Benefits of Installing CCTV Systems for Security

If you own a business, security is of paramount importance in your mind, but the type of security system you need will vary depending on the type of business you run. Whether you require full security monitoring or a simple security camera to make its presence known, CCTV systems provide you the greatest flexibility for the lowest cost. These are just a few of the benefits you’ll get when you choose to use a CCTV camera and security system to make your business safer.

Deterrent

The mere presence of a security camera and CCTV security system will serve as a deterrent to shoplifters, thieves and burglars. Thieves aren’t stupid. They’ll avoid stealing if there’s a high risk of being caught on camera. A visible surveillance camera is sometimes enough to reduce your shrinkage by appreciable amounts.

In addition to deterring thieves, CCTV systems can also deter your staff and employees from bad behavior. When you place a security camera at the point of sale and in storage areas, your staff will think twice about stealing from you, and will be more likely to engage in behaviors that you want them to use.

Tip: Employees often feel resentful when management installs a security camera. You can blunt that resentment considerably by rewarding good behavior when you capture it on the security camera.

Protection

CCTV systems can serve as an early warning system that trouble may be brewing in entertainment and retail venues. While most small business owners can’t afford high-tech video analysis software you see on “Las Vegas” and other shows, a security camera and human monitor can easily spot unnatural gatherings of people and traffic patterns that suggest danger. The early warning allows you to deploy security to the scene before problems actually develop.

In addition, a surveillance camera trained on your parking lot and back entries can alert you to possible intruders, vandals and thieves, allowing you to call the police and apprehend the wrongdoers or scare them off.

Insurance Requirements

CCTV systems can reduce your insurance premiums and help you meet conditions required by your insurance company. A CCTV camera can help investigators determine the legitimacy of an accident claim, for example, or help them determine how a loss occurred. A video record of the any incident makes it easier for police to investigate and may provide evidence for prosecution.

When you consider all the benefits of CCTV systems for your small business, it’s easy to see that the cost of purchase and installation is an investment in safety that will repay itself in no time.

CCTV Systems and Security Tips for Your Home

CCTV systems are coming into wider use as home surveillance and security systems. Installing a security camera with remote surveillance capability can definitely increase your peace of mind and help keep your property and family safer in many ways. If you’re considering CCTV systems for surveillance and security, keep these home safety tips in mind.

Position a Security Camera to Oversee the Entry Points

A security camera aimed at your doors and entryways will allow you to view who is approaching your home before you open or answer the door. This can be especially important for any doors or entries that aren’t clearly viewable from the street.

Choose a Light-Activated Security Camera for Nighttime Backyard Surveillance

Couple a light-activated security camera with a motion-activated security light to cover the backyard or side yard at night. The camera will only run when the motion sensor on the light detects that someone has entered your yard, and the light will provide illumination for the camera. As an added bonus, the sudden burst of light has a good chance of scaring off any intruders before they attempt to break into your house.

Choose a Surveillance Camera that Can Be Activated Remotely for Indoor Areas

If you want to keep an eye on your home when you’re at work or away, choose a security camera that you can activate and view remotely via your tablet, computer or smart phone. This is the most common choice for parents who want to check in on the nanny or teenagers at home, as well as for those who worry about elderly parents on their own.

Keep the Shrubbery Well-manicured

Overgrown shrubbery and trees provide hiding places for would-be burglars and break-in artists. Make it a point to trim back bushes near the doors and windows so that they can be seen from the street. It will also make it harder for would-be intruders to hide from the security camera.

Watch Your Driveway

If you have more than one outdoor surveillance camera for your CCTV systems, aim one of them at your driveway, especially if it can’t be seen easily from house windows. Vehicle vandalism, break-ins and thefts are more common than residential break-ins in many neighborhoods.

CCTV systems are more affordable than ever. If you’ve been thinking about installing a security camera or surveillance system, check with your insurance company to find out if you’ll get a premium discount for providing additional security for your home.

How to Save Money on CCTV Systems

CCTV systems may be worth their weight in gold when it comes to providing peace of mind, reducing shrinkage and increasing your security, but if you’re on a budget, you’re on a budget. While it used to be a given that you’d spend a lot when buying a CCTV security system, improvements in technology have brought the price of CCTV systems into the affordable range for most homeowners and small business owners. Still, there are ways that you can save money when choosing the components, security camera, DVR and wiring for your security system.

Functionality

We’ve all seen the neat things that a CCTV security system can do on the TV crime shows. A high tech system can allow you to read a license plate from a reflection in a window across the street, right? High end CCTV systems can send you a text message when someone breaks into your home. They can predict crimes by analyzing behavior patterns – but those functions cost money – a lot of money. One of the best ways to save money on a CCTV security system is to only purchase one with the functionality that really matters to you. If all you need is a camera to see the front door, why should you pay for more?

Monitor

Back in TV Land, all CCTV systems are monitored by a full bank of monitors and at least one full-time person watching it all. In reality, most people don’t monitor their CCTV camera feeds 24/7. In fact, they may only step in to view the monitor if they know something is happening. If you don’t need a separate monitor, don’t pay for one. And if you do, you may actually have a suitable monitor hanging around your house. Talk to the experts at your security store to find out what requirements your monitor will have to meet.

Installation

Installation can add a hefty chunk of change to the total cost of your CCTV security system. If you’re reasonably handy, you can probably handle the installation yourself. You’ll find lots of online help with installing CCTV systems, including videos that walk you through everything from running wire through finished walls to turning on your surveillance camera.

