Alarms and cctv help and advice: Are 4ch Security Camera Systems right for me?

Alarms and cctv help and advice: Are 4ch Security Camera Systems right for me?

Are 4ch Security Camera Systems right for me?

When should you purchase a  4 channel camera system. ? One of the many issues with todays smaller systems like the 4ch Security DVR systems is fact that they are based mostly on price. The consumer decides that they want cameras and the first option on that list normally is a 4ch Security Camera System. It then becomes a price game to pick the least expensive system they can find. The problem I see, is that when you first decide that you need security cameras your focus should be on what exactly you want those cameras to do. Do you want them to capture a general wide view of your home or business? Do you need to catch very detailed video for a specific act that has been occurring? The system itself and the capabilities should first be considered and determined. Most 4ch Security Camera Systems come in a smaller form factor and tend to record less time because they do not hold as many hard disks. The majority of 4ch systems also are not expandable so if you are considering a system that you may want to expand on you may want to jump up to an 8ch Security Cameras System to give you more space for the future. Since 4ch security camera systems tend to be price driven you will notice that most cameras that come in kits tend to be a fixed lens. This means that what you see is what you get. There is no adjusting the lens for a closer view. If you need to record a narrow driveway or hallway these cameras will not be very good. You will see a wide angle view that show that offers more to see but less detail. If you want the choice of adjusting the cameras make sure you buy cameras with a Varifocal lens My suggestions would always be to first decide what you need to see: Do you need a close up shot for detail or the option to zoom in and get more detail? Do you need cameras with infrared? If your home or business is dark you will need security cameras with infrared to see in complete darkness. Make sure you look at the distance limitation of the camera. If its 35 feet and you are installing the camera 12ft high thats 23ft of effective infrared you will now have as opposed to the 35ft the camera actually has. Will you need to add more cameras? If so consider an 8ch or 16ch Security camera system. If you need longer recording than 30 days also consider getting a 4ch DVR with more Hard Disk capacity. I hope this sheds a little light on your decision making. Stick to the basics and you should be fine. More Sharing ServicesShare|Share on facebookShare on myspaceSharon twitter

What is HD-SDi CCTV ?

What is HD, cctv in Middlesbrough ? 
HDcctv is an alternative to IP and offers 1280x720 resolution over standard coax!  HDcctv transmits an HD digital signal, called High Definition Serial Digital Interface (HD-SDI), uncompressed, over coax at a constant 30 FPS.  The HD-SDI digital signal is then received by the DVR and compressed into H.264 or MPEG-4. A.C.S. Alarms have embraced  this new technology which is significant to the ,Middlesbrough CCTV , Industry and will be a major format for dealers and installers who do not want to use IP for various reasons.  HD-SDI was invented by SMPTE for use by the Broadcast Industry and is used by all HD newscasts, sporting events, etc. 
HD-SDi demo here

The term "Industry Standard"

Is one that is thrown around quite a bit, and it can be misleading and even confusing to consumers and professionals alike. In a technology driven industry, which hardly any industry isn't driven by technology these days. It can be difficult to exactly pinpoint a "standard" that truly exists across the industry. Whether intentional or not I think the most misleading statements often start with "This is the industry's standard" often implying that the industry uses X because its good or better than other solutions.

When working with prospective clients our job as industry professionals should be to provide a "standard" that fits the clients needs. I've personally witnessed installations from other companies that not only failed to meet any of the customer's needs, but in fact led to a negative impression of surveillance in general as being low quality. They were led to believe that the equipment was "industry standard", and that it would meet their needs.

If the surveillance industry is to keep growing, we must provide solutions that fit our customer's needs.. not a "standard".

