Our CCTV FAQ Guide, We’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions  to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

1. What is CCTV?

CCTV stands for “Closed Circuit Television” and refers to one or more cameras linked to a monitoring point and/or recording device.

2. What is CCTV used for?

CCTV is used for the Prevention of Crime & Security, Safety or Monitoring.

3. How will I know what system I need?

The type of system should be designed with the purpose in mind along with environmental conditions. Our engineers are trained to match the correct equipment to your system’s needs.

4. What is Digital CCTV?

Digital CCTV refers to the use of the storage medium for the footage, typically a hard drive within a DVR (Digital Video Recorder).

5. What is a DVR or NVR?

DVR – Digital Video Recorder. This is the recording device that replaced the old video records that used tapes.

NVR – Network Video Recorder. This device is normally used with IP Camera technology.

6. What is Motion Detection?

This is a type of based Video Analytics. It is able to see movement within the scene and can execute an action, for example send an email a picture to a specific person. Basic Motion Detection is not suited to external use as objects such as trees or birds may cause false alerts.

7. Can I view images remotely?

Yes, all our DVR’s include remote viewing software. All you will need is a broadband line to which the DVR gets connected to.

8. What is Remote Monitoring?

Remote monitoring is the linking of your site to our Video Control room where they can see and control the CCTV whilst having the ability to issue warnings over a speaker system.

9. How is CCTV affected by the Data Protection Act?

Every commercial CCTV system should be registered with the Data Protection Registrar and the rules and guidelines followed. Please See our Data Protection Page.

10. What happens when I ask for a quote?

Our process is fairly straightforward and the first step is to discuss your requirements with us, below are the steps listed in detail:

We will take care of everything from advising on equipment and camera location, acting as a single point of contact for you throughout the process.

If you have any problems, you can speak to us directly rather than speaking to a call centre.

When you’re happy to go ahead, we will book a date that’s convenient for you.

We can usually arrange an install within two weeks.

11. What happens when you install my CCTV system?

We’ll arrive at your property at an agreed time, usually between 8am and 9am. If we’re held up for any reason, we’ll call you immediately.

The first thing we’ll do is plan the cable routing. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes and if it’s possible, we’d like you to be there to give us your approval.

We always do our best to hide cables and make sure the job is neat and tidy.

If you’re having your system networked, we’ll need access to a computer and the passwords to your router. We will never save any of this information.

We always carry dust sheets and are more than happy to remove outdoor shoes before entering your property.

12. What happens when the work is complete?

Once we’ve completed your installation, we’ll give you a full demonstration of the systems capabilities and provide you with a complete and comprehensive set of instructions that are written in plain English.

You’re more than welcome to call us at any time after you installation should you require anymore assistance.

If your system is networked, with your permission, we can change any settings you want up dating remotely. You may need to provide us with access details.

13. How do I pay for my Home CCTV System?

We will normally ask for deposit payment of around 45% of the total estimate then when the work is completed to your satisfaction we will require the balance. We accept cash, credit cards or bank transfer.

14. What Happens if I need to download footage for evidence?

Footage can be downloaded from the NVR/DVR to a Smart Phone, PC or Memory stick this can then be emailed or given to the police as evidence.

We offer an evidence retrieval service for all our customers. If your system is networked, we can download the footage remotely and send you or the police a secure and compliant copy. If your system is not networked, we can arrange a visit from an engineer to download the footage for you. (There is a charge to this service).

15. How long will my system record for?

All the image data is recorded to an internal hard drive, the larger the hard drive the longer your images will be saved. A 1TB HDD should record four cameras standard definition (depending on frame rates) for one month. High definition (HD) cameras will need larger HDD as they can capture more data, with HD systems we normally recommend 1TB per camera for 30 days recording.

16. What happens when it’s full?

Nothing. Your Digital Video Recorder will automatically record over old images when the hard drive is full. So if you have capacity to record for 30 days, on day 31, day 1 recordings will be deleted to make room on the hard drive for day 31 recordings.

17. Can I make it record for longer?

Yes, you can switch on motion detection so that your Digital Video Recorder records only when motion is detected.

18. Do you have cameras that can see in the dark?

Yes. All of our cameras have infrared capabilities, depending on your budget we can supply cameras that are better quality at night/dark and will see a further distance.

19. What if I can’t find the answer I’m looking for?

Just send us a message through the Contact tab or give us a call.