What Are Dome Security Cameras?
A dome security camera is a popular choice of camera, providing fantastic surveillance around any home or business premises.
Dome cameras are small, discreet and durable, with the ability to see in many directions and named as such because of their dome like shape.
Many dome cameras on the market are great for outdoor use, as well as indoor surveillance and all have the abilty to send video via an internet, or Wi-Fi connection, directly to a viewing monitor via a computer.
Dome cameras are a popular choice for indoor surveillance, especially with homeowners, as they can be positioned on a ceiling, or neatly in a hallway and tend to go unnoticed.
They are used as part of a surveillance system inside business premisies such as restaurants and retail stores, as they blend in really well with their surroundings and can cover a large area for viewing.
The dome shape of the camera makes it very difficult for a person to tell which direction the lens is actually focusing on, making them a smart choice when it comes to surveillance.
When looking at dome cameras as part of your CCTV security system, you should first decide what type of surveillance you wish to achieve, as there as so many on the market to choose from, with different features available.
If you require night vision, then you should take a look at an infrared dome camera, whereas if the area you’re looking to install the camera is vulnerable to tampering or vandalism, then you should consider going for a vandal proof dome camera.
A varifocal dome camera allows you to adjust the focal distance of the lens to just where you need it.
The right dome security camera for you depends on your specific requirements and different features exist to cover everyone’s particular needs. Your dome security camera can include a combination of features.
For help and advice regarding dome security cameras, or for more information about our CCTV security services, please click here, or call 024 7695 0180 TODAY to speak with one of our local CCTV installers covering the Midlands.
Which CCTV camera brand is the best one to choose?
The market is flooded with brand upon brand of CCTV cameras, from the tried and tested that many of us have heard of, to the more unfamiliar names, so how are any of us considering investing in a CCTV security system, to protect our home or business, supposed to know which brand of CCTV camera is the best one?
If you’re new to the world of CCTV technology, then you’ve probably no idea which brand of CCTV camera is the best one on the market and whether that particular brand is the right one for the type of surveillance you want to achieve.
Our advice as expert CCTV installers, is to first decide what kind of surveillance you are interested in purchasing a CCTV camera system for and the size of budget you have to pay for it.
There’s no point buying the brand of CCTV camera you recognise or like the look of, if it isn’t the right one for the type of surveillance you are after and doesn’t come with the features needed for a particular kind of monitoring.
Buying the brand you know, or one that costs more than some of the others, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up with a much better CCTV camera with clearer image quality, or the one that works the best for your needs.
Our fully qualified CCTV installers have the experience of knowing and understanding the different brands of CCTV cameras that are available today and will be able to advise and give you their honest opinion as to which one is best suited to you, based on your requirements and budget.
For more help and advice concerning CCTV cameras, camera brands, or anything else to do with with CCTV systems, or CCTV installation for home or business security, please click here, or speak to one of our local CCTV installers covering the Midlands on 024 7695 0180.
Our guide to understanding HD CCTV
HD CCTV stands for High Definition Closed Circuit Television and is basically the next level up from analogue CCTV.
If you have an analogue CCTV system at the moment but are looking to upgrade to a HD CCTV system, then this can be done quite easily and with little disruption.
All that’s required is for you to swap your analogue cameras for HD ones, which will ensure that the footage captured is of higher definition, meaning much clearer images and the ability to better identify any suspicious looking intruders.
HD CCTV cameras are easy to install and provide you with an improved system for little cost however, newer technology such as IP cameras are now becoming a more popular choice.
Compared to HD CCTV systems, an IP CCTV ones requires less cabling and give you more control as to where your cameras should be placed.
However, if you’re simply looking to upgrade your home CCTV system to the next level and you don’t have the budget right now to even consider an IP CCTV system, then a HD CCTV system is a wise choice, it’s easy to swap over to from your analogue system, quick to install and the system is very simple to use.
For simple home surveillance, the change over to an HD CCTV system from an anologue one is probably the best option if your budget is limited.
An HD CCTV system provides high quality surveillance suitable for most homes in the UK. An IP CCTV system can cost a little more but does come with extra features that some people might benefit from and might be worth considering at a later date.
All CCTV cameras act as strong visual deterrents and have the ability to capture and record footage/images which can help in the event of an incident occurring at your property.
For more help and advice concerning CCTV cameras, CCTV systems, installation, repairs and maintenance for your home or business security, please call NOW on 024 7695 0180, or fill in our form below for a free no-obligation CCTV quote.
