Locking your equipment up
 

I was wondering how you guys store your equipment when not in use at your studio/home. I am looking to get a cabinet to store all my equipment that I can lock up (including my cases).

• I have a Fiberbilt case (36"x16")
• My EX1 in a hardshell case
• My SLR in a softcase
• External hard-drive, cables, other crap in a harshell
• Various cables and connectors
• Other random things

How do you protect your stuff?

Steel filing cabinets or steel office cupboards work well for security from casual break-in's. However a determined thief will be able to get in to them. Best thing is not to advertise your equipment by keeping it in bags or cases when you take it to and from wherever you keep it.

We don't have problems in my neighborhood with break-ins so I am wondering why you don't put in an alarm system if it is a problem where you live.

In terms of leaving the house for a few days, if you are worried about someone coming in and finding the camera you could put it in a plastic bag, stick it in the garbage pail, and put garbage on top of it. Unlikely they will discover it.

John

Yeah, and if it does get found, they'll assume it's a P2 camera and leave it alone.

LOL!! Good one Doug!

That is a good one Doug.

I am looking at this cabinet:
48 Inch Wide Combination Cabinets | Lyon-Cabinets.com

Now THAT'S funny.

John

Before buying heavy steel cabinets you might want to talk to your insurance agent and see if you already have any coverage on your equipment. I did, and was told that equipment used for a business wasn't covered under my homeowners policy. I'm sure this varies, which is why you need to check.

My agent got me an "Inland Marine" policy which covers my equipment regardless of whether I'm at home or traveling. It was pretty inexpensive. I think this is the only real way to protect your investment.

Hi Boyd,
Would you mind giving me a ballpark for "inexpensive"? I have to pay $1300/year, which I think is expensive. Would love to find something cheaper.
Cheers, Malcolm

We've discussed this before, see the following thread in our Business Forum: http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/taking-c...ng-camera.html

It's a few years old, but the principles should still be sound. Believe it or not, my rates for the policy mentioned in that thread have actually gone down a bit. I paid $210/year in 2006 and renewed it for $207 in 2009.

This is stored at my business not at my home so there are policies already in place about theft. I still like keeping things locked up so co-workers don't just grab equipment without asking and signing a log sheet.

Moved from XDCAM EX to Home, Away From Home.

As they say security is about layers. If you're getting a cabinet I would go for the heaviest duty one you can afford. I like kingcab but they cost between 1 and 2k and some of them weigh close to a ton. This is from frustration of seeing too many storage cabinets at stations and production companies fizzle out and pretty much die. There are less expensive options, just be weary of the general use steel cabinet. These are a joke for security.

If you have over 20 or 30k of gear I would build more layers aside from insurance. Alarm, infrared triggered outdoor, indoor, lights, camera, video recording. Locking pelican cases if you'll be away for a few days. There are also systems that will email or text you when a camera or recorder has been trigered, an alarm activated or even if your front door is opened. It doesn't all have to be expensive industrial products. There are consumer products you can integrate and the final cost is less than it sounds.

I think you might find a gun safe the right size, they're not cheap but nothing good is. One source: Cabela's Official Website - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear at competitive prices., search "gun safe" for a large selection.../Battle Vaughan

I think a steel cabinet with a simple chain and pad lock will do just fine. The editing room that I will be keeping it in has a door lock which is inside of a building with security cameras on every exit as well as badge readers. I mostly want it so co-workers don't just grab equipment without signing things out.