HDSDi versus ip CCTV systems

 

Before buying a system, consider the differences between IP CCTV mega pixel cameras and HD-SDI CCTV mega pixel cameras, find out why HD-SDI CCTV DVRs are much better than IP NVRs. I believe HD-SDI CCTV is the future of the CCTV industry over IP.  IP is complicated, suffers from latency and worst of all H264 blocking on the moving parts of the image. Also it is almost impossible to get consistent true real time recording from IP cameras, were our HD-SDI CCTV systems do it very easily.

Google trends sees IP Cameras and HD-SDI on rise while HD-CCTV flatlines.

I like to look around and play with Google trends frequently. Today, I happened to perform a search within Google Trends for IP Camera, HD-SDI and HD-CCTV, to see where they stand as far as trending is concerned.IP Camera shows a very steady increase since 2005 while HD-SDI has maintained a modest trend and has slightly gone up. HD-CCTV is basically flatlining with no real trending or related terms showing much action. I find it strange that HD-CCTV has not seen a rise or a shift. HD-SDI at minium is showing a pattern of being searched and trended. I did perform other searches within the IP realm such as IP Cameras, Systems and Video and they all performed well within trends. Interesting..

HD-SDI Trend

What camera housing should I use and at what IP Rating?

Camera housings come in various shapes and sizes. With regard to the correct IP rating protection, this will range from dust and water ingress. This system is governed by a number of European and British standards.

IP55

• Protected against dust - limited ingress.
• Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted.

IP65

• Protection against dust - no ingress.
• Protection against low pressure jets of water from all directions – limited ingress permitted
• Protection against high pressure water from all directions - limited ingress permitted.

When to use Surveillance Indoor Domes & Security Indoor Domes

There are a lot of specific cameras that are designed to be used indoors. You have the capability of using indoor dome cameras, indoor bullet cameras and full size cameras. Normally indoor cameras do not have infrared and come in plastic type housings since they are less prone to being out in the elements. The technology also can be different than that used by outdoor cameras. As an example, outdoor cameras normally need to make up for various lighting variations and therfore need a different lenses with filters and auto iris capability. Most indoor cameras do not need these functions since conditions rarely change. You can use outdoor cameras indoors. They just tend to be more bulky as they are made to withstand the elements.

Home, CCTV in Middlesbrough

Outdoor home CCTV cameras

If you’re using CCTV cameras outside, make sure they’re weatherproof – an IP (International Protection) rating of 66 is recommended. Wireless cameras are available, but you’ll still have to run a cable to a power source , so no camera is truly wireless, ACS Alarms dont recommend them.Position cameras in Middlesbrough where they can’t be tampered with but can be accessed for maintenance and cleaning.

HD-SDi systems

HD-SDI interest on the rise. Installers requesting technology. Interest in HD-SDI is starting to translate into sales. Installers are quoting and promoting HD-SDI on a daily basis. The change has directly related to sales. The days of simply requesting information and showing lukewarm interest are over. Estimates and quotes based on projects are starting to become a daily occurrence. This means that installers have become comfortable with technology and can now proceed to sell it as opposed to studying it. Like any new technology, (if you want to call it that) there is always a hesitation before deployment and I honestly think we are passed this point. The questions are no longer based on information but on product pricing, availability and models. This is a nice change and it helps installers as well as distributors now focus on finding solutions and new technology to help promote sales further. 

Honest advice from a reputable company

At ACS Alarms & CCTV ,we believe that customers should retain their options and choice on who they choose to install their alarm system specially when you may have a set budget and are looking to save money . Regulated Alarm installers can often charge up to 40% more for a system especially with the larger national companies. Many of the additional costs relating to the fact that they install in large industrial settings and banks where insurance requirements are substantially different. In the home security setting you will then be subsidising the industrial side of their  business with the higher price you pay for a home alarm. The regulators and insurance companies seem to have business interest with each other, some insurance companies misleading home consumers that their  alarm has to be installed by a registered alarm company giving the impression it is compulsory when it is not. It is the alarm equipment and the systems design criteria which make the system insurence grade and not membership of a privately owned regulator.