DVR

If there’s one thing you really don’t want to skimp on, it’s the DVR connected to your security camera system. You’ll save money by buying a standalone DVR, but you’ll miss out on many of the features that are a given with a PC-based DVR system. If all you really need is recording, storage and viewing video on request, you can save a lot with an inexpensive standalone DVR, but you’ll miss out on things like PTZ controls, alarm inputs and hybrid capabilities.

Wiring

Most analog security camera systems use coax cable or Siamese cable to transmit data, but you can also run the cabling with CAT5 cable. It will run both the power and the data to your IP camera, saving you about 65 percent the cost of Siamese cable.

Finally, keep in mind that CCTV systems can significantly reduce your insurance premiums, and, in retail or commercial operations, save you a considerable amount of costs in reduced shrinkage.

Using CCTV Systems to Improve Your Business

If you’ve ever watched the SpikeTV reality show “Bar Rescue” or Bravo’s reality show “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” you’ve probably wondered what a surveillance camera in your business would show you when you’re not there to watch. In reality, CCTV systems can help you improve your business in many ways – and not just by playing gotcha with your staff. When you install a surveillance camera – or a few of them – you get the same chance that winning football coaches have when they view tapes of Sunday’s game: you get an overview of your business and how it works from a more objective position. Here are a few things you can evaluate and recognize when you install a CCTV camera in various important points in your business operation.

Efficiency

“Bar Rescue” plays heavily on the dramatic confrontations and the OMG-she-didn’t factor with employees, but when they get down to brass tacks to make recommendations, the fixes often focus on very practical points. One of the most common fixes is a simple rearrangement of the elements behind the bar. When you watch what happens in your restaurant, bar or service shop on a surveillance camera, it’s far easier to spot problems like poor traffic patterns. You may not notice how much time it takes to walk to the end of the counter to pick up a needed item, but when you observe it happening on the security camera 50 times a night, you recognize how much it impacts your staff’s ability to respond to your customers quickly and efficiently.

Customer Service Issues

On “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” the CCTV systems often show areas where customer service is poor, slow, sloppy or rude. It’s a reality show, so they obviously go out of their way to accent behavior that is downright rude and disrespectful. In real reality, though, customer service errors are often much subtler. Security footage can help you pinpoint where customers are let down – perhaps kept waiting at a counter while the one person on duty answers a telephone – and make the changes necessary to remedy the problem. You may realize that you need a second person at the counter during specific hours, for example, or notice that one or more of your staff needs a refresher course on the basics of customer service.

Obviously, CCTV systems are more often used to pinpoint serious employee problems or keep an eye on your staff. They have other uses, though, and helping you identify and remedy customer service and efficiency problems.

CCTV Systems for Your Church

As much as we’d like to think that churches have their own security systems, in the real world even a church can take advantage of CCTV systems for security and other uses. In fact, there are a number of ways that CCTV systems and security camera systems can be very useful for a church and congregation. Here are just a few of the ways to use CCTV security for your church premises.

Parking Lot Surveillance

A surveillance camera trained on the church parking lot can help safeguard parishioners’ cars while they attend services. A very visible security camera with warning signs can deter would-be thieves and vandals, and a surveillance camera can provide footage to help determine fault in church parking lot fender benders, especially hit-and-run bumps that often go unreported.

Children’s Room Surveillance

If your church provides child care during services so that parents can attend undistracted, a surveillance camera can provide assurance that children are being properly watched and cared for while in the care of church volunteers and staff. The video feed from the child care room can also serve as reassurance to parents, who can “check in” on their little ones to make sure they’ve settled in and are comfortable being left.

Quiet Room Video Feed

CCTV systems provide more than security. If your congregation provides a “quiet room” where parents with young children can watch the services without worrying that their children will disturb the congregation, a CCTV camera and monitor can bring the sermon and services to them, up close and personal. It’s a far more personal setup than a glass wall with PA speakers.

Broadcast Local Services

If you choose IP-based security, your church can provide remote broadcasts of services for local shut-ins using the same technology as CCTV systems. Simply make the security feed from a specific CCTV camera available at the specific IP and provide login information for viewing services. Shut-ins no longer have to feel left out of the congregation, thanks to modern security camera technology.

Protect Clergy from False Accusations

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that some members of the clergy have abused their positions of influence. Another unfortunate fact, stemming from the first, is that there are some unscrupulous lay people who have made false accusations against clergy in the hope of getting a settlement. An unobtrusive CCTV camera can help protect clergy from false accusations by proving their innocence of the charges should the need arise.

CCTV systems are surprisingly affordable, and easily within the budget of most churches and congregations. Consider the many ways that a CCTV camera system can be beneficial to your community and you’ll see how much sense it makes to install a CCTV security system.

Choosing Cameras for CCTV Systems

Security cameras are a vital part of all CCTV systems. The security camera choices you make will affect the quality of your security footage, which will affect exactly how you can use that footage. The right surveillance cameras for your CCTV systems will can provide better protection, allow you to run facial recognition or crowd control software, let you pick up even the smallest movements in low-light situations and even film surveillance in total darkness. These tips can help you figure out what features you need in your CCTV camera choices for the uses you intend to make of them.

Do You Want Remote Access to Your CCTV Systems and Footage?

The easiest way to make sure that you have remote access to your CCTV system is with a PC-based server running on a network. In most cases, that will mean an IP security camera setup with wireless access, but it’s not an absolute given.

