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FAqs
What is IR and will my camera work at night?
IR is infra-red light that is not visible by the human eye. Cameras can see this light reflecting off surfaces therefore creating an image we can see on screen. This image is typically black and white however the Hikvision ColorVu range gives 24hr colour images even in extremely low light situations.
Which is the best camera to use, IP or Analog?
We recommend the use of IP cameras due to their flexibility in analytics, individual setup, encryption of transmitted video and the ability of receiving power over the same cable run. The install of IP systems tend to be tidier than traditional analog cameras as there is no need for a power supply next to your video recorder. IP cams are generally more stable than analog due to the fact interference is less likely and there is no balun adapter to fail.
Although we recommend IP systems where possible, this isn't always the best option for everyone. Analog systems generally cost a lot less and can provide a system suited to your requirements. In relation to an IP system in the same price range, we can provide a higher resolution analog camera system for the cost of a lower resolution IP system. Unfortunately analog systems may have a slightly grainy and less sharp image in comparison to IP.
Does a greater MP mean better camera?
MP stands for megapixels. For each MP is 1 million pixels, the more pixels in an image means a much clearer image and higher definition. With a higher definition allows key details such as faces, number plates and clothing to be captured on cctv. If a camera is in close range to the focused area, it may be that a lower resolution camera can be used; for example a camera at head height next to your front door would not need to be as high of resolution as one capturing a driveway from the top of your house.
In some cases a higher MP camera may not be as good in all round situations in comparison to a lower MP camera. An example of this would be that a 8mp camera has a higher resolution but lacks in low light situations in comparison to a 5mp. So the 5mp with a low min illumination lux, would be better suited in low light situations.
What is UTP cable?
UnShielded Twisted Pair cable allows us to transmit analog video plus power through one cable to each camera. We can transmit this signal further than over the traditional coax cable used, making it more practical for both you as the consumer and us as the installer.
The great advantage with UTP, means that if you were to have an analog system installed using UTP; then in years to come you decided to upgrade to an IP system, we can do this relatively easy without the need of installing new cabling.
How will my system be cabled during installation?
Cabling a cctv system can have a few factors that determine how it is cabled including:
- Internal access
- Camera position
- Recorder Position
- Distance
- Aesthetics
- Budget
By speaking to an advisor we can discuss the options available such as cable clipping, conduit & cavity fishing. Generally if we cannot gain internal access to a cable running through the wall from an outside camera, cable clipping is the cheapest option with little to no mess inside your property. We do offer the option to have external conduit run for camera cabling, this does add extra protection to the cable but may not be to the customers desired looks on the property. If we have access internally to where the camera is located, we can discuss the options of cable routing with no visible cable.
What size HDD will I need in my NVR or DVR?
The HDD is the means of storing your cctv footage. There are multiple factors that determine the storage capacity you require such as:
- Motion capture
- Camera resolution
- Camera quantity
- Recording times
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The best way of reserving the maximum recording capacity is to set cameras to record motion only. This prevents days of recorded footage where there is no motion on camera.
It may be that you'd prefer the camera to record constantly throughout the night, this would reduce the captured footage stored in comparison to 24hr recording. However it is not as efficient as just capturing motion.
The amount of cameras captured by your storage device is a big factor of choosing the correct HDD for your requirements. There are calculators that can help you establish what capacity would best suit your needs. Please do get in touch and we can help you decide what's best for you.
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