslie NesSmith

Shop Yukon, Interview With Leslie NesSmith 2

Shop Yukon, Interview With Leslie NesSmith 3

HD
I will avoid using a bunch of technical jargon since most of the people reading this would appreciate simple terminology.
In the case of video surveillance, HD cameras are measured in mega pixels. 1 mega pixel is equal to one-million pixels. When you compare a high resolution 540 TVL camera to a high definition camera, keep this in mind; 540 TVL = .4 mega pixels. This means, that the resolution of a 1 MP camera is 2.5 times greater than a 540 TVL camera! When you consider that most high definition cameras are at least 2 MP, there is a HUGE difference in clarity. The bottom line is, the images from an HD system are significantly better than those from an analog system. This means that you are more likely to be able to recognize/identify a person or vehicle via an HD system than a high resolution system.

So, who buys HD security camera systems? The price comparison is about as drastic as the quality comparison. An HD system will run you 2 to 3 times the price of a standard high resolution (analog) system. Needless to say, they are pretty pricey. Though historically, banks and detention facilities were the main user of HD systems, residential and small commercial use is becoming more prevalent. We install HD systems in homes, city government facilities and recently a multilevel parking garage in Bricktown!

High definition security camera image

This is a picture from a 2 MP HD camera. I pulled the camera up on my iPhone, and then took a screenshot of the image. (This may be confusing! If it is, feel free to come by the office an I will demonstrate.)

High Resolution (Analog)
Analog security camera systems are very common. As I stated above, they are much less expensive than an HD system. So, why (other than budget) would someone opt to purchase an analog system over an HD system? Standard high resolution systems are a cost effective way to “monitor” a location. When using security cameras only to monitor, the user does not need to positively ID a person. They may be monitoring their office,employees, pets or domestic help and they do not have a need to have facial recognition. Why? Because they KNOW who it is in the video. They are simply monitoring the activities. The problem is, when someone they do not know enters the picture, the images may be useless to the authorities. That being said, a good high resolution system is better than no system at all. Many a crook has been caught with this type of security camera!

Something to consider; The DVR that is used for HD is different from that of an analog system. But, sometimes both types of cameras are needed in order to have quality images as well as meet a budget. In this case, we install a hybrid DVR. This allows the user to have HD cameras in critical areas and have analog cameras in areas the wish only to monitor.

Who buys the analog security camera systems? Home owners and businesses who have a limited budget or who have little or no need to have very high quality footage.

Here is an example of an analog image. Again, this is a screen shot from my iPhone while viewing the camera on line.

Analog image from a 540 TVL camera

When deciding which type of system is right for you, consider not only WHAT you may need to see but also WHO. If there is an incident, how important is it for the police to be able to get a positive ID of the person?

I am happy to answer any questions you may have!

In this business we hear all sorts of stories about employees. Sometimes we hear how employee productivity is in the toilet and the owner does not know whether to fire everyone, or pay them more to try to motivate them. (He could have security cameras installed AND have fewer employees to pay!)

Other times we hear stories about employees stealing from the safe, the inventory or giving away free product to friends and family. There is one instance in particular that stands out. A customer of an office supply store had left her credit card at the register when she checked out. The cashier decided to use the customers credit card while on a shopping spree at several stores in the nearby mall. The office supply store did not have security cameras (which I am convinced would have averted the entire situation). One of the mall stores, however, did have video surveillance! This was great for the customer whose card was stolen, the thief…not so much. Not only did he lose his job, but was also arrested and prosecuted. Side note: Did you notice that the customer was a “she” and the thief was a “he”? Sounds like someone didn’t even think to ask for an ID.

What does all of this have to do with you? Well, if you happen to be a business owner or manager the simple fact is that security cameras prevent most theft, but also improve employee productivity AND protects your customers. This can equate to thousands of dollars a year for your business!

Security cameras work!

When I was growing up, I was fortunate for at least part of my childhood to have my mom stay at home. At the time I did not fully understand just how important it was for her to know EXACTLY where we (the kids) were and PRECISELY what we were doing. If we fought, she knew. If we stole something, she knew. If we did not do our homework, she knew. If we did not get off of the bus, she knew. If we had friends in the house, she knew.

