cctv4u Blog

Many a time, it happens that you know there is dishonesty going on and you know for sure who is involved, but you can’t point your finger at the person because of a lack of concrete evidence.

Obviously, the next thing you could do is make sure you keep an eye on the person directly or have security cameras installed to keep track of his or her activities continually. Though most of the time this would be enough to deter the person, the downside is if you are sure that the person is involved in dishonest activity and are just looking for incriminating evidence, placing security cameras with their knowledge could end up by putting them on their guard.

When they know they are being watched, they would naturally play safe for a while and could come up with some other plan safely out of sight of the watching eye of the security cameras. Under such circumstances, the wisest option to catch the person red handed would be to go for covert CCTV security cameras. By engaging in covert monitoring you might just be able to catch the perpetrator unaware right in the act!

If you have caught wind of some dubious business going on in your office or business, covert CCTV security cameras are one option to consider. To know more about the practicalities of installing covert cameras or other effective CCTV systems, please don’t hesitate to contact us at CCTV 4U.

As opposed to earlier days, CCTV cameras have come to be one of the top security options, even for home surveillance. However, despite the growing popularity of CCTV systems, it is seen that people have a general reluctance when it comes to going for the IP Internet Protocol security cameras. Many have a misleading notion that the IP cameras come with a heavy price tag and are difficult to use. The fact is these are much more cost efficient than the analogue models and are easy to use if you have the most rudimentary capacity for using simple technology.

One of the most superior features of the ‘Intelligent’ IP cameras is its ability to analyse events in real-time. They are capable of alerting you in case of suspicious events and are at the same time ‘intelligent enough’ to identify when some seemingly suspicious move is not worth troubling you about. The resolution of the IP security cameras is also much higher and the transmission is much more secure as the signals are encrypted. This also helps to cut the cost on expensive fibre optic cabling.

Moreover, with the IP CCTV security cameras, you need not worry about them becoming obsolete when newer technology surges in, as they can be updated for new features easily. They are a wise security option to invest in, if you are thinking of a long-term, sophisticated and reliable security system. If you are interested in knowing more about IP CCTV security cameras or CCTV systems, don’t hesitate to contact us at CCTV 4U.

It is not always enough that you choose the best brand to get the maximum benefit out of your security system DVR. It is equally important to ensure that you employ the right settings and pay attention to the little details to get the most out of your CCTV security system.

To start with, keep in mind the important features you require, like the resolution, recording speed, storage capacity, DVD burning and Internet Monitoring features. Choose your DVR depending on the level of functionalities that you would require for your specific use and the number of security cameras you intend to use for your CCTV security system.

By enabling the right settings, you can use your CCTV security cameras around-the-clock, without having to monitor all throughout. Enabling motion detection, alarm inputs, and trigger outputs will keep you alert in case of any suspicious movements or events. Also set the right frame rate, so that you can maximize the recording time.

It is also essential to pay attention to additional equipment like the UPS for power back-up. Getting a reliable UPS is imperative to protect your DVR and equipment as an unexpected power fluctuation or failure is enough to spell doom, even for the most expensive and hardy equipment .

Do not forget to use password protection, and keep your DVR securely or in a tamper proof box to prevent the chances of any tampering or manipulations. If in any doubt about choosing the right DVR or CCTV security cameras for your security system, don’t hesitate to contact us at CCTV 4U.

CCTV systems can range from the expensive to cheap, depending on the features, quality and potential longevity of the individual components. Whilst high-end brands undoubtedly offer the best features, sleek looks and longevity, you still can get similar features and quality at a much more reasonable price range, but without the brand name and perhaps the sleek look.

However, if feel you can’t obtain some brilliant package deals from a single brand, the best option may be to choose the components of your choice from different brands and assemble your own CCTV systems. This gives you the advantage of getting the best brands for what you feel is most essential, and going for the cheaper lesser-known brands for good quality equipment – thereby striking a balance between your budget and your requirements.

While setting the budget for your CCTV systems, it is also essential to set apart a portion for installation and maintenance contracts. Entering into a maintenance contract at the beginning might seem avoidable, if you are on a tight budget. However, a maintenance contract can save a lot of trouble and expense in the long run, if you can manage to arrange a sensible one when you bring home your CCTV equipment. All the same, make sure you steer clear of the low-end packages and the too-good-to- be- true offers that may have problems waiting for you further down the line!

So if you are looking at getting yourself a new system, just contact us at CCTV 4U for the best quotes for high quality CCTV equipment.

CCTV security systems have come a long way in the last couple of decades. From the lens, camera and monitor to the recorder, you have a wide variety in each to choose from. Unless you are aware of what exactly your specific needs are, you could end up way above your budget, with superior features, but not those which would cover your specific requirements.

The best thing to help you identify your CCTV equipment needs is to do a simple evaluation of your specifications. Some questions that could help establish your requirements are:

- What do you require the CCTV cameras for? Is it for theft deterrence or detection, round-the-clock surveillance of your property or for monitoring certain areas or activities?

- Which areas require monitoring? Try to get a definition of the kind of place, number of people expected to be active in that area, and the kind of activity to be monitored. For instance, the kind of security cameras that would be required to monitor the entrance of a pub would vary from that needed to monitor the cash register area or the sales area.

- Is the object causing the security concern located near, far, indoor or outdoors?

- How are the light conditions in that area?

- How would you like to capture and store the images for reference?

Once you have a clear picture regarding these issues, we at CCTV 4U will be very happy to be of assistance to you in choosing the right CCTV equipment to keep your property secure.

