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.

At CCTV4U we feel that it is inappropriate to put a premium on personal security, and that is why we offer a wide range of CCTV cameras and recorders at a variety of prices to suit any budget, whether you want state of the art intelligent CCTV, or just want a simple system for home security.

One of the biggest costs in regards to CCTV systems can be in relation to installation. If you require a complex system then it is advisable that you have the installation done professionally, however if your system consists of just a couple of cameras you could save on costs by installing them yourself.

One of the great things about CCTV technology is that it presents plenty of oppourtunities for DIY, and at CCTV4U we offer a wide range of DIY security camera systems, that not only give you a great excuse to tinker around with some electronics, but can also help you save on costs overall.

With your budget in mind you should ensure that the system that you install is right for its purpose. If, for example, you only need surveillance on an infrequent basis there’s no great need to invest in a top of the range DVR, and it might be a good idea to dig out that old VCR instead.

Of course like with anything you get what you pay for, and if your needs are demanding, or budget just isn’t an issue then you might benefit from some of the features offered by more expensive systems. Wireless security cameras, for example, are perfect for temporary installations.

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.

CCTV has long been an effective security solution, and has become instrumental in the efficiency of policing in the UK, taking advantage of developments in technology such as wireless security cameras. This is just the tip of the ice-berg, however, and it is a testament to the medium of closed circuit television that its uses are profound.

Crime Prevention and Prosecution

As already alluded to, CCTV remains perhaps the single most effective and ubiquitous crime prevention and prosecution technology, in many circumstances leading to a tangible drop in crime. Its effectiveness isn’t just restricted to the street however, and its use as evidence in has seen a marked increase in guilty verdicts.

Safety Applications

Security does not just imply crime prevention, however, and CCTV has proven itself as a ideal tool for certain safety applications. It is perfect, for example, for monitoring petrol station forecourts or for ensuring that everyone is strapped in on roller coasters – the list is endless!

Traffic Monitoring

Closed circuit TV also comes into its own when monitoring a traffic situation. This obviously has implications in regards to crime and road safety, but it also has some other practical functions. For example, security camera systems can be used to monitor congestion, sending information wirelessly to a central location that can then divert or inform traffic.

Creative Uses

CCTV isn’t just a tool for the establishment, and its use in creative fields has been a revelation. For example, it has been the chosen medium for a whole raft of high profile works of art and it is perfect as a tool for wildlife documentary making and even movie making.

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.

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.

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.