cctv4u Blog

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.

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.

With the seeming trend of increasing numbers of incidents of vandalism to school property, security systems in schools have arguably become imperative for student and school safety. However, owing to the initial cost involved and concerns regarding the intrusion into privacy, many schools are refraining from adopting the security surveillance option.

It would be beneficial for the school authorities to weigh the reasons as to how the installation of a security system could benefit them to reach the right decision. The school authorities can go through the problems and analyse what security threats the new CCTV cameras would address, and how those cameras would help in addressing those issues. Consideration also needs to be made on how the security system will be maintained and personnel allotted if the system is installed.

Once these issues are considered, it would be easier for the authorities to decide if the benefits would outweigh the costs. Moreover, as privacy issues are also concerned it should be considered if installing the cameras in the entrances, common areas and parking lots alone would serve the purposes they are aiming at.

Even though the initial costs are slightly high, many schools who have adopted CCTV surveillance claim that the CCTV systems are quite cost-effective in the long run and have been extremely beneficial in bringing down the damage to school property as well.

At CCTV 4U we ensure that the best CCTV equipment and services are made available that make the investment worth its cost, for security is one thing that no compromises ought to be made upon.

Video analytics is one of the emerging technologies in the field of CCTV surveillance. When ordinary CCTV cameras themselves created a revolution in the security industry, the introduction of video analytics gave an all together new dimension to security surveillance. Rather than just capturing and recording the images, video analytics is capable of detecting, analysing, tracking and categorising the behaviour of people as well as vehicles. When earlier officials had to rummage through infinitly useless footage before finding any relevant ones during investigations, video analytics has made the task much easier.

Another advantage of video analytics is that the system continuously monitors all the images captured by the CCTV cameras, and alerts the operators only upon finding any objects of interest. Any suspicious behaviour or anything out of the ordinary immediately alerts the operators, helping them intervene before any damage is done. This is especially helpful for health and safety applications, detection of perimeter violation, people counting and for number plate recognition, and helps immensely in cutting down the cost of monitoring in the long run.

Options are galore when it comes to buying these gadgets, but it is getting to the right choice that is often the hard part. So, if you are thinking of getting a security camera system for your property, and are contemplating the video analytic option, please feel free to go through our online catalogue. You can also contact our team of experts at CCTV4U who can guide you through the process of choosing the right CCTV equipment for your specific situation.

The days of ‘hit-and-run’ are about to come to a screeching halt. With ANPR CCTV camera network (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) in action, the roads will no longer provide safe transit to anyone trying to evade the law. The extensive ANPR network in the UK has helped in tracking down many vehicles and criminals in real time by discerning the number plates from the digital images captured.

ANPR cameras are not to be mistaken for the speed cameras or the like. These are a kind of video cameras that can read the licence plate of your vehicle, and match it with the records in a database. Nobody can now flee from a crime scene or drive around hassle-free with any outstanding car insurance bills or unpaid parking tickets, for these cameras are capable of tracking the vehicles instantly when the vehicles pass by these covert CCTV cameras.

Most of the regular CCTV cameras across the country have been converted to number plate reading enabled types over the course of the past few years. They could be waiting for the offenders in the form of the ordinary pole-mounted CCTV cameras, or as covert cameras panning from an unmarked police van or roadside posts. Besides the use by police and council authorities these cameras are even finding use for surveillance at compound entrances and for gate and barrier use by private parties and business people.

At CCTV4U we have a wide array of the latest in CCTV systems and equipments. For those who are in need of any information or help, our friendly team will be always ready to help.

Running large establishments requires immense attention to every single detail; if you do not keep your eyes wide open, a single dishonest employee is all it can take to ruin the most efficiently run business. Yet when it comes to the clever crooks who can outwit you despite the tight security systems you have employed, the only way to pin them down is catch them unawares and prosecute them with evidence.

Among the new genre of advanced CCTV cameras are the micro security cameras that can be popped in anywhere, from an air vent to a harmless looking flower vase resting idly on your table. These micro security cameras are considered the ideal equipment for such covert operations.

