Month: September 2013

How many CCTV systems out there just don’t work?

Over the last 4 years I have had the pleasure of visiting many sites primarily with regard to assessing the condition of the security systems on site. Forgetting the intruder alarms and access control which generally leave a lot to be desired the state of CCTV systems in general is shocking.

The recession has led to a marked deterioration in maintenance  and a lack of  upgrades that are crying out to be done. It never ceases to amaze how businesses have invested in CCTV systems and then just let them go to rack and ruin.

Part of the issue to be fair is probably the lack of upgrade choices that have been around. Let’s be honest who wants to swap an analogue system for an analogue system? Pretty pointless. Equally IP has proved to be even less of a draw. Price has historically been an issue and performance unconvincing. It’s no wonder across the UK CCTV is just not being used to its full potential and in many cases is not fit for purpose.

So what is the solution? We have 3 choices Direct IP. HD SDI and HD IP. The over riding benefit of all three is HD . Its HD CCTV that makes CCTV systems useful, fit for purpose and the obvious upgrade path. Over the next few weeks we will look at the benefits of each of these systems and where they are best deployed.

Until then just remember if you have a CCTV system that quite simply does not do what you need, look to invest in HD CCTV and get clear usable images. UPGRADE  NOW

Buy IR illuminator for HD CCTV

If you wish to buy IR illuminator products for HD CCTV look no further than the Clarius range. Clarius are seen within the industry as the main source of competition to RayTec who have long dominated the market. How have RayTec done this and why are Clarius so hot on their heels? The simple answer is quality. Both manufacturers have ensured that quality is their primary goal. Longevity and reliability are key factors that ensure the end user can be more than satisfied when they decide to deploy either IR illuminators or White light illuminators to enhance their CCTV system to ensure quality images at night.

Of course with the white light version they have other uses giving targeted light to reduce light pollution and provide working light in many situations,  in fact every situation that requires a reliable, easily maintained lighting  solution.

The Clarius range of illuminators

So how have Clarius gained traction in the market place against their main competition? Mainly due to 4 compelling reasons. Firstly they have marketed their product well over the last 12 months. Secondly they have produced longer range units and an explosive proof version to boot. A third factor is the self cleaning lens, vital for reducing maintenance and keeping those ongoing costs down. Finally and most significant is the cost. This has been kept low and value for money is assured.

As the word spreads,  Claruis is fast becoming the benchmark in the industry, something that can only improve CCTV lighting choice for everyone.

Buy HD CCTV it makes all the difference

Many people have expressed concerns over the years regarding HD CCTV camera systems. It becomes particularly contentious when the system installed is in a public area. However we have yet to meet a person who has been a victim of crime and has been able to recover their goods or receive justice in a court of law who is not expressly grateful that CCTV cameras were installed in the first place. Modern regulation ensures that CCTV cameras cannot be used to snoop, in fact heavy fines can be imposed if anyone is found to be using CCTV inappropriately. Of course the introduction of HD CCTV systems means that the ability to gain enhanced evidence is vastly improved. HD CCTV is an immensely powerful tool.

 

It is because HD CCTV has become so powerful that many a  business is installing it. However if HD CCTV is deployed it  is important to do so responsibly and inform customers and members of staff of its existence and what it is being used for. This way you will gain their trust and cooperation. If you wish to install CCTV, you should have a clear reason for installing the system, such as a recent increase in thefts or areas of your premises which may be vulnerable to health and safety infringements or accidents. Having a clear motive for using a system ensures that you are using the HD CCTV properly, and transparency with customers and members of staff means that all involved can understand the reasons and benefits of HD CCTV. Your HD CCTV system should be used with the principal aim of monitoring your premises and keeping all on site safe.

 

An important point to remember is that an HD CCTV system must have a record of where and how the information is recorded and stored. Keep it safe and only store what you need. Do not ever store images over 28 days unless you have very good reason for this. The very best HD CCTV system will enable the user to retrieve images quickly and efficiently without having to trawl through lots of useless information. Recording on motion reduces search time and means you are more likely to find the information you are searching for. Most users of HD CCTV find they have had great success with the HD CCTV footage and it’s a real aid in investigating incidents that have occurred on their site.

 

It’s great to hear people praise CCTV systems these days instead of the perennial moaning we are used to about how images are not fit for purpose. HD CCTV is here and now making a huge difference