cctv4u Blog

If you are considering a new CCTV camera for your home or business and require it to be professionally installed, then come to us first. Here at CCTV4U, we are experts in not only the installation of all types of CCTV cameras, but also associated technical support.

One of the reasons why we are so highly rated is because we cater to the individual needs of every client, guiding them through the entire process of installing advanced CCTV systems. In doing so, we make use of our extensive experience of the retail, industrial and commercial sectors. Indeed, we also attract attention for our high level of customer service, having been finalists in the Customer Service Provider and innovative company of the Year categories at the Pembrokeshire Business Awards in 2006 and 2007.

Another thing that makes CCTV4U’s camera installation services different from the rest is that we install only the most advanced digital CCTV products as standard.

Right from the point at which a site is acquired, we can provide you with a range of services, including security through the use of SiteEye, a temporary and flexible CCTV arrangement that can protect large scale areas until the installation of the final security system.

You are welcome to drop in at any time to our fully equipped demo suite at Pembroke Dock to see the latest CCTV systems on the market, or alternatively, telephone us today on 0845 226 31 91.

Whilst all CCTV cameras have basically the same functionality, i.e. the transmitting of footage to a monitor or recorder, you may be surprised by the rich variety of types of security camera – from ultra modern “dome” cameras, to recognisable “box” cameras. So what kinds of security camera are there, and what are their distinct advantages for the user?

Domed Cameras

Domed cameras are fast becoming the industry standard and this is for a variety of reasons. For example, as the actual security camera system is housed inside a protective dome, it is impossible for the camera’s position to be changed externally, which has obvious implications in terms of security.

Box Cameras

Whilst box cameras might be more vulnerable to external damage and are more immediately recognisable as a security device (which may be a good thing if you’re using them for a deterrent), they are often the most affordable of the CCTV camera types and can come with a range of features, such as night vision.

Covert Cameras

Of course security cameras extend beyond static CCTV systems and there are a wide range of covert solutions. IP cameras, for example, can be as simple as a webcam, with the advantage of being able to upload footage of an intruder straight to the web.

But where can you buy CCTV in all its form to suit your requirements? Well, at CCTV4U we have a wide range of cameras and camera systems to suit any application, and any budget!

At CCTV4U we feel that it is inappropriate to put a premium on personal security, and that is why we offer a wide range of CCTV cameras and recorders at a variety of prices to suit any budget, whether you want state of the art intelligent CCTV, or just want a simple system for home security.

One of the biggest costs in regards to CCTV systems can be in relation to installation. If you require a complex system then it is advisable that you have the installation done professionally, however if your system consists of just a couple of cameras you could save on costs by installing them yourself.

One of the great things about CCTV technology is that it presents plenty of oppourtunities for DIY, and at CCTV4U we offer a wide range of DIY security camera systems, that not only give you a great excuse to tinker around with some electronics, but can also help you save on costs overall.

With your budget in mind you should ensure that the system that you install is right for its purpose. If, for example, you only need surveillance on an infrequent basis there’s no great need to invest in a top of the range DVR, and it might be a good idea to dig out that old VCR instead.

Of course like with anything you get what you pay for, and if your needs are demanding, or budget just isn’t an issue then you might benefit from some of the features offered by more expensive systems. Wireless security cameras, for example, are perfect for temporary installations.

CCTV has long been an effective security solution, and has become instrumental in the efficiency of policing in the UK, taking advantage of developments in technology such as wireless security cameras. This is just the tip of the ice-berg, however, and it is a testament to the medium of closed circuit television that its uses are profound.

Crime Prevention and Prosecution

As already alluded to, CCTV remains perhaps the single most effective and ubiquitous crime prevention and prosecution technology, in many circumstances leading to a tangible drop in crime. Its effectiveness isn’t just restricted to the street however, and its use as evidence in has seen a marked increase in guilty verdicts.

Safety Applications

Security does not just imply crime prevention, however, and CCTV has proven itself as a ideal tool for certain safety applications. It is perfect, for example, for monitoring petrol station forecourts or for ensuring that everyone is strapped in on roller coasters – the list is endless!

Traffic Monitoring

Closed circuit TV also comes into its own when monitoring a traffic situation. This obviously has implications in regards to crime and road safety, but it also has some other practical functions. For example, security camera systems can be used to monitor congestion, sending information wirelessly to a central location that can then divert or inform traffic.

Creative Uses

CCTV isn’t just a tool for the establishment, and its use in creative fields has been a revelation. For example, it has been the chosen medium for a whole raft of high profile works of art and it is perfect as a tool for wildlife documentary making and even movie making.

CCTV cameras remain a controversial use of government money, with many seeing them as an invasion of privacy. The statistic “the average UK citizen is likely to be caught by CCTV cameras 300 times a day” is often used as a negative point, and implies that the ubiquitous use of cameras represents a direct threat to our civil liberties. There is, however, on obvious contradiction at work here, What innocent person has ever been harmed by public CCTV products, and do we even notice CCTV cameras anymore? Isn’t it just the criminal that should be afraid of being caught on camera?

The fact remains that public CCTV equipment represents an ultra-modern crime prevention solution and to say that they affect our civil liberties represents a misconception of their usage. It is fair to say that their use is inevitable, and good technologies will always end up at the centre of our civilizations despite their negatives. The motor-car is a good example of this: a highly effective technology that also has its downsides. It is, however, a technology that we can’t help but embrace.

To say that closed circuit cameras are a good idea simply because they are a good technology is perhaps a little disingenuous, but we need only look at some crime statistics to appreciate their effectiveness. For example, the use of CCTV as evidence has led to a clear increase in guilty verdicts, and therefore you might say that our civil liberties in the end might well be saved by a camera.