These miniature cameras can be hidden anywhere or in anything, from a pen to your pocket, where you think you can watch the culprit in action. Though these come in such miniscule sizes, these cameras are equipped with illuminated light inside, which enables them to capture good quality images under most conditions.

These being much less expensive than the usual CCTV cameras, and also being easy to install and use, these are now very much in demand for investigational and evidence collection purposes. Their portability and low price tag have made them accessible to even those on a low budget.

In case you are in need of further information about CCTV cameras, equipment or their installation our team of experts at CCTV4U will be glad to be of assistance to you.

As with most technology, there are a lot of misconceptions associated with infra red security cameras. There are several myths about infra red security cameras widely believed by many who are not familiar with the technology.

For instance, there is a widespread misconception that infra red security cameras are ideal for covert surveillance. However, the fact is that although they have the ability to record day and night, these cameras give out a visible glow which is hard to hide. Moreover, when placed outdoors in hot weather, these cameras tend to attract bugs as well. Consequently, they do not make for great options as covert security cameras.

Also, there is another general misconception that infra red security cameras always come as Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) models. The practical difficulty with this is that infra red cameras detect objects that fall in the range of the infra red radiation emitted by the camera. As for the PTZ cameras, they zoom out to greater distances than those covered by the emitted infra red, making it technically difficult to capture any images of usable quality.

However, though infra red cameras sometimes present practical difficulties when it comes to covert surveillance, they undoubtedly are the best option for day and night surveillance. Infra red cameras are capable of capturing images of the best quality even in low light conditions.

At CCTV4U we have on offer a wide range of infra red security cameras and all CCTV security equipment, to suit all budget ranges and are happy to advise on which is best for your property and purpose.

In the times of the recession, getting profits out of a business is hard in itself. Add to this the loss from shoplifting and theft, and there isn’t significantly much left for the owner to call a profit! Installing CCTV cameras has become imperative for businesses, in the present economic climate.

From the display shelves to the stockroom and from right under the cashier’s nose, theft and shoplifting can happen in just about any part of the store. No matter how smart you are in employing staff to keep a close watch for shoplifters, they are always smarter and figure out new ways to get hold of the items they have been eying.

It is under such circumstances that CCTV cameras can make or break a business. With covert CCTV cameras hidden away from the unsuspecting shoplifter you can catch them in the act. When many are on their alert when they see the sign that CCTV cameras are in operation, a few who might still take the risk of trying their luck will not escape from the eyes of the camera if you place them strategically. If camouflaged cleverly behind harmless looking items the unsuspecting pilferer can be caught red-handed!

CCTV cameras are now much affordable than they used to be so they are no longer beyond the means of a small businessman. At CCTV4U we have a wide range of CCTV systems and equipment in affordable price ranges to suit all budgets.

CCTV cameras have been given their present appearance after going through various stages of evolution. From the bulky box-like cameras to the smooth dome shaped cameras, CCTV cameras have undergone quite a make over in terms of looks as well as utility. When the conspicuous box-like models of yesterday were bulky and far from aesthetically pleasing, the dome shaped CCTV cameras are compact, sleek and blend beautifully into the décor.

One of the other major advantages of dome security cameras is that they are vandal-proof to a great extent. For one thing, it is difficult to spot the concealed dome cameras, and for another- even if they get spotted and are tried to be vandalised, these cameras will not give in easily as they have the capability of standing up to five tonnes of force!

Most of the dome security cameras also come as PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) as well. The PTZ camera inside the tinted dome is capable of panning, tilting or zooming in or out inside the dome to capture images that even move out of the camera’s view. As all this happens inside the dome, it is often difficult for offenders or possible offenders to make out what angle the camera is pointing in (in the rare case that they do spot the camera.)

Now, if you decide to get a dome camera for your property, please feel free to contact us at CCTV 4U for any specialist assistance in choosing from the very best and most up-to-date equipment.