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What are C-Mount Cameras?
A guide to C-Mount cameras and their uses
The C-Mount camera became popular after it was used mainly by banks for security purposes but they’ve more recently been eclipsed by the dome and bullet style cameras.
However, C-Mount cameras do continue to provide a number of special uses when it comes to security and are still classed as a valuable part of a CCTV system.
The biggest advantage of a C-Mount camera is the fact that the lens can be changed.
C-Mount cameras are mainly used indoors but can be put into a weatherproof housing for outdoor use.
C-Mount cameras come into their own in extreme environments, as their housings can benefit from built-in heater or cooling fan features.
In conditions of extreme heat, where the temperatures can reach 120 degrees F, or in extremely cold climates where the temperatures fall below and often stay below -0 degrees F, the C-Mount camera may still be the best security option.
Today’s more popular camera choices, the dome and bullet cameras can also be tailored for outdoor use but for more extreme conditions, the C-Mount camera is the one to choose.
Even though some of the bullet cameras on the market today can go up to 60mm, the C-Mount camera is still the best option for long range observation.
At the moment, it’s the only way to go above 12mm on an IP camera outside of a HD PTZ.
These IP C-Mount cameras are basically HD cameras which work freely from a devoted recorder and are mainly used as a one camera set up.
If you don’t require a speciality lens and don’t live in a climate that suffers from extreme cold or hot temperatures, which most of us in the UK don’t have to worry about, then the bullet camera is more often than not the better choice these days, they’ve shrunk in size and are a more affordable option.
Dome cameras are now the preferred choice for indoor use, due to their compact size and affordable prices.
For help and advice regarding your home or business security needs, please click here, or call and speak to one of our fully qualified CCTV installers on 024 7695 0190.
Our team of expert CCTV engineers will design and install the best CCTV security systems to suit your specific requirements and budget.
At Midlands-CCTV.co.uk we cover CCTV installations, repairs and maintenance work for residential and commercial customers – fill in our form below for a free no-obligation CCTV quote within the hour.
What is CCTV remote monitoring and how does it work?
A simple and helpful guide from the experts at Midlands-CCTV.co.uk
Many homeowners and businesses now use CCTV to act as a strong visual deterrent against possible intruders and to record any incidents if they occur.
For most homeowners, a high quality CCTV security system is enough but for those in business, a remote monitoring service, which runs alongside your CCTV system, will provide additional security and protection for your premises.
Remote CCTV monitoring is like having an on-site security guard working for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week but at a much cheaper cost to your business.
How does it work?
Your business CCTV security system will be connected to a remote monitoring station of your choice, via an internet connection. You can choose whether to live monitor 24/7, or only switch it on when the premises is left empty.
If any suspicious activity is picked up via your CCTV system, the remote monitoring station will be sent an alarm.
The operator will respond to the alarm and images from your CCTV cameras will appear on their monitoring screen.
The operator will be able to pan, tilt and zoom in on the images to identify why the alarm was raised and can then act accordingly, notifying the key holder and emergency services if required.
A live audio warning may be played out on your premsises, letting the intruders know they’ve been spotted, which in most cases is enough to deter them from attemping any criminal activity, usually fleeing quickly before the emergency services arrive on site.
Remote monitoring could help save your business thousands of pounds in potential losses.
For free advice regarding remote CCTV monitoring for your business in the Midlands, please click here, or call and speak to one of our fully qualified CCTV installers NOW on 024 7695 0180.
Our local CCTV installers in the Midlands are experts when it comes to the design and installation of home and business CCTV security systems. Fill in our simple form below for a free no-obligation CCTV quotation within the hour.
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What is a PTZ camera and how do they work
Pan, tilt and zoom cameras, known for short as PTZ, are very smart cameras that have the ability to monitor a range of views from one specific camera.
The camera unit is mechanically controlled enabling the pan, tilt and zoom functions. The user of a PTZ camera can pan the camera, which moves it from left to right, tilt it up and down and has the ability to zoom in on one specific part of an image.
Many PTZ cameras are controlled via a joystick, however, other software applications are available that allow the user to achieve the same results.
These type of cameras are most suited to homes or businesses, were large areas of space would benefit from multiple imaging.