Do You Want the Ability to Reconfigure Your Security Camera Positions?

A wired surveillance camera system is pretty much limited to the configuration you originally design. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’ve worked out your surveillance patterns and know exactly what coverage your business or home needs. Wired CCTV systems are more secure and often provide better images than wireless, so there’s a lot to be said for them.

If, on the other hand, you may want to move cameras to different locations, a wireless security camera solution is the better choice. You’ll still usually have to locate your cameras near an electrical outlet, but you won’t have to run wires to them.

How Much Light is Available for Recording Images?

The amount of light available for camera recording will be an important factor in which type of security camera you choose. If you want to record in low light, you’ll need equipment capable of recording with limited lighting. If you want to be able to record in total darkness, you’ll need a security camera with infrared capabilities.

Will Any of the Cameras Be Outdoors?

Outdoor security cameras need weather-resistant camera housings. If they’re in locations that are accessible from the ground, you may also want to choose a surveillance camera with a protective screen to avoid damage from thrown objects and other types of vandalism.

Do You Want Your Cameras to Serve as a Deterrent?

CCTV systems serve two purposes. One is surveillance. The other is deterrence. If you want to discourage bad behavior, such as shoplifting, an obvious security camera is a good choice. If you want to do covert surveillance, dome cameras are a better choice.

Of course, it’s also important that the security cameras you choose for your CCTV systems must also be compatible with the recording device and monitors you’re using. If you need more help choosing the right security cameras for your system, most vendors will be happy to give you advice.

Tips on Buying Security Cameras for CCTV Systems

Are you considering the purchase of a CCTV camera for security or surveillance purposes? There are a number of important things to keep in mind when buying cameras for CCTV systems. There are literally hundreds of security cameras and surveillance cameras on the market today. Some of them will be useful for your security needs. Some of them are little more than fun gadgets. Choosing the right surveillance camera to go with your security system can be confusing for the average customer. These tips from a top CCTV security expert can help you make the right choice.

Evaluate Your Needs

The first step in choosing the right security camera is to determine exactly why you need it. Where will you put a surveillance camera? Will it be indoors or outdoors? What use will you make of the surveillance footage? Will you be recording video in the dark? The answers to these questions are important in determining the features your camera will should have.

Know the Standards

When it comes to security cameras, you pay the price for high quality images. One of the biggest factors in determining the quality of the footage you record and see is the frames per second (fps) rate – the number of images that the camera processes per second. The higher the frame rate, the better the quality of the images – but keep in mind that there is such a thing as overkill. If you’re doing security for a casino or a bank, you’ll want a CCTV camera with 30 fps capability. If you’re buying a security camera to scout out shoplifters and help manage traffic in a mall, 15-20 fps is about right. If you’re providing a security camera for home security, you don’t need much more than about 7 fps. If you choose something bigger, you’re just showing off – and wasting money.

Check the Resolution

The other factor that affects image quality is resolution, which is measured in horizontal TV lines, abbreviated TVL. As with fps, the higher the TVL, the better the picture will be. A normal camera range is about 350 to 400 TVL. A high res CCTV camera may go as high as 480 or 500 TVL, which are an excellent choice for congested and high-crime areas.

Do You Need Infrared?

IR is the buzzword for high-tech surveillance camera applications. Infrared cameras work even in pitch dark, so they’re ideal for 24/7 surveillance. Before you invest a rather significant chunk of change into an infrared security camera, however, decide if you really need the additional expense .

Color vs. B&W

Talk to a security expert to discuss the differences between color and black and wight picture quality. A color security camera will cost more but can offer you better picture quality. Monochrome cameras, on the other hand, deliver decent video quality, and can actually provide better picture quality under some circumstances.

Lock for Package Deals Online

One way to be sure you get the right security camera for your use is to buy from an online site that sells package deals, which comes with everything you need – DVR, security camera, cables and everything else. You can be certain that all of your parts will work together and cut your shopping time in half.

Finally, check the warranty on the security camera you’re researching. The warranty can make a big difference in your bottom line. Choosing CCTV cameras may be confusing, but when you know a little bit about the features and benefits of a security, you’ll find it much easier to outfit your CCTV systems.

DIY CCTV Systems for Small Retailers

Are you looking for affordable CCTV systems for your small store? If you’ve shopped around with security companies, you’ve probably found that most of them will quote you as much as $15,000 to install a simple CCTV security system for you. Did you know that for 10 percent of that price, or about $1,500, you can buy CCTV systems with up to 8 security cameras – and the capability to connect up to 8 more – along with everything you need to set up your own CCTV security system, including a DVR, hard drive and computer case? Yes, you could do it yourself and save up to 90 percent of the cost of having one installed.

In fact, you could even hire a local electrician run the wiring for you and still save thousands of dollars on a customized security system for your place of business. With the proper help and equipment, you can easily install your own CCTV camera and security system in less than a day.

Not sure what you need for your store? You’ve got a lot of choices, and most online CCTV retailers will be happy to provide you with technical information and advice to help you determine the best setup for your store. These are just a few of the options you might consider.

Wireless IP Security Camera System

Wireless security camera systems and surveillance camera systems have become very popular with both business owners and homeowners. Many of them are of the nanny cam type, and can be easily set up anywhere with electrical access – some even have battery storage so you don’t even need to locate them near an electrical outlet. You can access the feed from many of these cameras from any computer on the Internet or from your mobile phone. If you’re computer savvy enough to set up a home network with security, you can probably set up your own wireless security camera system.

