cctv4u Blog

CCTV4U is one of Europe’s top specialist suppliers of advanced digital CCTV systems. No matter what the budget and needs of your home or business, we can provide you with valuable security solutions. But although we are experts in the entire installation process of CCTV systems, we also sell every related product that you could ever need, safely and securely from our online store, as well as providing all of the necessary technical support. We have a long list of satisfied past customers. We also install and sell only the cameras and accessories of top industry names such as Titan and Genie, so you can be certain that regardless of how little you spend, our products and services are ones that you can trust.

We understand just how daunting the process of installing a system of Closed Circuit Television for your business can really be. It is for this reason that our CCTV installers work to impeccable standards, no matter how small the operation. We offer additional security whilst the installation process is underway, with SiteEye, which is a flexible and temporary arrangement for protecting even large scale areas. For maximum security, we also advise the use of the DynaPel Closeview intelligent security camera system, which allows you to zoom in and identify more than one target. It triggers an alarm to instantly record from multiple installations.

To find out more about our affordable CCTV systems and installations, just visit the CCTV4U website today. Alternatively, phone us on 0845 226 31 91.

CCTV systems have a controversial reputation, and have become iconic representations of the establishment at its most intrusive. In a way, however, it is wrong to project our political worries onto a blameless piece of technology, and surveillance is much more than a potential tool for oppression. Instead CCTV systems can actually have some ingenious and often even amusing applications.

Traffic Safety

On a serious note, CCTV has become an instrumental tool in a variety of safety applications. For example, it is used now to monitor accident black spots and even during Formula One events to monitor any potential safety risks.

Creative Industries

CCTV as a visual medium has also become the tool of choice for a variety of creative applications. For example, it can be used in an ironic way by artists such as Manu Luksch, or it can be used for its functionality, e.g. it is perfect for documentary making when your subjects happen to be elusive animals.

Solving Problems

In terms of its practicality, CCTV systems can also be used to solve a variety of logistical problems. In theatre productions cameras can be used to view occluded parts of the stage or can look inside hostile environments such as fridges or ovens.

Home Security

In regards to home security CCTV is perhaps at its most creative, and IP cameras, which can transmit video straight to a webpage, and can therefore be viewed from an iphone for example, have become an affordable and effective solution to the age old problem of household safety.

The essential functionality of CCTV systems has remained practically the same since they were first invented, i.e. transmitting footage to wired recorders. In recent years however, there has been a definite sea change, and digital systems have begun the benchmark for effective security cameras, benefiting from wireless technology and digital CCTV recorders that can store reams of high clarity footage.

The linchpin of this evolution in CCTV systems is surely software, and with the development of intelligent systems, security cameras have become more versatile than ever, able to perform in a wide variety of contexts and with astounding efficiency; what then is intelligent CCTV – and what makes it so effective?

Briefly intelligent CCTV is a software based solution to surveillance that often usurps the need for a human interpreter of the images; i.e. an intelligent system will be able to identity any potential security issues, for example an abandoned package near a railway line, the implications of this kind of performance should be obvious, and needless to say an intelligent system could make the difference between life or death.

In fact the potential for intelligent sytems knows no bounds, and it is only a matter of time before highly attuned software based systems become the order of the day. Already we are seeing intelligent systems come into their own; in the home security market, for example, IP cameras have become a great alternative to traditional systems, able to transmit to a webpage and therefore avoiding the need for expensive CCTV recorders.

While indoor security camera systems, such as IP cameras, are a viable way to protect the interior of a property, to gain the maximum security benefits of CCTV it is likely that you will need to install an external system. This, of course, will present a range of challenges, for example in terms of weather resistance and security. Luckily however, CCTV is so ubiquitous in outdoor usage, that it has adapted perfectly to outdoor performance, incorporating a wide variety of features to maximise its usage.

Vandal Proofing

It is a sad irony that mounting your camera outside can leave it vulnerable to criminal damage. Luckily, however, modern cameras such as dome cameras are more often than not vandal proof and can be fitted securely to a station in order to give added protection. In order to afford your camera with the maximum protection however, you might consider a CCTV housing.

Weather Proofing

The weather can throw up variety of potential issues for outdoor CCTV systems, from moister to wind damage. Luckily however, modern CCTV systems are built to stand even the most boisterous of British weather. In order to limit the possibility of the weather affecting your systems you might consider wireless security cameras, which removes the need for wiring that could potentially be disrupted in adverse weather conditions.

At CCTV4U we have everything you need to set up an effective outdoor surveillance system from cameras to housings, ensuring that whatever the weather you can enjoy top notch CCTV.

The use of CCTV in the modern world is so ubiquitous that it is possible that only today you were caught on camera a couple of hundred times. Don’t worry though, as there are stringent legal buffers in place ensuring that your privacy remains protected. Considering therefore that the use of CCTV is so widespread and touches all of our lives on a regular basis, isn’t it only right that we have idea of how security camera systems actually work?

Well it’s pretty simple actually, and it is in part due to the simplicity of the technology why CCTV has become so effective and so ubiquitous as a surveillance method. Basically the closed circuit TV, as its name suggests, works on the same principle as TV broadcasting, except rather than beaming the images into the homes of the British public, the security camera images are sent to a single location. This relatively simple technology has means that closed circuit TV is an affordable security solution.

Of course a closed circuit television system is useless without CCTV recorders, and this is where the modern security camera industry has really begun to evolve. For example, IP cameras have become a great home security solution, and are able to upload camera footage onto an off site website, or DVRs are able to store large amounts of high clarity digital video.

