Professional Installers
BVC Security & Integrations employs professional installers licensed by the City of Denver, Colorado.
While we are providing alarm system components and kits via this website, it is your responsibility to make sure they are properly installed if DIY, and that they are legal in your jurisdiction (are permits required). BVC Security & Integrations highly recommends you have your alarm system professionally installed. An improper installed alarm system may not function correctly and may result in a life threatening situation. BVC Security & Integrations cannot be held liable for an improper DIY installed system.
In Colorado, BVC Security & Integrations will supply you with your first annual permit if required in your jurisdiction. It is the customer responsibility to ensure they are updated each year thereafter.
Installation services are available for purchase in your area, if you are not from Colorado. It is the responsibility of your system installer to ensure your system is properly installed. Your installer shall work with BVC Security & Installations during installation and maintenance to ensure the system is functional and to reduce false alarms. BVC Security & Integrations is not responsible for third-party installer mistakes in their installations. In Colorado, installation services are provided free of charge by BVC Security & Integrations. By purchasing products from BVC Security & Integrations, you are agreeing to the above and to the TOS.
CMS (Central Monitoring Station) services are contracted out by BVC Security & Integrations. In order to ensure police, fire, and EMS response to an alarm event, you must utilize CMS services. You are able to use your own service, but they are required to contact us to program your system for their access. BVC Security & Integrations contracts with just a couple CMS companies and cannot guarantee CMS services provided by end users.
Monthly monitoring rates start at $19.99/mo and depends on the equipment purchased. Make sure to contact one of our reps to get an accurate cost of your monthly bill before you purchase your equipment.
Central Monitoring Stations
BVC Security & Integrations partners with a couple CMS services. Our primary provider is based out of Minneapolis, MN. CMS is required to have full functionality of your system. Panic buttons and activation of your alarm will immediately send a signal to the monitoring center. This happens within seconds. The central station will then contact you and police/fire/EMS depending on the type of alarm.
After you place your order for an alarm system, you will get a monitoring contract from Adobe via e-mail. You will need to fill that out and return it within 30 days of your order to ensure timely activation of your monitoring services.
If you do not wish to have CMS, we recommend you use a regular surveillance system and use the provided app to view your cameras. You may also use our cloud cameras which come with a monthly fee, billed annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your doorbell camera cost money every month?
Yes. There is a small monthly fee to use your doorbell with the Alula app. This cost is included in the CMS monthly fee.
What are the doorbell requirements for installation?
It requires a 12-24v transformer. If you already have a doorbell system in place, it should be compatible. Refer to the documentation included with your doorbell for compatibility.
What are cloud cameras?
The Vortex cameras by Vivotek are cloud based meaning you do not need to purchase an NVR or a hard drive. It's a service which allows you to search and store your video online. Ideal for 1-6 cameras but you can have an unlimited amount.
What is the difference between Premium and Essential cameras?
Essential series cameras are the entry to AI cameras. You get VCA (Video Content Analysis) such as line crossing, loitering detection, intrusion detection, etc. With the Premium series cameras, you get all that plus deep search and re-search. Search attributes such as clothing type/color, if they're wearing hats or carrying bags, and vehicle type/color. Find the person/vehicle you're looking for and then re-search for that specific person/vehicle again so you can see all events with just that person/vehicle.
What is the monthly fee for your cloud cameras?
The license is $149/year for each cloud camera. That is just over $12/mo/camera.
How do I purchase a cloud license?
The first year license is included in the purchase price of your camera. If you want to extend that past a year, you have the option to add in a 3 and 5 year license. Before each renewal period, you will receive notification from BVC Security informing you it's time to renew. If you do not renew, your online camera services will cease to work.
What if I lose Internet?
Your Vortex cameras record to the onboard SD card first and then transfers to the cloud. If you lose internet, your cameras will still be recording and will upload as soon as internet is restored.
What is your warranty on your cameras?
As a Vivotek Gold Channel Partner, we're able to offer a 5-Year warranty on our camera systems.
How do I power my cameras? Do I need additional outlets?
All Vivotek and Vortex cameras are powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet). If you don't have a PoE capable switch, we sell them on this site as well. This means you can run a patch cable from the switch to the camera and you only need to plug the switch in. Most people keep them in their family room or home/office or even their garage.
**Note** If you are using an Alula camera and utilizing its WiFi feature to connect to your network, you will need a nearby outlet to power the camera.
Do I need to purchase patch cables?
Our Vivotek camera kits and Vortex cloud cameras will come with 100ft of stranded CAT6 cables pre-terminated and tested to ensure your cameras will power on as soon as you plug them in. Stranded copper allows for flexibility in your installations and are less likely to break over time.
How is BVC Security different from other online stores?
BVC Security is a true manufacturer Gold Partner. We're trained and certified by Vivotek, the manufacturer directly. We're a full service vendor meaning we handle the sales, any warranties if required, any support that may arise, and if allowed remote access, we handle all the setup and configuration. BVC Security is a Vivotek Product Expert II. Our product listing is updated and current. Quite a few other vendors have outdated products and kits on their web sites that aren't even around anymore. They may have them in stock, but it's not the current technology that Vivotek offers. This means if a replacement is needed, you may have difficulty finding it, if at all.
How are your 4k cameras different from big box stores?
It's not the camera that is different, it is the NVR and hard drive. While the cameras can all record at the same resolution, it's the NVR that determines true 4k streaming and recording on all cameras. Big box store NVRs may only stream at 4k and record at 1080p or the other way around. Vivotek can do both simultaneously. And the hard drives are not generic, 2TB drives, to save the company a few dollars. We use Western Digital Purple surveillance drives, designed to meet the challenges of 24/7 recording and we use a minimum of 4TB to support the needs of higher resolution recording.
Are there limitations to the cameras?
As with all technology, there are limitations in cameras. For example, your 4k camera may only record at 30fps. To get 60fps, your resolution may drop to 1080p. The camera you're about to select, may not be the best fit for your application. We notice a lot of people buy a camera and then realize they didn't get the intended results. Big box store kits and even our kits here are for that general coverage desired by DIY. They may or may not serve your requirements. Professional camera systems are designed/installed based on consumer needs. It is best to understand camera limitations and your surveillance needs before you purchase. We recommend you contact us for free assistance with your purchase if you are unsure.
What is your shipping time?
Our shipping goal is within 3 days of order. Additional time may be needed for the warehouse to get an out of stock item. Please allow 3-7 days for shipment to be safe. Shipping is free on orders over $500 and will be delivered by FedEx 2nd Day for alarm systems and Vortex cameras. Vivotek camera kits are delivered by FedEx Ground. An Indirect Signature is required, so please make sure someone is available when your delivery is to occur.