Home security is a top priority for every property owner. Modern IP surveillance systems offer far more than traditional analogue cameras — from live viewing on your smartphone, through intelligent motion detection, to 4K recording. In this guide, we explain how to choose the right IP surveillance system for a detached house and what to pay special attention to when making your purchase.
How Many Cameras Does a House Need?
The number of cameras depends on the size of the property and the number of areas requiring surveillance. For a typical detached house, we recommend 4 to 8 cameras. This quantity covers all key zones without blind spots.
Key locations to monitor:
- Main entrance — the most important point. The camera should capture the faces of anyone approaching the door.
- Driveway and gate — vehicle and pedestrian access control.
- Yard and garden — a wide field of view allows coverage of a larger area.
- Terrace and rear entrance — often overlooked, yet this is precisely where burglars frequently attempt to gain entry.
- Garage — if detached, an additional camera is well worth installing.
With 4 cameras, you will cover the essential points. A 6–8 camera system provides full coverage of a medium-sized property from every angle.
IP vs Analogue — Which Cameras to Choose?
Two main types of systems are available on the market: analogue (HDCVI/HDTVI) and digital (IP). In 2026, IP cameras clearly dominate, and they are what we recommend for new installations.
| Feature | Analogue cameras | IP cameras |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 8 MP | Up to 32 MP |
| Cabling | Coaxial cable | UTP twisted pair / Wi-Fi |
| Power supply | Separate | PoE (single cable) |
| AI analytics | Limited | Advanced |
| Scalability | More difficult | Easy expansion |
| Price | Lower | Moderate |
IP cameras deliver higher image quality, easier installation thanks to PoE (Power over Ethernet) power supply, and advanced analytical features. The only advantage of analogue cameras is a lower entry price, but the cost gap is narrowing rapidly.
Camera Resolution — 4 MP or 8 MP?
Choosing the right resolution is a key decision that affects recording quality and the ability to identify individuals.
4 MP (2560 x 1440) — this is currently the gold standard for home surveillance. The image is sharp, allows facial recognition at distances of up to 10–15 metres, and video files do not take up excessive disk space. It is the optimal choice in terms of quality versus price.
8 MP / 4K (3840 x 2160) — 4K cameras deliver excellent image quality and the ability to digitally zoom without losing detail. They are particularly useful on large properties where the camera must cover an extensive area. The downside is greater storage requirements and a higher price.
For most detached houses, 4 MP is more than sufficient. Consider 8 MP cameras at key points — for example, at the gate or main entrance.
NVR or Cloud — Where to Store Recordings?
An IP surveillance system requires storage space for recordings. There are two main options:
NVR (Network Video Recorder)
An NVR is a dedicated device installed in the home that records footage from all cameras onto a built-in hard drive.
Advantages:
- No monthly storage fees
- Full control over data — recordings never leave the home
- Reliability — operates even without internet
- Support for high-capacity drives (up to 16 TB)
Disadvantages:
- Higher one-off purchase cost
- Risk of the recorder being stolen along with the footage
Cloud Storage
Some manufacturers offer cloud recording — storing footage on remote servers accessible via the internet.
Advantages:
- Recordings remain safe even if equipment is stolen
- Access from anywhere
Disadvantages:
- Monthly subscription fees (PLN 30–100/month)
- Dependence on internet connection quality
- Privacy concerns — data on external servers
Our recommendation: For detached houses, the best solution is an NVR with cloud backup. Recordings are saved locally, while key clips (alarms, motion detections) can be automatically uploaded to the cloud as a safeguard.
Live Viewing via Mobile App
One of the greatest advantages of IP surveillance is remote viewing on your smartphone. Virtually all leading manufacturers — Hikvision, Dahua, AXIS — offer free mobile apps enabling:
- Live viewing from all cameras simultaneously
- Playback of archived recordings
- Push notifications for motion detection or zone intrusion
- Two-way audio communication (on cameras with a built-in microphone)
- PTZ camera control
The apps work both on the local network (Wi-Fi) and remotely via the internet. Setup is straightforward — simply scan the NVR’s QR code and log in to your account.
Night Vision and AI Smart Detection
Modern IP cameras are equipped with advanced features that significantly enhance surveillance effectiveness:
IR Night Vision and ColorVu — traditional infrared night vision provides a greyscale image. The newer ColorVu technology (Hikvision) or Full-Color (Dahua) delivers a colour image even in total darkness thanks to built-in warm-light LEDs and sensitive image sensors.
AI Detection — artificial intelligence can distinguish a person from an animal, a car, or an object moved by the wind. This means the system sends notifications only when it detects a genuine threat, eliminating false alarms triggered by a cat, a bird, or a tree branch.
Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) — cameras with ANPR automatically read the registration plates of vehicles entering the property. Especially useful in residential estates and businesses.
Line Crossing and Area Intrusion Detection — the camera can trigger an alarm when someone crosses a designated boundary or enters a marked zone in the yard.
How Much Does a Home IP Surveillance System Cost?
Approximate costs of an IP surveillance system in 2026:
| Option | Components | Cost including installation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (4 cameras) | 4x 4 MP + 4-channel NVR + 2 TB HDD | PLN 3,500 – 5,500 |
| Extended (6 cameras) | 6x 4 MP + 8-channel NVR + 4 TB HDD | PLN 5,500 – 8,000 |
| Premium (8 cameras) | 8x 8 MP + 8-channel NVR + 6 TB HDD | PLN 8,000 – 13,000 |
The installation price includes: cabling, camera and NVR mounting, system configuration, and mobile app setup.
Summary
IP surveillance is an investment that provides peace of mind and genuine security for your household. The key principles when choosing a system:
- 4–8 cameras will cover a typical detached house
- 4 MP IP cameras are the optimal choice for most applications
- An NVR ensures reliability with no subscription fees
- A mobile app enables viewing from anywhere in the world
- AI detection eliminates false alarms and increases system effectiveness
ALTECH-SYSTEM designs and installs IP surveillance systems throughout the Silesia region. We use trusted brands — Hikvision, Dahua and AXIS — and select equipment individually to suit each client’s needs. Request a free quotation and secure your home.