A PTZ camera can cover a large area much better than a fixed camera could do and due to its mechanical functions, the PTZ camera can be programmed to ‘tour’, which means it can be set to focus on many different areas in turn. One minute it could be focusing on the driveway, then the garage door, then the gated entrance etc..
The zoom function on a PTZ camera is a very powerful tool. If it picks up on someone acting suspiciously, the zoom function will zoom in and focus on that particualr motion and follow much more closely than a fixed camera could.
This powerful function also has the ability to record important information and on many occassions can provide super clear images which could be used as evidence. PTZ cameras are the ideal security solution for large retailers, shopping centres, big organisations or for homes with large grounds around the property.
There are a couple of downsides to PTZ cameras, the image quality is often poor compared to a fixed camera because of the CCD sensors being smaller on the PTZ camera. Room is taken up with the motorized mechanics, which means the image quality is compromised as a result.
PTZ cameras will only record the area where the operator is monitoring, meaning if they are focusing on one specific area but an incident happens out of this viewing field, then potentially the camera could miss the whole incident. A fixed camera would probably have been positioned so that it monitored the whole area constantly, so wouldn’t have missed what happened.
PTZ cameras are normally used alongside a fixed network setup, allowing the fixed cameras to constantly monitor the area, whilst the PTZ camera can focus on a specific incident or field of interest.
CCTV security is the best way of protecting your home or business. Our local CCTV experts in the Midlands have a wide knowledge of CCTV systems and will design the best package for your specific requirements – call NOW on 024 7695 0180 for free help and advice, or simply fill in the free quote form below.
Why you should use CCTV for your business
Business CCTV helps to prevent and reduce crime on your premises
CCTV for business allows you to observe multiple locations inside and outside your premises. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, CCTV security systems are a great way of protecting your business and help to reduce the risk of a crime being committed.
CCTV cameras act as a strong deterrent and are suitable for all sized businesses. The cost of a high quality CCTV system has fallen steadily over the years, making them accessible for even the smallest of businesses.
Most business owners’ main objective when considering installing CCTV is to prevent crime. A professional installation of a high quality system that’s tailor-made to your specific requirements, can help reduce the level of crime. Records show a 90% drop in crime at locations where visible CCTV systems have been installed, such as car parks and shopping centres.
The Benefits of a Business CCTV System
Businesses large and small lose millions of pounds every year in the UK through theft, fraud and vandalism.
The installation of a well designed CCTV system will enable you to capture audio and video evidence in the event of a crime occurring on your premises.
Highly visible CCTV cameras are an effective way of deterring criminals and as such preventing a crime from being committed.
What type of CCTV System Does Your Business Need?
When it comes to the best CCTV system for your business, you’re advised to leave it to the experts, who will take a look around your business premises, consider all the security risks and design you a system that fits all your requirements.
There’s a wide range of CCTV systems available, some of which can be fitted with cameras that pan, tilt and zoom and have the ability to monitor poorly lit areas. There’s the option to enable your CCTV set up to interface with your existing alarm system and/or allow for remote monitoring, which enables live viewing via an internet connectiom from anywhere in the world using your tablet, smartphone or laptop.
Whatever your business CCTV requirements, our expert installers at midlands-cctv.co.uk will provide you with the right CCTV system for your specific needs at a hugely competitive price.
To find out more about our business CCTV installation, repair and maintenance services here in the Midlands, please call 024 7695 0180, or fill in the free Quote form below.
CCTV installation – the ins and outs
The midlands-cctv.co.uk installation process explained
Now that you’ve decided to choose us at midlands-cctv.co.uk to install a CCTV security system at your property to protect your home or business premises, here’s what happens next:
The Consultation – Our FREE consultation includes visiting your home or business premises and evaluating the site. Our visit will be carried out at a time that is convenient for you and out expert engineers will guide you as to the best CCTV system for your particular requirements and budget.
Our experts will design you a CCTV system that works best for you and ensure that cameras are positioned in the right areas in and around your premises.
We will then provide you with a FREE no obligation quotation for the CCTV system and installation, including training after the work is completed, to make sure you understand how it all works and you are happy with the installation.
The Agreement – once you have given us the go ahead and you’re happy with the design of your CCTV system, we will provide you with you a day and time when the work will start.
The installation will be carried out by our expert engineers who will carry out the work in a clean, tidy and professional manner.
The Installation – our engineers will turn up on the agreed date and on time to carry out the installation of your CCTV system. They will work quickly and efficiently, with little or no disruption to your day and upon completion, will ensure that everything is as tidy as when they started. The time it takes depends on the system being installed but usually anywhere between 4 hours and 1.5/2 days.