DVR and CCTV System

If you want to record surveillance with your security camera, you’ll need a computer with the right software or a dedicated DVR. You can purchase either with as few as four and as many as 16 surveillance camera connections. Connecting everything together is a fairly simple process if you know how to follow instructions and can read a wiring diagram.

Whatever you decide, it’s important that all of the parts of your CCTV security system are compatible with each other. The best way to ensure that you get the right cameras, DVR, cabling and other CCTV equipment is to purchase from a vendor that offers entire CCTV systems in kits for installing yourself.

PTZ Cameras for CCTV Systems

CCTV systems are only as good as the security camera attached to them. One of the best choices to extend the capabilities of your CCTV system is a PTZ surveillance camera. PTZ – which stands for pan, tilt, zoom – allows you to survey larger areas, zoom in for higher detail and do automatic surveys of the area your cameras cover. In addition, a motor-driven PTZ security camera for your CCTV system can provide some other benefits that may not be so obvious.

Multiple Alarm Inputs

A PTZ security camera can be programmed to zero in on potential trouble based on input from an alarm contact. Most PTZ surveillance cameras allow for four alarm inputs, so you can hook your camera up to a motion detector, door and window contacts or other alarm device to activate your camera and draw its attention.

Programmed Sweeps and Tours

A PTZ CCTV camera can be set to do routine sweeps of multiple areas. You can, for example, program your security camera to sweep the entire parking lot every 5 minutes, then zoom to do closer sweeps of different sectors of the parking lot in between the broader sweeps. You can also program a PTZ security camera to focus on a large area and zoom in when triggered by an alarm signal.

Non-Obtrusive

Choose a PTZ dome camera for unobtrusive uses, such as surveillance of your business throughout the day. PTZ cameras are about the same size as a fixed security camera, and can be installed so that they are not obvious. In addition, a PTZ surveillance camera can be controlled from a remote location, making it easy to watch without being observed.

Weather Resistant

For outdoor use, choose a weather-resistant PTZ surveillance camera. Modern CCTV camera equipment is built to withstand exposure to the elements and housed in weather-resistant casing that keeps the motors safe.

Auto-Focus

A modern PTZ surveillance camera will use auto-focus to maintain focus at different zoom and distance levels. This is invaluable, especially in comparison to older CCTV camera systems that required manual focusing every time the camera’s focus moved.

A good PTZ security camera can extend the capabilities of most CCTV systems, allowing observers to get a better view of the area under surveillance, zoom in to get a closer look either manually or via alarm triggers and provide security better coverage of your retail, private or business premises. If you’re choosing a CCTV camera for your security system, consider investing in a high quality PTZ camera and reap the benefits.

Using CCTV Systems in Your Business

A good CCTV security system can help ensure that your business is safeguarded from many different types of threats. If you’re looking at CCTV systems with an eye to installing a surveillance camera in your public space, there are a number of things you should know about the use of CCTV systems and security camera use on your business property.

Security Systems for Shoplifting Loss Prevention

A surveillance camera can prevent loss from shoplifting in two different ways. First, a visible security camera can scare off many would-be shoplifters who would much rather not be seen on camera. They’ll avoid areas and stores that have an obvious CCTV security system. To get the most deterrent value out of your CCTV systems, choose bullet cameras and place them in plain sight.

Secondly, a well-placed surveillance camera allows you to view areas that aren’t in the line of sight from the register or other stations in the store. You can record video from your surveillance camera as well, which allows you to pinpoint shoplifting incidents you might have missed when they happened. That gives you the option of keeping a closer eye on specific people when they’re in your store.

Surveillance Camera to Monitor Employees

You may also choose to set up a CCTV system to monitor your employees at work. There are a number of reasons why you might choose to watch your employees covertly, and each of them requires a slightly different security camera layout. You can use a surveillance camera at the checkout to catch incidents where employees may be stealing from the register, or monitor the work floor to keep an eye on employee performance. If you do choose to use a surveillance camera and CCTV system to monitor your employees, it’s important that you check the laws regarding the use of surveillance in the workplace in your state. In general, you’re prohibited from placing surveillance cameras in areas where employees have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as in restrooms. In some states, you may also be required to inform employees that you’ll be monitoring the premises remotely.

Providing Security and Safety for Staff and Customers

One of the most important uses for a security camera on your business premises is to bolster security and safety for your staff and customers. If employees park their vehicles out of sight of the building, for example, a security camera on the employee parking lot can prevent car theft and vandalism while your employees are working. In high-risk areas, you can also make a point of monitoring the parking area after dark when employees leave to go to their cars.

CCTV systems provide many benefits for businesses that use them appropriately. Make sure you understand the laws governing the use of security and surveillance cameras before you install them, and that you’re clear in your reasons for needing a CCTV camera system for your business.

CCTV Systems Can Protect Your Business in Many Ways

If your business isn’t using a security system because you think it’s too expensive, it may be time to rethink your objections. While prices on CCTV systems has come down considerably over the past decade, that’s only one of the reasons that it just makes good business sense to install a CCTV security system to protect your business. Here are a few others.

Protect Your Business from Liability

When an accident happens on your business premises, your business could be held liable unless you can prove conclusively that it was not your fault. A CCTV camera trained on your entries, exits, parking lots and other areas where customers or employees might suffer an injury can provide the proof you need to successfully defend yourself in case of a lawsuit or insurance claim.

