A Beginner’s Guide to Affordable CCTV
Closed circuit television, or CCTV, is used to monitor a property internally and externally, to deter thieves or catch offenders. Many businesses, like pubs and nightclubs, must have CCTV as a condition of their licence. Others, like shops, install CCTV to catch thieves and keep an eye on goings-on in their stores.
As the cost of CCTV equipment has come down, homeowners have started to install cameras around the home and garden, with the help of specialist security companies. Advances in technology have ushered in IP hardware, and speedy internet connections mean that anyone can use one of these cameras with their home router and their existing smartphone.
Angel Security believes that CCTV is one of the best deterrents against intruders, and we’re experts in accessible, affordable hardware.
The Basics
CCTV cameras come in both wired and wireless models. Some of the wired models get their power from the network cable, while others need a mains connection. If you need to place cameras outdoors, or minimise visible wiring, wireless cameras are usually a better choice.
Various types of cameras exist to cover different areas. That might include domed cameras for outdoors, small ‘bullet’ type cameras for doorways, and a more traditional camera on a stand indoors.
Features of CCTV
We recommend that you purchase HD cameras if at all possible. Older cameras with 640×800 resolution are fine for the basics, but they may not present a clear picture, which might be important if you needed to see someone’s face or read a number plate.
Infra-red LED lights will illuminate the area at night and give you a better picture in the dark. Remember that infra-red light, while invisible to our eyes, will reflect off glass. In other words, you can’t point an indoor camera out of the window at night.
For full control and remote access, ask us to supply cameras with pan and tilt technology, so you can move the lens using a smartphone or browser and see a wider viewing angle. You might also choose to have two-way audio, so you can hear what’s going on and speak through the camera. (Note: speaking through the camera may require an external speaker).
Costs and Convenience of a CCTV System
IP based cameras are inexpensive and don’t require masses of wires. You’ll need to decide whether you want footage recorded on-site (on a DVD or SD card), or whether you want footage to be sent to you electronically when motion is detected.
While you can watch your cameras from remote locations, it’s best to have some kind of automation so that you catch intruder activity whenever it occurs.
Get Advice
Home networking is a complicated prospect, and adding IP cameras is not a plug-and-play endeavour. To get help selecting the right equipment and setting it up correctly, get in touch with Angel Security. We’ll select the right kit, show you where it needs to be mounted, and complete the job with the minimum of fuss. And don’t forget: every home CCTV system we design is installed for a genuinely affordable price.
