cctv4u Blog

Installing your own CCTV systems can be a tricky business, so it’s often wise to consult the professionals. They’ll have all the experience necessary and will be able to install your new system in the best possible way to give you the security you need, but just what should you be looking for in CCTV installers?

For starters, you need to be looking for experience. You want to get the best results possible from your new security system, but you can’t hope to achieve that if your installers can’t get everything set up correctly. You need to be positive they can do the job properly, so make sure to check that they’re a reliable company with great recommendations from past customers.

You also need to make sure they can offer you top-quality equipment. You shouldn’t be looking for anything less than the best, and any CCTV camera installation company should be able to offer you exceptional systems combined with great service.

Budget will also be a big consideration, so any company needs to be able to offer their services at a price you can afford. But at the same time steer clear of anyone that offers their services too cheap – you often get what you pay for, so always ensure they can offer a quality service at the right price.

These are just a few things you need to be looking for in CCTV installers, and if you come to us here at CCTV4U we’ll be able to tick all the boxes. We’re confident you’ll be happy with your choice, so come and see for yourself and look forward to your new system being expertly installed.

There’s been a lot of news press in recent years about the level of CCTV in place across the country, and whether or not it’s really necessary. Many would argue it infringes on our privacy, but is this really the case?

Well, it’s certainly true that there are far more CCTV security cameras in the UK than just about anywhere else in the world. We’re a nation that’s constantly under surveillance, with 2.5 million cameras catching the average person roughly 300 times per day. But does it mean that it’s infringing on our rights?

Not always. The cameras are there for security and to act as a deterrent to criminals, and they can also be used to help convictions come to fruition. If you’re an average person going about your daily business then there’s no reason to worry, as the cameras won’t even notice you’re there. And besides, most people wouldn’t feel half as safe if there weren’t the cameras around, so although some may feel our privacy is at stake the benefits far outweigh it.

There have even been talks in recent weeks about downgrading our reliance on security cameras, so anyone that is concerned is sure to be relieved. But really there’s no reason to worry, because as long as the cameras are in the hands of the professionals they’re not going to abuse their power.

So, while some people may feel that CCTV cameras infringe on privacy, for many there’s really not much to be concerned about. They can provide valuable security and peace of mind, and if you think you need a camera or two make sure to come to us here at CCTV 4U.

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.

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.

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.

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.