Protect Your Employees and Business from Unfounded Charges

When a customer accuses one of your employees of wrongdoing, video proof can help absolve him. It’s not unusual for customers in retail stores to claim they were given the wrong change or that a cashier or employee verbally or physically abused them. A surveillance camera at the point of sale can exonerate your employee and prove who was actually at fault or what really happened in a claimed altercation. That’s in addition to providing security footage for the police in case of a burglary or other crime.

Prevent Shoplifting and Other Crimes

Studies show that stores and other establishments with CCTV systems suffer less crime than those with no security systems. A visible security camera can warn would-be burglars and shoplifters off and protect your store from a hefty percentage of inventory due to shrinkage. Given a choice of stealing from a store with a security camera and one without, most thieves will move on to the softer target and leave the stores with CCTV systems alone.

Protect Employees’ Belongings

If your employees park their cars out of sight of the building, those cars are more prone to theft and vandalism than your customers’ cars, if for no other reason than that they’re parked there for hours at a time. A surveillance camera positioned to keep watch over the parking lot can help reduce vandalism and theft from your parking lot. Likewise, a security camera in the employee break room or other room where employees leave their belongings can help reduce employee theft.

CCTV systems are not only effective for deterring crime, such as shoplifting and burglary. They can also protect your business from other losses that are natural consequences of doing business in today’s world.

Home CCTV Systems Information and Advice

Most people in the US have become used to the idea that they are under the surveillance of CCTV systems when they shop or bank, and in many other public places. These days, however, you’re just as likely to encounter CCTV security system in private homes as many homeowners install CCTV camera systems to protect their homes from invasion and provide unexpected safety features for our families. In fact, according to one major electronics company, sales of home CCTV systems increased by more than 70% in some major US urban markets.

How People Use CCTV Systems

A major UK website surveyed its members not long ago and found that 2 percent already owned an installed CCTV system, and 9 percent were planning to install one in the next six months. Of those who already use a CCTV camera and recorder to monitor their property, 82 percent said they use it outside the house and 50 percent say they use their CCTV systems to monitor happenings inside the house.

CCTV and Legalities

If you’re planning to install a CCTV camera, check with your local law enforcement to find out if there are laws you must follow. In some areas, for example, it may be illegal to point your camera toward the street or other public space or at your neighbors’ homes or yards. Even if there are no laws against it, be mindful of privacy concerns unless you want to become a test case for new CCTV privacy laws.

Tips For Choosing Home CCTV Systems

Wireless systems offer a number of advantages, including flexibility and ease of installation. They also have some drawbacks that may make them impractical for your use. For example, the wireless signal from camera to recorder or display can suffer from interference with your cordless phone, your microwave or your router, and may be blocked by brickwork or metal objects.

If you’re placing your CCTV camera outside, make sure that you choose a weatherproof camera and position the camera where no one can tamper with it. Wireless cameras are not recommended for indoor use unless they use an encrypted signal because anyone nearby can intercept the signal if they have a compatible receiver.

Choosing the right CCTV camera and recording option can be a tricky process, but most websites and stores that sell CCTV systems have experts on hand who will help you narrow down your choices to those that work best for your needs and your budget. Take advantage of the expert advice to make sure that you get the best and most useful system for your money.

Four Things to Know About CCTV Systems

If you’re in the market for a security or surveillance system, CCTV systems are your best option. Choosing the right CCTV system, however, isn’t always easy. There’s a lot of lingo and technical jargon that can make it difficult to understand exactly what you’re getting. Understanding some of these important facts can help you make the best choice of CCTV security systems for your home or business.

A Wired CCTV System Is More Secure than Wireless

While wireless surveillance systems offer a lot of flexibility and convenience, wired CCTV systems are more secure against intrusion. On a wireless system, a skilled hacker can figure out how to log onto your server and monitor or alter your feeds. While the chances of that happening are generally low, it can be a legitimate concern if you don’t want others watching what happens on your property.

A Wireless Security Camera Offers More Flexibility

On the other side of the argument, a wireless surveillance camera gives you a lot more flexibility than most wired CCTV systems. You can place the camera anywhere you want as long as it’s within transmission range of the receiver without worrying about wires showing to give the location or the presence of the camera away. If your intent is to do covert surveillance – and you should be aware of the laws that govern the use of covert surveillance camera systems – then a wireless system is probably a better choice for you.

The Video Resolution Determines How Much Detail Your CCTV Camera Records

The video resolution of your security camera determines the level of detail that your security videos see and record. Higher resolution cameras provide more detail, but take up more memory space on your DVDs or hard drive. A high resolution surveillance camera will also be more expensive, so weigh your priorities carefully. If you want the kind of detail you see on “CSI” or “Criminal Minds,” you’ll pay a hefty price for it. If you’ve got no reason to blow up a screen capture 350 times to count the fly specks on a windshield, a very high-res camera is probably a waste of your money.

Your CCTV Camera, Monitor and Recorder Must All Be Compatible

There are several different standards in use by the CCTV industry and it’s easy to get confused by them. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a security camera that won’t talk to your receiver or your monitor. If you’re unsure, a professional at a CCTV security store can help you with your decision.

CCTV systems provide your home or business with an unparalleled level of security. Make sure you understand what you’re buying before you make your purchase.