There are also still thousands of older alarm systems still installed in many homes that that do not comply to the latest  insurance grade. Homes owners at present are still able to purchase home insurance even if they still have one of these older alarm systems and yet when upgrading or purchasing a new intruder alarm system, insurance companies and security advisory web sites try to give the impressions you can't get insured unless you use these registered companies regulated by privately owened regulators. This is not true. In taking this advice pay up to 40% extra on the price of the alarm system from a regulated company in order to gain an average £20 premium discount. You can get insured even if you have no alarm installed at all. This is in fact a monopoly between unsurers, privately owned regulators and the installers.

Contact ACS for an honest quote !

Alarm maintenance and servicing

Servicing & Repairs

We are specialists in the service, maintenance and repair of existing alarm systems. The company who installed your alarm system may no longer be in business, or may be too expensive; however we can service any existing system as we have a large selection of manuals for most intruder alarm systems, together with over 16 years experience in the field of electronic security. If during the service a part of the alarm system is found to be faulty we will quote you for the replacement of that particular item - we will not try to sell you a system.   The engineer is not a salesman and he will try to get your system fully functional at the least possible cost to yourself. If you would like to know more or wish to book a service view our website www.acsalarms.co.uk

Safe cameras in a volatile environment.

What is an  Intrinsically Safe Camera? We like to simplify it by thinking of it as: a camera that can completely self-destruct and burn without creating a spark outside it's housing. This is often used in volatile environments where flammable vapor or materials exists. These are often special order items. we carry a number that are not listed on our site. Call us at A.C.S. Alarms on our freephone Middlesbrough number 0800 0922061 and we'll help you find one that fits your needs.

Middlesbrough cctv, survey

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV Middlesbrough) is a widely discussed topic within the area which concerns different issues such as crime prevention and control. The focus of this research project is to outline the different functions of CCTV in Middlesbrough and establish how effective this systems in this area are. The research used within this project is a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods.  Semi-Structured Interviews were used to collect rich in-depth data from people who had experience with CCTV and surveys were used to gather opinions from the general public. The aim of this project is to answer the question ‘Does CCTV in Middlesbrough work?’ by assessing and analysing the data collected. This research produced a number of key findings regarding CCTV in relation to crime prevention and detection, public safety, human rights and privacy. The data produced from this research project suggests that CCTV in the Middlesbrough area is a complex issue , however the positive aspects and functions of CCTV outweigh the negatives.

Click here to view system type used in Middlesbrough

CCTV Middlesbrough

CCTV Middlesbrough, alarms in Stockton are just our main areas covered.
We install and service systems all over the area but,cctv Middlesbrough,appears to be thriving ?

We are proud to be of service to the local community and hope to do so for many years to come .
Click here to view our products, in Middlesbrough

Cctv in Middlesbrough

Recently we have noticed a trend for people wanting cctv in Middlesbrough to guard their vehicles that are parked outside of terraced houses. Until recently most of the cctv in Middlesbrough has been for shops and businesses etc. I suppose if you can't put your car in a garage , then watching it with cctv 24 hours a day is the next best thing ? 

7 out of 10 murders solved using CCTV IMAGES.

Almost seven out of ten murders are solved using footage captured by CCTV cameras, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.