Today, so many homes either consist of 2 working parents or 1 single parent; this means there is significantly less supervision than the good ole days. Kids are sitting on the couch playing video games from the time they get off the bus until mom or dad get home in the evening. They are getting in to things they shouldn’t and in far too many cases the parents never find out because no one is watching. Did Suzie have a friend over? I don’t know. Did Johnny really cause the fight with the neighbor boy? Who knows for sure. Did Sam get home by curfew? Not sure, I was working late. What really happens when your kids are at home all alone? What happens when your teen has friends over?

I am not suggesting that video surveillance can take the place of a parent OR a baby sitter. I am simply suggesting that kids who are old enough to be left at home alone STILL need supervision. Video surveillance is a GREAT help to parents. It does not lie. It is 100% accurate.

We have used video surveillance to solve all sort of mysteries including “who started it”. Most importantly, we understand that ALL KIDS WILL BE TEMPTED TO DO THINGS THEY SHOULDN’T. Yes, even your kid, the “perfect” one. With video surveillance present in the house, it gives them incentive to stay on the straight and narrow because mom and dad can find out. It is that simple.

Mom and dad can log in and make sure the kids are OK, doing homework, getting along and not opening the door to strangers.

Video surveillance costs a whole lot less than the consequences suffered due to inadequate supervision. Be honest, would you have done half of the naughty things you did as a kid if you knew someone were watching?

Just a thought.

“This is Paul Sublett, General Manager of Bott Radio Network – Oklahoma. Chief DataCom recently installed surveillance cameras for us and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I can monitor what’s going on in and around our studios day and night – anytime, anywhere. Chad and Leslie are knowledgeable professionals and have been great to work with. I’d recommend Chief DataCom to everyone!”

Thank you Paul! We enjoyed working with you. What a great group of people!

For the sake of ease, I am going to relate networking to dating.

Think back to your first crush; every time you saw him or her, your heart would beat just a little faster. You would see them on the playground, in the cafeteria and if you were lucky… on the bus. You longed for that moment when you might get to touch hands or maybe even kiss! Yes, I said it. Kiss.

What does kissing have to do with networking?

We all have those people that we really want or need to connect with. The owner of a certain company, the decision maker at a firm; we all have “that” person we long to meet and make a much desired business connection. However, so many business owners “lean in for the kiss” before ever asking your name or what it is that you do!

When I say “lean in for the kiss” I am referring to a couple of common premature actions that many people make. One of the most common is randomly handing out business cards. I know, you want to get your name and number in front of as many people as possible, right?

Let’s think about this in reference to dating. What would we think about a man or woman who went to a singles group and started handing out their number to everyone? Or what if they were asking everyone for their number? Sounds a little forward doesn’t it? What about that person who asks everyone they meet for a lunch date?

“Let’s do lunch”

I understand that this is a very common and in some circles an accepted way to get to know someone. BUT, lunch is intimate. It really is. Think about eating in general; we have holidays, birthdays, date night, funerals… they are all tied together with the intimacy of eating food. Personally, I do not feel comfortable AT ALL sitting down with someone I have never met or barely know and eating. It is uncomfortable. What should I order? What if they are not hungry? Or they’re a vegan? What if I get food stuck in my teeth and don’t know? What if the service is poor? What if the conversation is uninteresting and I am stuck with them for an hour? What if they expect me to pay?

Alternative? Meet for coffee. Meet in a group setting such as following a networking event. Meet at your office. And, ALWAYS set a start and end time. Then honor it. It is incredibly frustrating when I meet with someone who totally disregards the time. I’m busy. You’re busy. Let’s be considerate of each other’s schedules.

Here’s my rule: Don’t eat lunch with anyone that you would hesitate to tell them “hey, you have a big piece of spinach between your teeth.”

And, finally, the last boundary I would like to talk about; STOP trying to sell your product to EVERYONE! As great as your product is, it is NOT for everyone! And people who choose not to buy from you are entitled to spend their money as they see fit. I do not care how healthy, affordable, competitive, lucrative you product is! I have the right NOT to buy it. However, much like dating, if you take the time to develop a relationship with me and my business I may send you referrals. I may not buy from you, but chances are I know people who will!

Please feel free to share your comments!

-Deidra Johnson, Owner: Forever Young Adult Daycare, Edmond

So for all those business owners out there that read the Chief DataCom blog, here are eight different potential topics, with examples directly from the Chief DataCom blog itself.