Four Ways That CCTV Systems Can Improve Your Security

CCTV systems used to be an expensive alternative to security systems for retail and home use, but technology has brought the price for high-quality CCTV systems well within the range of nearly any business owner. If you’re looking for a way to improve the security in your shop, store or other business, consider these advantages and benefits of using a security camera and CCTV system to monitor and safeguard your property.

Round the Clock CCTV Monitoring Keeps Your Property Safe

Indoors or out, security cameras provide round-the-clock monitoring for your property. An obviously mounted CCTV camera serves as a deterrent to would-be thieves and vandals, who will frequently bypass a protected property to find easier pickings. If you combine a CCTV security system with active monitoring, you’ll have immediate notification when something goes wrong at your business. Even if you opt out of round-the-clock monitoring, your security camera will still record what’s happening. You can review the recordings in the morning and store them in case they’re needed for evidence.

Outside and Indoor Security Cameras Protect Your Employees

Mount a security camera to monitor remote parking areas or storage rooms to provide oversight and protection to employee cars and employee safety when they’re working in remote areas. Protecting your employees and their property will have the fortunate side effect of increasing productivity.

Protect Your Store from False Lawsuits

While most people consider CCTV security systems to be loss prevention tools, they can also serve to protect you and your employees from false lawsuits. Your security cameras can provide the evidence you need to stop a fake slip-and-fall lawsuit in its tracks, or back up an employee involved in an altercation with a customer.

Reduce Loss Due to Employee Theft of All Kinds

No one likes to think his employees may be cheating him, but it’s an unfortunate fact of many businesses. As night life expert Jon Taffer shows week after week on “Bar Rescue”, employees often take advantage of the business owner – often without even realizing they’re doing it. CCTV systems can monitor your employees and help you pinpoint loss, wasted movements and inefficiency. Once you find the problems, you can address them and improve your bottom line.

When CCTV systems are so inexpensive and can save you so much trouble and cost, installing security cameras and CCTV security systems is one of the best business decisions you can make.

CCTV systems keep your eyes everywhere

If you run an entertainment venue, you know how hard it can be to have eyes on everything that might happen. CCTV systems are among the best ways to put more eyes in areas that need the most surveillance. Choosing the right surveillance camera, monitor and recording options for your CCTV systems can be confusing unless you plan out your needs ahead of time. When you know what you expect from your CCTV system, you can choose the features you want and need.

How Many Areas?

The first thing you need to decide is how many security cameras you’ll need based on the number and size of the areas you need to cover. Think strategically. Ideally, you’d be able to provide total surveillance camera coverage of your entire club (with the exception of those areas the law prohibits you from placing surveillance cameras), but few small businesses can manage total coverage under their budgets. If you need to pick and choose, figure out the areas where trouble is most likely to start and prioritize them for a CCTV camera. Once you know how many cameras you’ll need, you can start looking at receivers.

Choosing a Receiver

Most small businesses today choose PC-based CCTV systems because they can provide a lot of storage space, but DVR-based systems are also popular. Decide how much surveillance footage you want to store and choose a recording method that offers the best solution. Keep in mind that DVR disks occupy far less space than videotapes, and hard drive storage – while limited – can be the best solution of all if your storage space is extremely limited. Consider backup methods, and of course, choose a display or receiver that can handle input from the number of cameras you’ve decided you need.

Resolution and Light

In a performance or entertainment venue, you’ll probably want to choose CCTV camera options with low light or IR recording capabilities. Beyond that, you’ll need to strike a balance between the amount of resolution you need and the size of the files you’ll be saving. Higher resolution gives you more detail, which can be important in your business. On the other hand, high resolution generates very large surveillance files.

Don’t forget to include your outdoor areas when deciding on the number of cameras your CCTV system should have. If you have a parking lot for patrons, it can easily become a magnet for dangerous and even illegal behaviors if you don’t provide a surveillance camera. Finally, if your venue checks IDs at the door, consider CCTV systems that allow you to store still photographs alongside your video data. Capturing ID information at the door can provide proof that your doormen are adequately checking identification if you ever face a challenge to your policies.

Five Reasons to Install a CCTV System

CCTV systems are among the most popular options for providing high-tech security in retail, hospitality and home settings. Small CCTV systems are very affordable, and the technology is advanced and simplified enough that many home or business owners can install their own security cameras and set up their own CCTV security system. While installation may be easy enough for the experienced do-it-yourself enthusiast, selecting the right CCTV system can be a bit more complicated. These questions and answers can help you choose among the many CCTV camera and security systems on the market.

What Do You Want It to Do?

Your choices about cameras, recording systems and just about everything else will depend upon one simple thing: what do you want your CCTV system to do? What do you hope to achieve by installing a CCTV camera and security system? In general, people purchase a security system for one or several of the following reasons:

Record Footage of Criminal Activity

Recorded security footage is invaluable in helping to stop shoplifting and vandalism and useful in helping police investigation. Depending on the quality of the video recorded, CCTV systems can also be instrumental in securing a conviction.

Reduce Shrinkage

Shrinkage is one of the most constant overhead expenses for any business. A security camera is useful in capturing the identity of customers who leave a restaurant without paying or drive off without coming in to pay for their gasoline purposes. A recorded security video can provide the information needed to hold the thieves responsible.

Monitor Staff

Most business owners are amazed to find out just how much shrinkage and loss is the direct result of employee theft, inefficiency and waste. A CCTV security system allows managers and business owners to monitor staff when they’re not on the premises. If you’re planning to install a security camera system to monitor staff, be sure to check the laws regarding surveillance camera placement and any required notifications in your state or province.