Here are a few things to be kept in mind before buying a CCTV security system:

- Assess your needs: The first and foremost thing is to have an assessment of your exact needs before deciding on the kind of CCTV system you would require. Though CCTV systems have become very much affordable these days, they vary widely in price range depending on the features and functions. If you have a clear picture of what your precise requirements are, you can save yourself quite a good sum of money

- Ask for a demonstration: It is always ideal to ask the dealers to give a demonstration of the security system in office conditions, so that you get an idea regarding its effectiveness

- Consider legal regulations: There are strict privacy guidelines issued by the Home Office and the Office of the Information Commissioner regarding the installation and monitoring using CCTV equipment. Make sure you are aware of the precise regulations pertaining to your area.

- Stick with maintenance: Never cut down expenses by cutting out minor payments like maintenance contracts. You could save yourself a lot of trouble and expense in the long run by entering into a maintenance plan for your security system at the time of purchase.

- Check the warranty: Even though branded CCTV equipment is highly reliable, always ensure that you get the warranty certificate, just to be on the safe side.

For the best brands of CCTV security system, view our CCTV 4U online catalogue.

With CCTV systems turning out to be the most favoured security option, more and more people are considering CCTV security systems even for home security needs. However what most people are unaware of is that there are certain legal sanctions to be obtained before installing a CCTV system.

The Home Office and the Information Commissioner has set specific guidelines and regulations regarding the installation of CCTV systems, which are to be followed throughout the UK. In addition to these, local regulations have also been set up by the various councils and the police based on the specific requirements of the localities. These regulations are meant to ensure that the security camera systems are not misused and that the installation of the CCTV cameras does not violate human rights in any way. These rules are set in accordance with the Human Rights Act and the Data Protection Act.

Similarly, local constabularies are vested with the rights to allow or reject the installation of security camera systems within their area of jurisdiction. The police can refuse the license for installation if the security system does not meet the standards set by them. The rules set by one constabulary could be different from that of another, as each station has the liberty to set the rules for their area depending on their needs. For more information, visit the Information Commissioner’s website.

For any assistance regarding the installation following the legal guidelines, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at CCTV 4U.

When you are away on holiday, and you have your security cameras surveying your home day and night, you will be very much at ease as you can keep monitoring your home from wherever you are. If you are a habitual worrier though, you cannot rule out the possibility of what some clever burglar could do on spotting your security cameras watching his every move.

It is with this possibility in view that the IR dome security cameras are made with tough vandal-proof polycarbonate domes that can withstand severe blows. Moreover, the video cables, wiring and Ethernet cables are also protected inside enclosed cabling in the mounting brackets, to save them from the possibility of falling prey to the intruder’s pliers. If you think he still has the option of dealing a good blow at the mounting brackets, you can be assured that your CCTV security cameras will still be safe, recording him in the act and even have raised alarm in the mean time as the brackets are equipped to withstand a force of up to 5 tonnes!

Moreover, if you have installed covert IR CCTV security cameras, you can very well have it properly camouflaged as the IR radiations are not visible to the normal eye. If you have your IR security camera quietly watching over your home, you can just lie back and enjoy your holiday in peace.

If you feel you need one for your home, you could just go through our CCTV 4U online catalogue.

Of the different types of CCTV cameras available today, Infra Red (IR) cameras are in demand because of the superior features that it provides. Though IR CCTV cameras were earlier preferred for defence and other security purposes, they are now widely in use even for home security purposes as they have come down in price over the past few years.

The major advantages of the IR security cameras are that they can provide very good quality images even in poor light conditions. As the Infra Red radiations fall in a frequency much lower than that of visible light, the advantage is that the light will not be visible to the intruders – but you would get very good quality images of the culprit even in the dark. They also provide superior quality colour footages in daylight and high resolution black and white video images in the dark.

Moreover, IR CCTV security cameras save a lot of energy as compared to the regular ones, as they use an LED to generate the illumination. The LED uses less than a quarter of the energy that normal bulbs use, but produce much better lighting compared to the normal incandescent lights. In addition, the ability of the IR light to penetrate better through smoky or hazy atmospheres has made them the preferred type for outdoor as well as indoor use.

For assistance in choosing the best CCTV security cameras and equipment, please feel free to contact our expert team at CCTV 4U.

When crime levels in broad daylight are increasing by the day, it requires much more than a few bouncers to keep things safe during a good night out when the lights are dim and spirits are high. Statistics show that at least two cases of stabbings alone are reported at each of the UK’s local hospitals on Saturday nights.

The efficiency of the CCTV security system is generally low in many of the night clubs because of the constraints caused by the low lighting. The dim ceiling lights and the multi-coloured strobes could make it difficult for ordinary CCTV cameras to capture good quality pictures.

It is always ideal for night clubs to go for good quality black and white cameras for the dance floors and indoors. It is much easier on the eye to monitor the crowded indoors bathed in the dancing lights with black and white cameras. However it is imperative that the entrance be scanned only by colour CCTV cameras, as you don’t want to miss out specific details like the colour of clothing of all those who pass through.

There are high-quality, low-light CCTV security cameras which merge well into the night-club décor and are also capable of capturing very high-quality images, even in the dimmest lighting.

At CCTV4U we ensure that our clients are sold the equipments that are ideal for their specific needs. We make sure that the equipment our customers take away for their security doesn’t remain as useless fixtures, but provides them the security and peace of mind that they expect from investing in one.