CCTV Systems

CCTV installations are not one-size-fits-all products; they vary based on property requirements, camera options, and other components. As a result, it’s challenging to provide a general cost estimate for CCTV installation. Several variables influence the overall cost, including:

Our Professional CCTV installers will ensure that:

• What type of cameras are to be used? Analogue, IP, HD, PTZ?
• How many cameras are to be used?
• Where are these cameras to be placed?
• Will installation require special equipment for difficult to access places?
• What type of storage options do you want?
• What type of monitoring options do you want?
• Wired or wireless CCTV system?

Various variables can impact the cost of a CCTV system installation. For a more accurate estimate, it’s advisable to request a free CCTV survey, allowing a comprehensive discussion of costs and budget considerations.

To ensure the best results and avoid risks, it’s crucial to engage professional CCTV installation experts. They can guide you in selecting the ideal CCTV system tailored to your specific needs. With their expertise, your system will be installed securely, functioning flawlessly, and providing the utmost protection for you, your family, and your property.

Check out our short guide below to help you with your choice.

Planning

The most crucial phase in installing a CCTV system is the planning stage. During this phase, it’s essential to ask yourself several key questions, such as:

• Why do I need CCTV? Determine the primary purpose, such as crime prevention or general security monitoring.

• What are my goals? Clarify what you want to achieve with the system, whether it’s for crime prevention or to support legal actions and prosecutions.

• What type of cameras suit my needs best? Choose from options like bullet cameras, IP cameras, pan/tilt/zoom cameras, and dome cameras, depending on your specific requirements.

• What storage and viewing options do I need? Consider the amount of storage and how you’ll access and review the footage.

• What is my budget? Establish a budget that aligns with your needs and find a CCTV system that fits within that range.

• Where should I position the cameras for maximum effectiveness? Identify the strategic locations for camera placement to ensure optimal surveillance coverage.

Physical Installation

After acquiring the ideal CCTV system, it’s time to proceed with the installation, involving two primary aspects: wiring and camera mounting.

Ensure you invest in high-quality wiring, as it can significantly impact the system’s performance. Opt for cables with lengths below 400 feet and choose the best option that fits your budget. Siamese cables are popular for their neat appearance, requiring only one line for each camera. Leave a few extra loops of cable at both ends, which will prove helpful if you need to adjust the camera’s position in the future.

Mounting the cameras is typically straightforward, as most come with brackets and appropriate mountings for proper installation. Once you’ve mounted them, position the cameras as desired to achieve optimal surveillance coverage.

Connecting a Monitoring And Storage Device

The last stage of the CCTV installation process is relatively simple, especially if you prefer indoor work during colder weather. Typically, you will receive detailed installation instructions with your storage and monitoring devices. It is crucial to follow these instructions meticulously, treating the process like any other electrical equipment setup.

Connecting your cameras to the storage and monitoring devices is generally straightforward, especially if you have a good technical background. 

Conclusion

Understanding technical terms like “resolution,” “MP” (Mega Pixels), or image quality can be confusing when dealing with CCTV companies. In essence, they all refer to the same thing – the clarity of the recorded image.

Higher MP means better image quality, but it comes at a higher cost. Here are some simple examples to help you determine what best suits your needs:

• 0.5MP – Also known as 960H or DVD Quality
• 1MP – Also know as HD Ready or 720p – better than DVD quality, but not quite full HD
• 2MP – Also known as Full HD or 1080p – similar to watching HD on your TV / Device
• 4MP – Typically on network cameras as opposed to digital cameras – Double the quality of 2MP but expensive due to the fact they are using IP cameras (network cameras)
• 5MP – Also known as Super HD – 2.4x 2MP cameras – better images and recordings that HD
• 8MP – Also Known as 4K – Domestically, possibly the highest quality images you can get at the moment.

To access live footage and recordings from your smart device, a functioning broadband connection is essential. This connection allows seamless communication between your CCTV system and the smart device, enabling real-time monitoring and access to recorded footage. Ensure a reliable broadband connection for uninterrupted access to your CCTV system from anywhere, anytime.

Depending on your broadband provider, it may be necessary to access your router’s settings to enable the main DVR to connect to the internet. Our engineer will handle this aspect during the installation process, ensuring that your CCTV system is set up correctly and able to connect seamlessly to the internet for remote access and monitoring.

Cat 5E and Cat 6 cables can be used when setting up security cameras. Cat5e cable provides more than sufficient bandwidth for the majority of IP security cameras available in the market today. 

Most IP security cameras use less than 100 Mbps of bandwidth, making Cat5e cable perfectly suitable for transmitting video and data signals effectively. Its reliable performance and cost-effectiveness make it a preferred choice for connecting IP cameras to the network in most surveillance setups.