Protect from Liability

The hospitality industry and retail industries are frequently targeted by scam artists who hope to make a quick buck with a slip-and-fall accident or by accusing employees of wrongdoing. A CCTV system can help you prove or disprove the truth about allegations in this type of legal issue. A system that watermarks the recorded footage with the time and date can be especially useful in these cases.

Reduce Insurance Costs

Nearly all insurers will provide healthy discounts to business and home owners that secure their premises with CCTV systems. CCTV security helps reduce loss and enables investigation into possible insurance claims. That reduces the likelihood of false claims, which makes insurance companies happy. When they’re happy, they charge you less money.

Once you have a good idea of the reasons you want to install a CCTV system, you’ll be able to lay out your needs to a salesperson or consultant who can help you choose the right security cameras and recording system for your needs.

How A CCTV System Can Help Protect Your Home and Loved Ones

When most people think of CCTV security systems, they usually imagine the complicated systems used by law enforcement in big cities or by big corporations or retail stores. Those systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars and provide a very specific type of security. They rely upon a manned security office with a person watching the CCTV feed to identify breeches of security. Obviously, those high-end CCTV security systems aren’t for everyone. They’re neither necessary, nor cost effective.

Advances in CCTV technology and security camera technology, however, have brought the prices for video security systems and surveillance cameras within reach of any small business owner and homeowner. If you’ve never considered the ways that a CCTV security system can keep your home and loved ones safer, consider these ideas.

Front Door Security

People who live in condominiums or apartment buildings without a visual security system have no way to determine who is ringing their doorbell without leaving their apartment and going to the door. A CCTV camera and monitor allows tenants to check and see who is at the door before ringing them in or going downstairs and exposing themselves to danger. A wireless security camera system is much easier to install than a wired CCTV system, and is affordable enough for even those individuals who own a three-family home. The added security makes your building safer and adds value to your property.

Remote Surveillance

A recent local news story highlighted another advantage of installing a home security camera. A local businessman had installed an inexpensive security system and a separate surveillance camera in his home. One afternoon when he was at the office, he got a notice that his security system had gone off. Using his web browser, he checked the feed of his security camera and spotted burglars in his living room. He immediately began recording his screen and notified police of the burglary in progress. The police caught the burglars in the act and the video was instrumental in convicting them of the crime.

Outdoor Approaches

A well-placed CCTV camera can keep an eye on your driveway or your backyard, serving as both a deterrent and a protection. A visible security camera is often enough to keep burglars and vandals from targeting a home because few thieves want to risk being caught on camera.

Stories like these are becoming more and more common as homeowners become more aware of how affordable it is to protect your home with a CCTV system. If you haven’t ever considered a surveillance camera or CCTV system, take a closer look at how a little security can make your home a lot safer.

Choosing the Best CCTV System for Your Needs

As the cost of CCTV systems has come down, more and more people are choosing to install CCTV security in their homes and small businesses. There are many different types of security camera and CCTV recording systems, each of them best suited for different types of applications. Choosing the right system for your needs requires knowing your expectations and understanding a little bit about the capabilities of various types of surveillance camera systems.

Do You Want Surveillance or Security?

Surveillance camera and security camera are often used interchangeably, but there’s a fine point of difference. If you want to keep an eye on things going on in a location, you want a surveillance camera. CCTV cameras used for surveillance may be hidden or obvious. Generally, though, if you want a security system that provides a deterrent, you’ll want to choose a security camera and CCTV setup that you can set up in plain view. Most burglars will avoid a home or business that is obviously protected by a security system.

Will Your Security Camera Be Indoors or Outdoors?

If the area you want to cover is outdoors, such as your driveway, parking lot or back yard, you’ll want to choose a camera with a weatherproof housing. You’ll probably also want a security camera with the capability of recording in low light situations, or a camera with infrared capabilities.

Do You Want Real-time Surveillance, Recording or Both?

CCTV systems with DVRs or hard drives can hold a great deal more data than old-fashioned videotape security systems. There are many different configurations for cameras and DVRs, as well as many different types of software you can choose to control your security camera and recording equipment. Be sure to choose components that are compatible with each other.

Will You Be Watching a Small Area or a Larger One?

A fixed security camera will work fine if you’re focusing on one small area and don’t need to change your view at all. If you want to cover a wider area or want to be able to zoom in or out, you’ll want to choose a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) surveillance camera to give you more options for surveillance.

Wireless or Wired?

Wireless systems are easier to install and deploy and more versatile than most wired systems. Wired systems are also usually more expensive than wireless or IP-based CCTV systems. On the other hand, wired CCTV systems are more secure and less prone to being hacked.

Choosing the right CCTV system can reduce your insurance premiums and increase your security. Take the time to shop carefully and find the best CCTV camera for your needs.

CCTVs: Cost Effective and Useful

CCTV security systems are one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your business from loss, according to security experts. According to one security consulting firm, up to 80 percent of people would consider stealing something if the chances of being caught are low enough. Without a good CCTV security system in place, your business is at a much greater risk of loss and theft from both customers and employees. A quality CCTV camera can protect your business from loss in more ways than one.

Protect Against Shoplifting

A visible CCTV camera provides an excellent deterrent to shoplifting, say security experts. The simple presence of a security camera is enough to discourage most shoplifting attempts. A combination of visible and hidden security cameras can greatly reduce shrinkage in retail stores because of the deterrent factor.