At CCTV4U we recognise that like all technology CCTV can be daunting for the uninitiated, and that is why whatever your concern we are always happy to help.

CCTV represents the ultimate in a home security solution, acting not only as a deterrent for any potential burglar or vandal, but also as an important source of evidence should the worst happen. CCTV remains a controversial security measure, however, and its improper usage could do more than just annoy the neighbours, and could potentially put you on the wrong side of the law. So, what exactly are the legal requirements for CCTV systems?

In line with the Data Protection Act of 1998 if you’re using CCTV on behalf of an organisation, you will need to register with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. If on the other hand you are using CCTV for home security then you will most likely be exempt from the registration process, specifically the Data Protection Act states “personal data processed by an individual only for the purposes of that individual’s personal, family or household affairs (including recreational purposes) are exempt from the data protection principles and the provisions of Parts II and III.”

This apparent leniency in the law for home CCTV users is should be taken with a pinch of salt however, and you should still be conscientious when positioning your CCTV systems. Basically, you should keep the field of view to within your property, as indirectly or directly filming your neighbours by be seen as an infringement of their human rights, ironically maybe even landing you in court.

In the world of CCTV surveillance, there is a new type of security camera system which is rapidly replacing old, traditional analogue camera systems. Internet CCTV cameras, also known as Digital CCTV cameras, IP cameras or Network cameras are the latest innovation in CCTV systems and are an increasingly popular security option. The main reason for the popularity of these new cameras is their ability to be remotely viewed and operated over the internet.

Internet CCTV security cameras are very different to web cams. Web cams plug into the PC and actually need the computer to be running in order to work. Internet CCTV security cameras work independently, are not plugged into a computer and do not need a computer in order to operate.

To communicate over the internet these cameras just need to be connected to a computer network (a standard home router qualifies as a ‘network’). This is the great advantage over traditional CCTV, as once connected, you can then see live CCTV video feed, view recorded images and even switch motion detection on and off from anywhere in the world using a standard PC or mobile phone. Internet CCTV cameras do not need separate motion sensors as they are able to detect movement by themselves, and send you an email or immediate SMS text message to alert you to a potential incident. You can then log on to the internet to see exactly what is happening and take appropriate action, all within a few minutes.

There have been many debates recently as to the legality of having CCTV security cameras in public areas or workplaces. Opponents of CCTV systems are most concerned about the loss of civil liberties as well as the negative impacts of surveillance of peoples’ privacy. Opponents of CCTV have also claimed that, rather than lessening crime, CCTV just displaces crime by encouraging criminal behaviour to move to locations out of its observational reach.

The development of using security camera systems on housing estates has also raised some serious issues. Civil Liberties groups and concerned citizens are questioning the extent to which CCTV is being used more as a tool for social control instead of an effective deterrent to crime.

Many authorities, local businesses and private citizens believe that CCTV is an indispensible tool which is essential for safeguarding the general public. Supporters justify CCTV by stating “if you’re doing nothing wrong then you’ve nothing to fear”. If you have a business establishment in a local shopping precinct and have doubts or concerns regarding security, then CCTV will mean more to your peace of mind than the civil liberties of the vandals who keep damaging your shop premises.

Similarly, an estate resident who is concerned about the safety of their home and family will be more interested in using CCTV to stamp out anti-social behaviour and less interested about any lack of privacy which may result from its use.

CCTV, whether you agree with it or not, will be watching you some time to come.

The basic set-up of a CCTV security system involves a camera, a monitor, wires to connect the camera to the monitor (unless using wireless security cameras), and some form of recording equipment, should you wish to retain and store footage. The live feed that is transmitted is only available for you to see, making the whole set-up ‘closed circuit’.

The number of security cameras that you may need will depend on the size and layout of the area you wish to supervise with CCTV products; additional cameras might be needed just to cover awkward corners at unconventional locations. Generally, more cameras means greater supervision, but there is no point in having excessive numbers of CCTV security cameras just for the sake of it.

Once you have your security cameras in place and connected to your monitors, then you are ready to begin operating. Depending on preference and how many cameras you have, you will be able to either view all transmitted images at once as one multi-view screen on the monitor, or view one full-screen image at a time and switch between different camera angles.

It is worth bearing in mind that images from colour cameras are going to be of a much higher quality, and therefore can make the identification of intruders and troublemakers much easier.

Installing and operating a new CCTV security system is a fairly straight forward process and you will find that you will be able to monitor every corner of your property in no time at all.

Crime and anti-social behaviour in Britain is now more of a concern than ever, and protecting your family and belongings has become increasingly more important. People were once able to leave their front doors unlocked but sadly, the times we now live in require us to lock our doors and develop a more robust attitude to security.

Although the threat of crime is the main reason to purchase CCTV systems, people are now acquiring home security cameras for other purposes. Some people use CCTV to help monitor their pets while they are away, while others use security cameras to make sure their kids behave themselves in their absence. Whatever your reason for considering CCTV security cameras, rest assured that there is a solution available to match your budget.

The cost of your new home CCTV security camera system will vary greatly on the features you may require. State-of-the-art systems which include Digital Video Recorder (DVR) units and spy cameras will cost a lot more than a system using standard cameras or basic webcams.

The typical starting cost for the most basic home CCTV systems can be about £300. Naturally, you can help lower the costs if you are adept enough to install it yourself. While £300 will get you a decent but basic security system, around £1,500 will get you a comprehensive CCTV system with multiple cameras that can be placed anywhere at your residence, inside and out. Whether basic or comprehensive, home CCTV systems will ensure increased peace of mind.