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When the CCTV monitoring system was first introduced, it had completely changed the security business landscape. It can be argued that it single-handedly created and established the security business sector.
CCTV monitoring or “closed-circuit television” monitoring, has come a long way since its inception and is considered one of the best security systems you can have for both your home and business. Premises monitored by CCTV are less likely to face threats such as break-ins, theft, and vandalism.
It’s human nature that when people know they’re being watched, they tend to keep a check on their behaviour since they know that if they get caught, which is highly likely if there’s CCTV monitoring in the area, they would have to face the consequences.
Experts believe that as many as 67% of domestic burglaries could be prevented if people had CCTV monitoring.
A CCTV uses cameras and monitors to record events happening live and display them to be used for surveillance. The main purpose of CCTV monitoring is crime prevention and investigation.
There are different types of CCTV monitoring security systems for domestic and commercial purposes. It is widely believed that these systems are costly and a luxury only for the well-off. That is not the case at all.
Over the years, CCTV monitoring has become more affordable and popular among the general population in the UK and, might we add, a necessity considering the increasing crime rates.
It is advised for all homeowners as well as businesses, small and large, to have security systems such as CCTV monitoring in place to ensure their safety and security.
WHAT IS CCTV MONITORING?
CCTV cameras are a powerful tool to deter anyone, especially potential criminals from doing anything illegal, and CCTV monitoring makes the tool even more powerful.
CCTV monitoring will ensure that your premises are being watched over by a professional monitoring staff in real-time. This is especially beneficial for when your home or business is unoccupied or in a vulnerable state. The real advantage of detecting a threat while it’s in progress is the action that can be taken to deal with it, such as notifying your keyholders or alerting the police.
HOW DOES CCTV MONITORING WORK?
CCTV monitoring works by sending the video data the camera picks up to a remote monitoring station via the internet. These monitoring stations are designed to take rapid action and respond to any suspicious activity, protecting your property from all kinds of threats.
In the case of unusual activity identified by the system, the CCTV monitoring experts will manually assess the scene and adjust the cameras to hit the right angles for the best footage.
If there is an alarm system installed at the premises, it is usually triggered to scare away the intruders or dissuade them from continuing with the crime. The professional CCTV monitoring service will also notify the authorities along with contacting the owners or key holders.
CCTV MONITORING COSTS
If you have a CCTV security system installed, you must have it monitored. You can check the recorded video later, but for real-time surveillance to keep your home and business protected, it is advised to opt for professional CCTV monitoring services. The average monthly charges for CCTV monitoring start from £12.
There are other costs involved with CCTV monitoring such as installation, maintenance, and repair. The average starting cost for a CCTV security system including all the above-mentioned services would be around £900.
The installation cost includes the cost for the cameras, recording devices, monitors, and labour charges. To give you a very general idea of the CCTV system installation cost, a 1-camera CCTV system, complete with DVR (recorder), monitor, wiring, and full installation would be approximately £540-£660. Each additional camera thereafter would be around £120, so a 3-camera system, for example, would be roughly £780-£900.
Maintaining your CCTV security system will repay your investment in it by working effectively with minimal disruptions. Annual servicing is recommended to keep your CCTV security system working as it should. You must maintain the system yourself too, and keep it clean and dust-free. On average, a maintenance visit would cost you around £75-£125.
Your CCTV security system can malfunction for several reasons such as bad weather conditions, power surges, or general wear and tear. Whatever the issue, you need to resolve it quickly by an engineer that knows what they’re doing.
CCTV repairing service would cost you around £92 on average. The total charges may vary depending on the nature of the fault.
BEWARE OF LOW-COST INSTALLATION
Low prices might seem lucrative at first, but in the long-run, they cost more.
Plus, are discount CCTV cameras any good?
Low-cost CCTV installation is always a risky business, and it is advised to be wary of such offers.
The truth is, surveillance technology and equipment are generally pricey. If a business is offering very low prices, you must make sure that they deliver what they offer, which is very unlikely. You wouldn’t want to end up with a faulty CCTV monitoring system just to save a few bucks.
