Locking your equipment up at DVinfo.net

Mitchell Skurnik · September 15th, 2009, 10:42 PM

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?

Alister Chapman · September 16th, 2009, 12:51 AM

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.

John Peterson · September 16th, 2009, 05:22 AM

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

Doug Jensen · September 16th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Peterson

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.

Mitchell Lewis · September 16th, 2009, 07:42 AM

LOL!! Good one Doug!

Mitchell Skurnik · September 16th, 2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Jensen

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

That is a good one Doug.

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

John Peterson · September 16th, 2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug Jensen

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

Now THAT'S funny.

John

Boyd Ostroff · September 16th, 2009, 08:48 AM

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.

Malcolm Hamilton · September 16th, 2009, 09:10 AM

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

Boyd Ostroff · September 16th, 2009, 11:00 AM

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.

Mitchell Skurnik · September 16th, 2009, 01:30 PM

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.

Chris Hurd · September 16th, 2009, 10:19 PM

Moved from XDCAM EX to Home, Away From Home.

Max Allen · September 16th, 2009, 10:22 PM

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.

Battle Vaughan · September 16th, 2009, 11:01 PM

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

Mitchell Skurnik · September 18th, 2009, 10:07 PM

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.

September 15th, 2009, 10:42 PM	#1
Mitchell Skurnik Major Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, California Posts: 201	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? __________________ Mitchell J. Skurnik http://www.mjcsstudios.com/ - EX1, 4x hoodman 16GB, Libec Tripod, Sony LAV Last edited by Mitchell Skurnik; September 16th, 2009 at 08:23 AM.

September 16th, 2009, 12:51 AM	#2
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	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. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

September 16th, 2009, 07:42 AM	#5
Mitchell Lewis Trustee Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 1,124	LOL!! Good one Doug! __________________ Sony EX3, Canon 5D MkII, Chrosziel Matte Box, Sachtler tripod, Steadicam Flyer, Mac Pro, Apple/Adobe software - 20 years as a local videographer/editor

September 16th, 2009, 01:30 PM	#11
Mitchell Skurnik Major Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, California Posts: 201	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. __________________ Mitchell J. Skurnik http://www.mjcsstudios.com/ - EX1, 4x hoodman 16GB, Libec Tripod, Sony LAV

September 16th, 2009, 10:19 PM	#12
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Moved from XDCAM EX to Home, Away From Home. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

September 16th, 2009, 05:22 AM	#3
John Peterson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Monroe, NY Posts: 703	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

September 16th, 2009, 08:48 AM	#8
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	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.

September 16th, 2009, 09:10 AM	#9
Malcolm Hamilton Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 844	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

September 16th, 2009, 11:00 AM	#10
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	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.

September 16th, 2009, 10:22 PM	#13
Max Allen Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NY Posts: 186	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.

September 16th, 2009, 11:01 PM	#14
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	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

September 18th, 2009, 10:07 PM	#15
Mitchell Skurnik Major Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, California Posts: 201	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. __________________ Mitchell J. Skurnik http://www.mjcsstudios.com/ - EX1, 4x hoodman 16GB, Libec Tripod, Sony LAV