cctv4u Blog

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.

Most people on low budget often settle for the basics in CCTV systems, and consider motion detectors or sensors as an add-on that they can go for later. However, motion detectors are not only just important for effective surveillance, but they can also help save battery power and notify activity.

Power is always a major problem for CCTV systems, especially in remote locations, and the source of power most of the time would have to be batteries, rather than direct power supply. If these security cameras are to work 24/7, when there is no activity happening the batteries have to work all the time recording nothing of importance. However, if equipped with sensors for motion detection, the cameras will spur into action only upon detection of motion and you can save the battery power, and also save yourself the time of going through useless footage.

Most of the security cameras designed for field surveillance come equipped with built-in motion detectors. If you also have a CDMA connection you will even receive a notification by email or text when activity occurs. Advanced video analytical devices are also available now that can even be programmed to distinguish suspicious activities from normal. For instance your security system can be programmed to ignore people who just walk by, but capture ones who slow down or look around.

At CCTV4U we have a wide range of the latest CCTV systems and equipment. To learn more, please feel free to contact our friendly team.

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.

We are now in an era where security is an issue for many of the general public. With the kind of crimes happening around us, security measures are everywhere right from the streets, homes and offices to taxis and public transport vehicles.

CCTV cameras are now widely being installed in taxi cabs for the safety of not only the passengers, but the drivers as well. Several incidents of violence towards the cab drivers and of cab drivers attacking the passengers, has raised concern. Installing CCTV systems in the taxi cabs is now being considered as one of the prime measures for curbing such crimes. It is already prevalent in many areas like Hackney and Dundee.

The security cameras installed in the cabs will completely monitor the inside of the car and will even record sounds. The recorded footages which will be encrypted will only be accessible to the police or the officials of the relevant council.

Installations of CCTV cameras in the cabs are seen as a major crime deterrent and many places have recorded a drop in crimes in taxi cabs, following the installation of the cameras. It has also served as a major source of evidence in many instances, which would otherwise have remained as unsolved cases.

Whatever the criticisms, CCTV systems have proved to be a major crime deterrent in many of the rough areas which earlier had very high rates of crime. At CCTV 4U, we will be happy to be of assistance, should you require any further information regarding CCTV systems.

Parental psychology is still more or less the same, though the changing times and the faster pace of life has made it difficult for parents to spend as much time with their little ones as they would like. No matter how good the babysitter is, you probably find yourself reaching for your phone every half hour checking up on them, when you know what tricks your restless toddler could possibly have up his sleeve.

However, with the growing popularity of CCTV security, it is finding a new role in monitoring on the activities of your hyper active toddler, even when you are away at work. Now that CCTV systems can be accessed remotely just by connecting to the internet, parents have the advantage of literally keeping an eye on their little ones wherever they are – as long as they have their mobile or laptop with them and a good internet connection!

Knowing that they can get away with whatever they do, thinking their parents are not seeing what they are up to is often what gets the kids trying out all kinds of pranks. When they know that you know what they are up to via security cameras, it can really make a huge difference. Just be sure that even while being strict and drawing the line, you do not fail to have an open and loving communication with your little one.

In case you are looking for good CCTV systems, please feel free to contact us at CCTV4U for assistance in choosing the equipments.

While buying a security system, one often tends to undervalue the importance of the monitors compared to the rest of the system. When we spend a good deal of money and effort in making sure that we choose the best security cameras, lenses and recorders, monitors are a part of the security system that we feel we can make a bit of compromise on. This happens to be a component of the security that requires as much attention as the rest, as this is the screen which we will be staring at closely for more time than we assume.

Compared to the huge box-like CRT monitors of the past, the LCD screens are undoubtedly the best option for CCTV security in terms of clarity, comfort to the eyes, cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. The LCD monitors do not emit harsh light like the CRT monitors, which can be a little hard on your eyes when you have to look closely for long (as is almost always required in surveillance.)