At Calder Security, we give you the most competitive prices in Yorkshire along with your money’s worth by providing you with state-of-the-art CCTV monitoring security systems with qualified security specialist engineers, SSAIB approved installers, along with maintenance and repair services.
CCTV INSTALLATION POSITIONS
When you plan on having CCTV monitoring services for your home or business, you must first assess where you need to position the cameras.
Certain areas need surveillance because there is a risk of a break-in or there are valuables stored. Our experts will assess your property with you to determine which areas need surveillance.
Typically, these are the areas in a home, retail store, office, and warehouse that should be under CCTV monitoring:
Home
All entrances (front, back, and side) – All windows – Driveway – Shed – Storage areas
Retail store
All entrances and exits (back and front) – Checkout area – Aisles – Fridges – Freezers – Storage areas – Fire exits
Office
All entrances and exits (back and front) – Lift areas – Stairways – Server rooms – Communal areas such as dining room – Fire exits
Warehouse
All entrances and exits (front, back, and side) – Loading dock – Fire exits – Areas with machinery operation – Other communal areas
This general installation outline can be used for other properties and businesses such as beauty salons and petrol stations, to name a few. The basics of CCTV camera placements seem straightforward but it requires a lot of forethought, strategy, and planning.
TYPES OF CCTV CAMERA SYSTEMS
There are two main types of CCTV camera systems – analogue and IP. While they both serve the same purpose of providing surveillance, they differ in quality, cost, and the method by which video is recorded and delivered.
The type of CCTV camera system you choose will determine the total cost of the CCTV system. Let’s look at each CCTV camera type in detail.
ANALOGUE SYSTEMS
Analogue CCTV cameras are the traditional version of surveillance cameras. They’ve been around for quite some time and are widely used by the masses.
They work by the analogue footage from the camera being sent to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) via a coaxial cable, where it is converted to digital format.
Advantages of Analogue Systems
Cost
Analogue cameras tend to cost less than their digital counterparts, especially if the camera count increases.
Simplicity
Analogue cameras are quite easy to set up and run. They send recordings to a DVR which converts the data from analogue to digital and saves it.
Variety
Since analogue cameras have been in the market way longer than digital cameras, it’s easy to find a variety of designs to fit your needs.
It’s getting better
The good news is that High Definition (HD) analogue cameras have tremendously increased the resolution and picture quality, giving the digital systems a serious run for their money. Calder Security offers analogue HD systems where you can get 4- or 5-megapixel cameras for better surveillance footage.
Disadvantages of Analogue Systems
Image quality
The frame rate for analogue cameras is pretty low which results in blurry, low-quality images. Therefore, using analogue systems in high surveillance areas would not be a great idea because you can’t zoom in on the hazy pictures to look at the details.
Less coverage
Analogue cameras have a narrower field of view and require more cameras to cover the same area it would take a single digital camera.
Too many cables
Because the cameras are connected to the power supply as well as the DVR, analogue systems require more wiring.
No encryption
A lack of encryption means that hackers can easily gain access and compromise your security system.
IP SYSTEMS
An IP (Internet Protocol) system consists of digital video cameras that send and receive real-time compressed digital data wirelessly through the internet. This can also be done using an ethernet cable connected to a router or modem. IP cameras have their own IP/MAC addresses, which enables them to be easily added to any pre-existing network infrastructure.
Advantages of IP Systems
Image quality
IP cameras have better image resolution than analogue cameras, and what’s great is that the image quality keeps getting better and better with each iteration. Additionally, digital cameras generally have zoom-in capabilities which are very beneficial for surveillance purposes.
Multiple sensors
Digital cameras can contain 3 or 4 cameras in one, which enables them to cover a larger area than the analogue ones.
Ease of installation
There are fewer cables involved in the installation of digital systems, which makes it much easier to do so. They also have the capability to go completely wireless.