Setting Up – after the installation is complete, our engineers will connect the DVR to your network and set up your router to enable remote viewing. They will test the whole CCTV system and connections to make sure everything is working perfectly and help with app installation, so you can live view via your mobile device of choice from anywhere in the world.
Final Touches & Training – our engineers will show you how to use the system, from searching and downloading footage, to understanding how to access your cameras remotely. If any improvements need to be made to the system, such as camera re-positioning, the engineers will make the necessary adjustments.
To find out more, or if you have any questions regarding CCTV installation, please call 024 7695 0180 or simply fill in the free CCTV quote on the homepage.
CCTV Systems – wired and wireless
A guide to help you understand the differences between wired and wireless CCTV systems
When it comes to CCTV systems, there are numerous options on the market to choose from, including wired and wireless.
Which ever one you decide to go for, CCTV uses one or a number of cameras to send a signal to a particular location, such as a data storage device or a monitor.
Other equipment is also needed to run a CCTV system from home, which all depends on what type you decide to choose. You might need connectors and a monitor if you haven’t already got one and a digital video recorder (DVR) for viewing and storing the footage.
CCTV systems do act as a strong deterrent in the fight against crime but works best alongside other security measures such as high quality door and window locks, security lighting and a burglar alarm.
Wired CCTV Systems for the Home
Wired are the most common and often the most affordable type of home security system. On wired CCTV systems, the wire is connected directly from the camera to a monitor or data storage device. The only downside to a wired system is that the installation of the cables and connectors can be difficult sometimes.
Wireless CCTV Systems for the Home
With wireless CCTV, the images are transmitted using an analogue or digital system to your computer, smart phone or tablet. You can also link up with an app to monitor activity at your property whilst you’re away from home.
Wireless CCTV systems generally use better quality cameras so the actual costs could be higher.
One downside is that wireless systems may suffer from interference from other devices around your home such as microwaves, cordless phones and routers. Also the filming could suffer from interruptions if you lose internet connection.
To find out more about wired and wireless CCTV systems, or for any other CCTV enquiries, please click here.
What is IP CCTV Surveillance?
The benefits of IP CCTV over Analogue CCTV
What is IP CCTV?
An Internet protocol camera, for short known as an IP camera, is a digital video camera which is mainly used for surveillance but unlike the traditional analogue CCTV camera, it sends and receives its data via an internet connection which can then be viewed via your PC, laptop, or smartphone from anywhere in the world.
The Benefits:
Superior Image Quality
As image quality is the most important feature when it comes to CCTV systems, digital technology does provide you with the best quality images.
As many images are captured and used as evidence by the police, the quality is vital and unlike the more traditional CCTV systems which can often see degrading on the recordings when copies are taken, IP CCTV recordings don’t lose their image quality upon recording, playback or when forwarding on.
To gain superior image quality, IP cameras use megapixel technology which can be up to 3 x the resolution of most analogue cameras that are available today.
Easy to install and use
Compared to analogue CCTV systems, IP CCTV is very easy to install and set up, plus incredibly easy to use. It involves less cables which is always a bonus, using only a single network cable to connect your system to the network. The one cable is used for the power, control, video and the data. The user interface is easy to follow and control and multiple camera images can be displayed at once on the monitor.
Upgrading from analogue to IP CCTV is easy
You can upgrade to IP CCTV using your existing analogue CCTV system with the use of video encoders, which will allow you to transmit the analogue video over an IP network so that you can view live images via your computer or handheld device. The resolution will however be restricted to that from your analogue cameras.
The Cost
One advantage of IP CCTV is that you need less cameras to cover the same area as that of a traditional camera set-up because the resolution is higher, so the costs of an IP CCTV system could work out much cheaper, plus installation is easier and quicker. Switching your current analogue system over to an IP one can be done as and when you feel the time is right and the money will be well spent.
Remote Access
With IP CCTV you can live view your property remotely from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. IP systems enable you to view and record images via your smartphone and you can also set your system up to send you an alert message via email or text in the event of an incident being detected.
No Need For Storage
Because IP CCTV systems can send their images across the internet via a network, there is no need for recordings. The images can be viewed, recorded and then backed up onto a normal IT storage system.
For more information regarding our CCTV installation services in the Midlands, please click here.