Frequently Asked Questions

Discover Bear Security Shop Products, Shipping, Return Policies, and Warranty Info

We work with trusted US distributors and pro brands that low voltage installers use every day. You get new, warrantied gear and a real invoice, not gray market stock.

Installers usually roll hardware and labor into one project price, so it is hard to see what each piece really costs. We list official MSRP so pricing is clear and consistent. If you are planning a full system with several items, contact us and we can often build a custom package quote.

Yes. Many of our customers are not technical. You can either install simple products yourself or have an electrician/installer do the physical work, while we help you choose the right gear and answer basic setup questions.

Most in stock orders ship within 1–2 business days. Typical delivery time in the US is around 5–7 business days, depending on location and carrier. See our Shipping Policy page for full details.

If a product shows up damaged, missing parts, or not working out of the box, contact us as soon as possible. We will help with troubleshooting if needed and step in with the distributor or brand for repair, replacement, or return according to the policy.

We serve customers across the United States. At this time we ship within the US only.

Yes. Many smart locks, wireless cameras, and WiFi devices do not require permanent drilling. You can usually remove them when you move out, as long as you return the property to its original condition.

Change default passwords, use strong unique passwords, turn on 2FA, keep firmware updated, and use a secure WiFi network. A separate network or VLAN for cameras and smart devices is even better.

We are a US based online shop focused on home and small business security, audio and video, and networking. That includes cameras and NVRs, smart locks, Episode and other speakers, multi zone amps, WattBox power, routers, switches, and more.

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Yes. Many customers do exactly that after searching the brand online. Your installer can still handle the physical install, while you buy the gear from us, keep your own invoice, and know you have direct support from our team.

Yes. These brands are popular with integrators, but regular homeowners and small businesses can absolutely buy them through us. We help fill the gap between “installer only” brands and DIY buyers who want the same quality.

Your installer is usually giving you a project price that mixes hardware, cables, and labor together. We show official MSRP per product so everything is transparent. If you have a full list for a room, house, or business, send it to us and we can often build a project style package quote.

A basic strip only gives you outlets. WattBox adds surge protection, better power management, and remote reboot, so you do not have to unplug gear when something freezes. If you have a rack, multiple streaming boxes, or a business that cannot go offline easily, WattBox is usually worth it.

Yes. That is exactly how many people ask. Tell us roughly how big the room is, how loud you like it, and if it is more for TV, music, or both. We will suggest a few Episode options that make sense for your space, not just the top of the line.

Start with us. We can help you figure out if it is a wiring issue, a setup issue, or a hardware problem. If it is a warranty case, we will guide you on next steps with the distributor or manufacturer so you are not stuck in the middle.

Often yes. If you are planning multiple rooms of audio, several cameras, or a rack with WattBox and networking gear, send us your list or rough plan. We will review it, suggest changes if needed, and put together a custom package quote.

Explore Products, Tips, and Insights for Optimal Home and Business Protection

A video doorbell covers your front door and packages. Cameras let you see driveways, side yards, back doors, and inside areas like garages or offices. If budget is tight, start with the front door. For full coverage, add a few key cameras.

Most small homes do well with 3 to 6 cameras, front door, driveway, backyard, and maybe one or two side or interior spots. Bigger lots or corner homes may need more. If you send us a simple sketch or description, we can suggest a layout.

1080p is fine for general awareness. If you want to zoom in on faces, plates, or details, 4K or higher usually pays off, especially over driveways and entrances. Many customers mix resolutions based on location.

If you use an NVR or local storage, yes, they can keep recording locally even if the internet drops. You just will not be able to view them remotely until the connection comes back. Cloud only cameras usually stop recording if they cannot reach the cloud.

PoE sounds scary but it is mostly one cable per camera back to a PoE switch or NVR. If you can fish cable or hire someone to do the pulls, the actual plug in part is straightforward. We can help you plan which ports and which switch to use.

Some models include AI based detection for people, vehicles, and sometimes faces. That is what helps cut down on annoying “tree moving in the wind” alerts. Check the product specs or ask us if a specific camera supports AI.

Frequently asked questions and expert tips for better sound and picture.

Good in ceiling speakers can sound very solid, not just “hotel background music,” if they are placed and powered correctly. For critical music listening, many people still prefer in wall or bookshelf speakers, but for TV, movies, and whole home audio, in ceiling works great.

It is totally normal to mix brands. The key is matching power and impedance, not logos. You can run Episode speakers on a different brand amp or the other way around, as long as the specs match.

If you care about impact in action scenes, yes, a sub makes a big difference. For mostly news and casual TV at low volume, you can skip it. Many customers add a sub later once they hear the difference.

70V systems are made for restaurants, gyms, stores, and large homes where you want many speakers on long runs and simple volume control. Traditional 8 ohm setups are usually better for hi fi listening rooms and smaller systems.

Yes. You can start with a pair of in wall or in ceiling speakers and a small amp, then add zones or channels later as budget allows. Just make sure your amplifier can handle future expansion or plan for a multi zone amp when you are ready.

Frequently asked questions and expert tips for better sound and picture.

Full bars only means signal strength, not actual speed. Your router might be old, overloaded, or in a bad spot. Interference, cheap extenders, or ISP issues can also cause slowdowns. Often a better router, mesh system, or access point fixes it.

In a lot of real homes, yes, it helps. Mesh systems use multiple nodes so you get more even coverage through floors and long layouts. If your router sits in one corner of the house today, mesh is usually a big upgrade.

If you just have a few devices, a basic switch is fine. If you want VLANs, separate networks for cameras, or better control over traffic, a managed switch is a good idea and not as scary as it sounds once it is set up.

It is a good practice. Many people put cameras and IoT devices on a separate VLAN or guest network so they are isolated from laptops and phones. A lot of modern routers and managed switches make this fairly simple.

Yes. Some systems support wired backhaul or let you add hard wired access points where you can run cable. That often gives the strongest and most stable result.

You can run Ethernet to an access point, use a point to point wireless bridge, or carefully place an extra mesh node. Extenders can work, but for long term stability, wired backhaul is usually better.

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