CCTV

CCTV and video surveillance for safety and security

 

 Wired or wireless cameras

 Motion detection

 Alerts and alarms

 Remote viewing

 Flexible and future proof

We install and configure CCTV and surveillance systems using wired or wireless IP cameras, recording to proprietary Network Video Recorder (NVR) devices or preferably Video Surveillance Software running on either Windows or Linux, with both options offering remote viewing and alert capability. We do not recommend recording footage to local storage on the camera itself, nor using cloud storage unless it is used simply as backup.

As with our general approach to hardware, we have no allegiance to any particular camera manufacturer, and will always chose a camera that meets your environmental requirements and budget. Whenever possible we will recommend cameras that use industry standard streaming protocols, such as ONVIF, and are not tied to any specific manufacturers NVR to give future flexibility should the NVR fail or require replacing to give increased capacity.

For wired cameras we always recommend using Power Over Ethernet (POE) to connect the cameras to whatever recording device is being used, and, unless the environment dictates, we generally do not recommend WiFi connections as they have a lower bandwidth and recording quality, they need a local power source, and they are also susceptible to interference.

Whilst we have experience with a variety of NVR devices, we prefer to use software solutions such as Zoneminder which is a free and open source solution running on Linux, iSpy which again is a free and open source solution running on Windows, Mac or Linux, or Blue Iris which is an inexpensive paid licenced solution running on Windows. All three are extremely flexible and support a vast variety of cameras, with motion detection to reduce storage requirements, alerts and sound recording, and they all offer remote viewing and management.

For small businesses or private homes, and where cost is a factor, we have installed NVR and camera solutions from the likes of Foscam and Annke, and though limited in expansion capability, they offer all the features needed of a surveillance system and provide exceptional value for money. As an added bonus, Foscam and Ankke cameras also work with Zoneminder, iSpy and Blue Iris, so any investment made in cameras and cabling installation (which are the greatest costs) is not wasted if you need to expand your CCTV coverage beyond the NVR capability.

If you want to learn more about CCTV systems please get in touch for an initial no obligation chat.