For many years, CCTV equipment used VHS systems to record security camera video feed. Now, with the advancement of technology, Digital Video Recorders (DVR) systems are more widely used. Although initially more expensive to purchase than VHS, there are many advantages of having a DVR system. Installation is quick and easy; all you need to get started is one DVR unit, one to four CCTV security cameras (depending on your needs), and you are ready to go!

When using VHS, the video cassettes need to be changed every day – sometimes even twice a day, even when using a time lapse VCR which allows for longer recording. In addition to the inconvenience of constantly changing the cassettes, plenty of storage space will also be needed to retain them. The standard of the VHS video playback is initially fine, but when stored over time, the overall quality will decrease.

The most obvious advantage of DVR is that there are no longer any cassettes which need to be constantly changed. The average DVR system will retain video for up to 180 days, depending on how the security cameras are set-up to record; that is six months of retained video! This accessibility is very convenient when travelling, as the CCTV video will be recording whether you are there or not. Reviewing video footage is quick and easy as it is just a click away. For further convenience, DVR can be linked to an Internet connection and accessed remotely from anywhere in the world.

Wireless CCTV is a relatively recent innovation which has many benefits, including easy-to-fit cameras and remote viewing of camera feed over the internet. However, this kind of CCTV system is not just limited to security cameras, as the technology of wireless CCTV systems can be applied also to some of the functions of the traditional burglar alarm system. This is an exciting application and is worth considering when choosing CCTV equipment to protect your home or business.

Traditional alarm systems have always used sensors such as simple magnetic door contacts that create a change in circuit voltage when the sensor is “tripped”, i.e. when the door is opened and the contacts are separated. These sensors are wired to an alarm system control panel and the change in voltage causes the alarm to sound. The same sensors that are used in these alarm systems can be connected to the digital input ports of wireless CCTV cameras. The real innovation though, is that the camera is connected to a web application which can take more intelligent action than simply sounding an alarm.

For example, if a door or window sensor in your house was tripped in your absence, the security camera could send an instant SMS text message to your mobile phone. You could then log in to see the recording of that door or window being opened, and more importantly, who opened it, all just seconds after the incident happened; enabling you to decide whether the alarm needed to be raised or not.

So, you are thinking of installing CCTV security cameras at your home. There are generally two types of cameras you can get which work well in a residence; standard cameras and spy cameras. You may find that there are some variations of cameras which overlap the two categories, typically when cost is not an issue.  The expense of the CCTV is relative to the technology, so smaller, more discreet cameras will cost much more than large, obvious cameras that are clearly visible.

Standard cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes and can be used indoors as well as outdoors.  These cameras are placed in highly visible places to act as a deterrent to those who may want to break into or damage your residence. Sometimes, standard CCTV cameras can also be used to watch potentially dangerous areas to supervise vulnerable family members, such as children as they play in a swimming pool.

Spy cameras are very versatile and are designed to be inconspicuous and not draw attention to their presence. Home spy cameras are typically modified common household objects such as a soft toys, ornaments or clocks.  People may purchase spy cameras as a back up for their standard CCTV systems, to capture the burglar who thought he had evaded the more obvious standard CCTV security cameras. Spy cameras are also more frequently being used to provide peace of mind for everyday situations faced by absent homeowners, such as ensuring responsible party guests and ethical babysitters.

There are many people who believe we can’t have enough CCTV cameras to ensure our safety; “if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear” they will tell you. There are just as many people who are against the wide-spread use of CCTV and who believe that the use of surveillance cameras has now gone too far.

CCTV is an active weapon in public safety. Every weekend in the UK, CCTV products directs police to public disturbances or to help people in distress. They have also helped to prevent more serious crimes by monitoring vulnerable people walking alone late at night who are, unknown to them, being followed. Cases like these, where the police are deployed and potentially terrible crimes are prevented, help to highlight the use of CCTV security cameras as a wonderful tool and an effective way to protect the public.

Along with the increased amount of cameras in public places, CCTV security cameras are now being used in the work place to monitor staff. This is to enable management to record how long staff are taking for their breaks and if they are doing anything that could be considered inappropriate. This is often seen as an infringement of civil liberties, especially as there is the possibility that, depending where management place the cameras, they could abuse their power.

The use and prevalence of CCTV is an ongoing debate which will continue to rage as more and more cameras appear on our streets and in our workplaces.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has been around for some time now; as surveillance in airports, municipal buildings, hospitals, and residences. It is also used to observe processes in places like industrial or manufacturing plants, where the environment may not be suitable for people.  In fact, everywhere that security and safety may be considered an issue, security camera systems will likely be found. Unlike human beings, CCTV cameras need no sleep and are ever-vigilant, making them a reassuring presence as well as an effective deterrent.

The increasing use of CCTV, especially in the UK, has triggered many debates about the need for security versus peoples’ right to privacy. While many feel that CCTV effectively deters crime and encourages a safer environment, others believe that private citizens being observed without their consent is an invasion of their right to privacy.

Times have changed considerably over the last 50 years, and attitudes have had to change with them. Today, British society is faced with many potential hazards, and it is natural to want to prevent them. This has given rise to an increase of surveillance in all areas, be it private property, city streets or work premises. Installing CCTV security cameras at a residence or business premises is now common practice. We work hard all our lives to create a safe, family home or build a successful business, so we want to safeguard our loved ones and belongings in the best way possible. Security camera systems are an ideal solution for dealing with such problems.