By Richard Edwards, Crime Correspondent Last Updated: 9:56PM GMT 01 Jan 2009 picture of a cctv camera Scotland Yard's head of homicide said CCTV cameras are as vital to detectives as forensic evidence such as DNA samples or fingerprints Photo: Anthony Upton The first study of its kind into the effectiveness of surveillance cameras revealed that almost every Scotland Yard murder inquiry uses their footage as evidence. In 90 murder cases over a one year period, CCTV was used in 86 investigations, and senior officers said it helped to solve 65 cases by capturing the murder itself on film, or tracking the movements of the suspects before or after an attack. In a third of the cases a good quality still image was taken from the footage from which witnesses identified the killer. Britain has more cameras in public spaces than any other country in the world – an estimated 4.2 million – and a person can be captured up to 300 times a day by CCTV in London. However the proliferation of the spy systems has caused controversy, with civil rights campaigners criticising the creeping growth of a "surveillance society" that is invading the privacy of law-abiding citizens. A report by the Surveillance Studies Network said that £500 million of public money had been invested in CCTV over the last decade and that during the 1990s the Home Office spent 78 per cent of its crime prevention budget on installing cameras. However no study had ever been conducted to determine their effectiveness and some anecdotal evidence had previously suggested that they were of little investigative value. Commander Simon Foy, Scotland Yard's head of homicide, told the Daily Telegraph that the results of his study proved that CCTV cameras are as vital to detectives as forensic evidence such as DNA samples or fingerprints. Mr Foy said: "CCTV plays a huge role in helping us investigate serious crime. I hope people can understand how important it is to our success in catching people who commit murder." One of the most infamous cases is that of Richard Whelan, who was stabbed to death on a bus in 2005 as he attempted to defend his girlfriend. The horrific 33-second attack was all caught on camera. Anthony Joseph, a paranoid schizophrenic, baited the victim by throwing chips at his girlfriend and the killer grinned at a CCTV camera as he left the bus

Don't wait until it breaks

Each day there are folks that become the target of a burglary around the world . Many are distraught and they have no clue what they should be doing, but thanks to the remarkable amount of security camera choices on the market today it does not have to be that difficult . Often it could be that the individual has a security system set up already , but they overlooked one of the crucial steps to to ensure it was up and running properly .

There are additional times where consumers end up setting their recorder to only record so many days of video, which results canceling out anything before that time period . You can see just how this may result in lots of problems and heartaches along the way . In other cases it could be that the business owner basically inherited the system as a result of a business transaction . No matter what the case might be , we have sales reps that are prepared to help you take control of your circumstances and get you back on track in no time .

Correctly setting up the product , maintaining and caring for it are crucial elements to maximizing the amount of usage you will get out of your camera . You should make the most for your hard earned money , so take heart in following a couple of easy steps and your camera will last you for years to come . Ensure that you examine all of your cables , power cords , cameras , digital video recorder and accessories monthly to make certain that everything is where it needs to be , when it needs to be there .

 

Recording Everything Successfully

 

Digital Video Recorder

 

To help you properly maintain your recording device , you must take a look at the environment that you are going to put it in . It must be kept in an area that has a consistent climate and sufficient airflow to prevent it from becoming stagnant in the area . Use a duster or compressed air to help you eradicate any dirt and dust from around the air vents . You are not required to open up the system in order to clean it out .

In order to document the video that you have recorded on your digital video recorder , you have to be sure you begin with the live feed . Be certain that all of your cameras are properly aimed and focused on the area . They must have the ability to provide you with a clear line of sight into the area being monitored . Examine and play the video back to make sure everything is coming through clear . Make sure that you are capable to search for the data that you need in a timely fashion .

Examine the images in both the daytime along with the nighttime to make certain that everything is up to par with what you are looking for . Pay careful focus on the night time images to make certain that you have more than enough infrared lighting in the area . You would like to make sure that the image is clear enough to provide evidence to law enforcement agencies in the case of a break-in . Check to see the total amount video you have recorded on your digital video recorder . Have you got a month worth of video images or is it merely a couple of days ? Knowing the amount of free space your recorder has got available will help you to determine what type of settings you need in your system .

 

Recording the Images Properly

 

After you have been able to determine that all of the video images are perfect on your digital video recorder , you can go to each of the cameras and verify how the cables are doing . Thoroughly clean any dirt and debris from the lens and housing with a dry towel . Look for any condensation on the device . If there exist any bird nests or beehives around the area , you will want to clear those away as soon as possible . Having those around will only lead to something getting in the way of the camera .