Moreover, energy costs for LCD monitors are also way lower than the CRT models, and so are shipping charges – as they are much less bulkier. Their life span is also more than twice that of the regular monitors, and can be easily used without a problem for up to ten years.

So, if you are thinking of getting a new CCTV security system for your property, make sure you choose the monitor wisely. And if you need any assistance, we are right here at CCTV 4U to guide you in choosing the best CCTV security equipment.

Exposure to adverse weather conditions and moisture, lack of proper power supply and vandalism are some of the major problems in installing security surveillance cameras for monitoring the activities in isolated properties in the countryside. As regular patrolling is difficult in the remote isolated areas, such properties are often made use of by criminals for their activities.

However, when it comes to installing a CCTV system in rural properties, it is important to bear a few points in mind:

• Power: Direct power supply could be a big problem in such remote areas. It is best to go for security cameras with SLA batteries with long battery life, and supplement if possible, with solar panels. If you are picturing the bulky conspicuous panels, you are mistaken! There are now special solar panels that can be camouflaged on tree trunks and plants that can be used especially in such conditions.

• Moisture: Exposure to moisture is inevitable when your cameras are out there in the open. Though most covert cameras that are available nowadays are weather- proof and shock-proof, make sure you put a bag of desiccant to absorb any moisture that sticks when you hide your cameras.

• Vandal-proof: Even though most cameras are vandal-proof, always pay attention to keep the recorders away from security cameras (wireless), to prevent the recorded data from being tampered, in case the camera is spotted

Now if you think you need any further information regarding CCTV cameras or equipment, we are here at CCTV 4U to help you.

Picturesque and serene, a beautiful farm house in the countryside with fireplaces and picket fences could be a great weekend getaway. With criminals and anti-social elements targeting the isolated countrysides as hubs for all kinds of covert and criminal activities, security is a major concern when it comes to properties in the countryside.

From cultivation and manufacturing of illegal drugs to poaching and toxic waste disposal, such remote areas are often the chosen areas of activity for criminals. Unfortunately for many of us who enjoy the untainted beauty of the countryside, the issue of security has become prominant while planning a holiday to our countryside homes.

However, with the advancement in CCTV security technology, there are affordable options that one can now go for. When earlier there were concerns regarding the placement of security cameras in the open due to their limitations in withstanding adverse weather conditions, there are new generation CCTV cameras that are designed especially for such conditions.

As power supply could be a major problem in remote areas, battery-run models are most suited for surveillance here. CCTV cameras that run on Sealed Lead-Acid batteries (SLA) is the best option as the battery life is much higher for these, compared to the Lithium batteries. It is best to use, motion detectors also in such cases as they can help save power, by turning on and off depending on activity happening in the area.

So, if you are thinking of getting security CCTV systems for your farm house, please feel free to contact us at CCTV4U for any assistance in choosing the best equipment.

Many a time, when we leave our children with some youthful babysitter, we aren’t left with much option but to assume that the babysitter is taking their responsibility very seriously. No matter how well they might be looking after our little ones, as parents, our minds aren’t really at peace until we come home and see the children safe and smiling.

Covert CCTV cameras and security cameras have therefore come as a tool of reassurance, to keep constant watch on our children even while we are away from home. As parents, most of us would go to any extent to ensure that our children are in safe hands. However, nothing could be more unpleasant than having to question an innocent person or raise allegations, based on some passing suspicion or false alarm. When we feel something is amiss in the way they are taking care of the little ones, we might end up causing strained relations with a caring babysitter, for no reason at all – if we don’t now what is happening.

By keeping a watch on what is going on when we are not at home, through the discreet eyes of a covert camera and CCTV equipment, we can be at peace wherever we are that our kids are fine and having fun. At CCTV 4U, we are only too happy to keep you equipped with the latest CCTV equipment to help you keep your loved ones as safe as possible. CCTV cameras can enable you to have a great evening of relaxation.