Security
Because the data sent is encrypted, it is fully secure when being transmitted, safe from hackers. Even the connection between the IP monitoring system and the surveillance company is encrypted using state-of-the-art encryption technology.
Disadvantages of IP Systems
Cost
Digital cameras come with a higher initial cost. The cameras and equipment cost more than their analogue counterparts.
Higher bandwidth required
Due to the higher resolution of the data being transmitted, IP camera security systems require more bandwidth and storage resources than the analogue camera systems.
Higher learning curve
There’s a user interface in IP systems that involves a certain amount of technicality. It’s pretty intuitive but still might require a bit of time getting used to.
WHICH IS BETTER?
Now that we know everything about analogue and digital camera systems, including their advantages and disadvantages, which one is better?
As is with every security system, there is no clear answer on which is the best and which isn’t. It all depends on your needs and requirements.
There are analogue camera systems that offer HD image quality and there are also IP camera systems that are pocket-friendly.
Nowadays, a lot of people are making the switch from analogue to IP, due to the numerous benefits that digital systems offer. If you’re unsure about the best CCTV security system for you, call us today on our toll-free number: 0800 612 9799 and let our experts help you!
BENEFITS OF CCTV MONITORING
Deterring crime is one of the most widely known benefits of CCTV monitoring. A CCTV security system installed at your premises will deter all kinds of burglars, intruders, and any criminals planning out illegal activities.
According to statistics, 63% of burglaries in the UK happen in homes without a basic security system. This is a testament to the fact that security systems such as CCTV monitoring and burglar alarms keep all such threats away.
In businesses even, having CCTV monitoring ensures that all workers and customers stay in line. A staff member would think twice before doing something they’re not supposed to. For shop owners, CCTV monitoring helps keep shoplifters at bay.
However, it is important to remember that when you are recording the activities of individuals, you have certain legal obligations you need to meet.
In high-risk places, having the area monitored through CCTV cameras brings peace of mind to the owners. Some homes and businesses are in high-risk areas or have been victims of break-ins and burglaries before. They need to be extra careful and take the necessary precautions to avoid any such incidents from happening again.
CCTV monitoring services are a real Godsend especially for when you are away from your home or business. Knowing that your premises are being monitored and kept safe in your absence is a true blessing and enables you to enjoy your time away, especially if you’re on vacation.
WHY CHOOSE CALDER SECURITY FOR YOUR CCTV SECURITY SYSTEM NEEDS?
At Calder Security, we offer you complete CCTV security system services, from installation to repairing and monitoring to maintaining, for both your home and business.
We are Yorkshire’s leading independent security company and here is why you should choose us for all your CCTV needs:
- We can design, supply, and install a range of domestic and commercial CCTV systems.
- We offer both analogue HD and IP camera systems and can advise on the best solution for your home and business needs.
- We have qualified security specialist engineers to help you every step along the way.
- We are SSAIB approved installers and follow all the best practices in the industry.
- We do not compromise on quality and ensure your utmost safety by installing only high-quality, state-of-the-art CCTV equipment.
- We’ve been in the security industry since 1976 and are specialists at what we do.
- We provide full training on equipment provided. We won’t just install your CCTV monitoring system and leave. We always make sure our customers are comfortable with the equipment and know-how to use it properly.
- You can call us even if you already have a system installed. We can add additional cameras to your existing systems or reveal vulnerabilities.
- For our CCTV monitoring services, we use trusted Remote Video Receiving Centres (RVRC). You can rely on us for your safety and security needs. Know that you are in safe, capable hands.
- We are experienced in repairing a range of CCTV systems.
- We can recommend and guide you to make improvements to your CCTV systems including better positioning of the cameras.
- We are experts in repairing both analogue and IP camera systems.
- We provide timely appointments to our valued customers. We would hate for you to wait.
- We are a Wakefield based company, covering the entire West Yorkshire region and beyond.
Calder Security offers comprehensive security system services for all your needs. Keep yourselves, your loved ones, and your property safe and protected. Contact us for a quote for CCTV monitoring systems right away!
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