cctv4u Blog

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.

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.