Introduction

Simple enough, your first blog entry can be an introduction describing your business.

Example: Welcome to Chief DataCom!

Overview of a Product or Service

Describe a product or service you provide in more detail than you do on your website. Go into some detail about the reasons people frequently purchase it from you.

Example: My phone, my productivity

Tell a Story about a Mistake

Truth be known, compelling stories often come from our mistakes, or even those of customers. But that’s no reason not to use them! They still provide a great warning. Of course, if it was a customer who made the mistake, don’t share their name.

Example: Video Surveillance in the News

Promote a Nonprofit

Almost anyone gets their heartstrings tugged by one nonprofit or another. Help out a nonprofit that’s near and dear to your own heart by promoting them on your blog. And if your feeling particularly generous (like Chief DataCom), donate a percentage of your sales!

Example: Generosity

Share a Video Blog

Think you can’t video blog? Try sharing someone else’s video! When others create videos and share them online, they usually want others to spread them around. So find a video related to your industry on a site like YouTube, and post it on your own blog.

Example: The FBI and video surveillance

Top 10 List

Top ten lists are easy for people to scan and read quickly. And they can be longer or shorter than ten items as well. The title lets your readers know exactly what to expect out of the blog entry. Perhaps best of all, they’ve proven time and time again to be a popular format with readers.

Example: 10 Reasons to Upgrade Your Phone System

Staff Profile

You may not have a staff section on your website. Or maybe you do, but you don’t go into great detail. Whatever the case, take a blog entry out to highlight the background of a particular staff member.

Example: He put the “Chief” in Chief DataCom

Customer Testimonial

Your customers may share feedback with you, or you may have to write their testimonial for them. Just make sure you get it approved! Whatever the case, nothing helps prove how awesome you are than someone else saying it.

Example: No, Thank YOU. A testimonial.

So what are you waiting for? Get blogging today so people can get to know you and your business better.

If you’d like free, ongoing advice on marketing with your website, social media and other online tools, sign up for our email newsletter on the T&S Web Design website.

Snack Wars part 1

Snack Wars part 2

I’m writing this letter to you to say thank you for the exceptional service you have provided. We had a need for video surveillance in and around our training facility for liability purposes. By installing a video surveillance system, your company has provided us with the peace of mind we need as we grow. Our expectations have been met and exceeded!

Chad and his crew were very professional and friendly, from the initial consultation right up to the last day of install. The equipment covers the areas we need to view and the access to the server is incredibly quick and easy. I can’t wait to set up the live broadcast feature so we can stream what’s happening in the gym on the web.

We will be recommending your Chief DataCom to our friends and business contacts due to the exceptional quality of service you have provided. Again, thank you!

Respectfully,

Jason Boag
Owner, CrossFit OKC
jason@crossfitokc.com
www.crossfitokc.com
405.313.6996

Every once in a while something so unbelievable happens that you just have to see the humor in it and laugh. Recently we were contacted by a self-storage facility on Oklahoma City that had been experiencing theft. Apparently, due to the location of the facility and the time of day the thief was ripping people off, they had been unable to catch him. So, they hired us to install video surveillance with the hope that they could eventually catch the person responsible or possibly deter future incidents.

After completing the video surveillance installation, our crew left for the day not realizing they had left a ladder behind. They went back to the storage facility the next day to retrieve the ladder and low and behold, It was gone! Of course, our first instinct was to refer to the newly installed video surveillance system to review footage to solve the mystery of the missing ladder. Imagine the suspense as they watched the footage and a man appeared. He was casing the place! Going up and down the aisles peeking into places he had no business being anywhere near! He eventually came across our ladder and looked around just to be sure no one was watching……then snatched the ladder! Guess what he did with it? He put it in his own storage unit!

A little while later he returned to the scene of the crime (likely to admire his loot) and he found that he had been locked out! The bandit had to make his way to the rental office to find out what was going on. I am sure you know how the story ends…. we got our ladder back! And the storage facility was able to find out who had been burglarizing their customers! In less than 24 hours!

The moral of the story is, don’t try to rip people off in front of video surveillance cameras! Especially when “the people” you are ripping off installed the cameras! Foolish man.