Reduce Employee Theft

The U.S. Department of Commerce estimate that employee theft contributes to about 30 percent of business failures. While it’s never pleasant to think your employees may be stealing from you, the consequences of blind trust could be the loss of your business. A surveillance camera can be a visible deterrent. A hidden security camera can help you pinpoint the sources of your loss.

Protect from Litigation

In a litigious world, evidence from a surveillance camera can be vital protection for your business if you find yourself involved in a lawsuit. A security camera can reveal the truth in situations where customers accuse your business or employees of mistreatment or claim that they were injured on your premises.

Protect Your Employees

A surveillance camera in vulnerable areas can help protect your employees from attack and injury. Video surveillance of employee parking areas, which are often removed from plain sight of your place of business, can be invaluable in protecting employee vehicles from damage and theft, and in protecting your employees when they walk to their cars after closing time.

Improve Efficiency

Video surveillance can help you pinpoint areas of inefficiency in your operations. Sometimes, employees fall into a routine way of doing things that reduces efficiency and productivity just because it’s always been done that way. A CCTV camera can help you or a consultant analyze your business routines and pinpoint changes you can institute to increase productivity and efficiency and reduce the chances of injury.

Thanks to improvements in technology, CCTV security systems are more affordable than ever. The cost of installing a CCTV camera and DVR will quickly be offset by the savings your business realizes in reduced theft and increased efficiency and safety.

Five Reasons to Install a CCTV Security System

Did you know that according to the experts, a CCTV security system can stop up to 67% of break-ins and burglaries? When a major CCTV camera maker surveyed 30 convicted burglars, two-thirds of them said that they avoided properties with an obvious burglar alarm or CCTV camera in evidence. Despite that, only about 9 percent of homeowners have a CCTV security system installed in their homes. If you’re not one of them, maybe one of these four other reasons will be enough to convince you.

Out of 1,000 homeowners questioned in the same survey, 25 percent of them had been the victims of a burglary. One in five of those said they would never get over the burglary and more than 50 percent of them said they still worry that it will happen again. In fact, based on the answers provided in that survey, burglary is more stressful than divorce, job loss, moving and getting married. Isn’t it worth the small cost of a CCTV camera and DVR to avoid all that stress and fear?

A stolen car can have far-reaching effects. Most stolen cars are never recovered, and when they are, they’ve often been damaged or destroyed. Even if you have theft insurance, you’ll have to deal with the hassle of a replacement. It can take weeks to get through all the paperwork for the insurance. In the meantime, you’re driving an unfamiliar vehicle, probably at a high cost. If you rely on your vehicle to get to work, a stolen car can put your job in danger. And, say experts, having your car stolen has unexpected emotional effects. And of course, your car insurance premiums are likely to increase. A CCTV camera trained on your driveway could avert the whole problem. Car thieves are every bit as wary of being caught on camera as burglars. Those that are caught on camera are far more likely to be caught in real life as well.

A security camera can allow you to check in on your kids and your home while you’re at work. If you chose an IP security camera, you can log in from any Internet-enabled device and make sure that everything is going well at home. The peace of mind and increased safety is priceless.

The cost of a CCTV security system is far lower than you’d expect. New technologies have brought prices well within the budget of nearly any homeowner – and your insurance company will often decrease your premiums if you install a burglar alarm and CCTV camera system.

Why leave your family and belongings unprotected when it’s so easy to reduce the chances of burglary by almost two-thirds? Talk to a professional about CCTV cameras and security systems today.

Five CCTV Camera Features to Look For

The price point has come down considerably on CCTV security systems and cameras. The best CCTV systems are only as good as the security camera you choose for them. Today’s surveillance cameras offer lots of features and options that can improve your overall security, if you know what to look for. These five key features can make a big difference in the quality of your CCTV security.

Night Vision or Low-Light Viewing

If your camera will ever be recording in low light situations, look for a camera with a low lux rating. The lower the lux rating, the better it can see in the dark. This can be important if you’re using CCTV to monitor outside. If you want a camera for total darkness, choose one with a 0 lux rating and a built-in IR illuminator.

Minimal Wiring

Even a wireless security camera requires a power outlet. If you’re installing a new security system, look for cameras that require minimal wiring. It’s always easier to pull one wire than to route two.

The Right Style

Your camera doesn’t have to be a fashion standout, but its style should suit its intended purpose. If your intent is to deter shoplifting or warn intruders away from your home, choose a bullet camera mounted very visibly. If you prefer your surveillance to be unnoticed, there are many covert security camera styles available.

Adjustability

Choose a security camera that suits your needs. If you only intend to monitor a limited area, a fixed surveillance camera may be just fine. If, on the other hand, you need to keep watch over a wider range or want to be able to get a closer look at suspicious activities, choose a PTZ security camera that can be panned, tilted and zoomed to get different views of the area.

Viewing

Consider whether you only want real-time monitoring or whether you need to record surveillance for later viewing. If the latter, choose a camera that can record captured images to a hard drive or DVR. Likewise, if you want to be able to view your camera feed remotely, choose a web access or IP CCTV camera that will allow you to access the video feed and control the camera from your Web browser, smart phone or other media device.

In addition to those key features, you should also consider such things as durability, picture quality and, for an outside CCTV security camera, weather resistance. When you take the time to  consider your needs, you’ll find it much easier to find the right surveillance camera for your security needs.