What To Look For When Buying CCTV?

What are the things to look for when buying CCTV? When looking to purchase a CCTV system, understanding the terminology and selecting the right cables, recorder, cameras, and working within a specific budget is important.

Here are some key things to look for when buying CCTV.

#1. Look for newer technology

The first thing you want to avoid is buying outdated analog technologies like 960h or 700TVL. Only purchase a CCTV system that offers IP technology or high definition pictures.

#2 Set your budget in advance

Similar to the point above, if you don’t understand the technology you could end up buying an outdated system that won’t be fit for purpose, let alone offer value for money. Do your research in advance and set your budget ensuring that you purchase a reasonably priced system, that offers at a minimum high definition cameras.

#3 What type of cameras do you need?

The next question you need to ask yourself is whether you want indoor or outdoor cameras. Do you want them to be discreet or to act as a visual deterrent? What range will they have to cover and do you need them to have a night vision capability?

#4 Study the key features of the cameras

The area that you wish each camera to cover will determine the most suitable lens you require. Unlike human eyes, CCTV camera lenses do not auto adjust.

On the surface, most CCTV cameras look the same, but internally the features such as image sensors can be very different. A high-quality, recognized brand CCTV system will most likely offer you a better quality image sensor.

These can produce much higher quality pictures that are clearer, they usually operate both at night and during the day.

#5 A high-quality recorder is important

Also referred to as a DVR (digital video recorder) your CCTV recorder will record your imagery to a hard disk drive system. The stored capacity of your DVR is important. How many days of storage can an offer before it will automatically be overwritten?

For example, if you’re going to be absent from the premises for a long period you need to ensure that the footage for this entire period fits on your DVR.

How the system operates is also important will it record continuously or be motion activated. Motion activated systems will automatically increase your storage capacity, but are more expensive and the technology is more sensitive.

Some systems will offer you the ability to include privacy masking. I love you to protect the anonymity of people recorded in your system. He also made me consider whether you can use your system via your mobile phone, laptop computer or tablet.

Most modern systems offer full smartphone access with a variety of different built-in features.

#6 Types of cables you need

Systems that come with pre-made leads operated on a plug in play basis we need you don’t need any additional special skills or knowledge to install them the power video connectors are already built into the cable

If you’re working with a coaxial cable base CCTV system, you may need a professional to help you install it. Is especially true if it’s a power based coaxial cable system, as he’s going to usually combine supplies and power connectors that need additional skill sets to install.

Wireless systems may seem attractive on the surface but should be avoided.

#7 Purchase a high-quality monitor

One of the last things you’ll require when setting up your CCTV system is a monitor. You can work with either a TV or a computer monitor.

If you’re operating a high definition CCTV system, make sure that your monitor can support the resolution. Don’t assume that HD ready TVs can take the video signal needed. You may also encounter issues with certain computer monitors.

#8. Do you want a standalone or supported CCTV system

The final consideration you will need to consider when purchasing your CCTV system is whether you want to get pay for additional support.

The best advice is to purchase a fully supported system that will allow your suppliers access to your broadband, router, smartphone or PC to help quickly resolve any issues you have with your system.

If you’re going to work with a supported CCTV system, you need to ensure you’re working with a reputable company.

What To Look For When Buying CCTV? – Conclusion

Only purchase systems that come from companies that have a traceable returns address and trackable shipping that also come with a minimum of 2 years warranty.