Pick the Right Camera Lens to Fit Your Needs

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CCTV cameras play an important role in deterring crime. You can use CCTV camera installer to secure your workplace and home premises. With a number of surveillance system variants available in the market, it can be difficult for you to choose the correct one. The system specifications need not be maximum and most recent but rather in accordance with your specific security needs. The camera lens is one of the most important factors while considering the specifications of your surveillance system. Right lens resolution will ensure good quality surveillance and can help you in identifying criminals. This blog post will explain to you the different types of lenses and how to choose the best one.

Type of lenses

There are three different types of lenses for a CCTV camera – fixed, varifocal and zoom. Each of them has applications in different areas and their characteristics differ from each other. Focal length and the capability of the adjustment of the focal length determine the type of lens in the surveillance camera. The focal length is expressed in millimetres and it is inversely proportional to the field of view.

Fixed lenses –

This type of lens has a fixed horizontal field of view and a set focal length. The operator must physically move the camera to change the amount of detail that can be viewed. Fixed lenses are suitable for general applications and they can be used to monitor small areas, such as an entrance or a lobby. This type of lens is cheaper as compared to zoom or varifocal lenses.

Varifocal lenses –

The focal length of varifocal lenses can be adjusted as per the requirement. Generally, you can adjust the focal length between 3mm and 9 mm. You can also adjust the horizontal field of view of the camera which can be helpful if there are restrictions on where you can mount the camera.

Zoom lens –

Zoom lenses provide you with the ability to adjust the focal length of the lens from a user interface, such as the video management software. The range of a zoom lens is typically much larger than the fixed and varifocal lens. Although zoom lenses are expensive, they can be the most affordable security solution for your business.

The Different Type of Camera Lenses and How to Select the Best One

How to select the best lens

Here are some factors that you should consider while selecting the camera lenses for your system.

Focal length

The focal length or the lens size determines the field of view and it is also called as the viewing angle for a particular camera lens. The smaller the focal length number is, the wider area you can see but with fewer details; the bigger the focal length, the further you can see with a narrower viewing angle. The focal length can vary from wide angles that can capture an entire landscape to a telephoto lens which can be used to focus on a small object.

If you want a camera lens for your warehouse or construction site, the wide-angle lens can be the best choice for you. The narrower angle lens is ideal for critical entrances, such as cash registers and doorways.

 Aperture

Aperture controls the brightness of the image that passes through the lens and falls on the image sensor. It is expressed in f-numbers, such as f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, /f4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22, or f/32. A lower f-number represents a wide aperture. For instance, f/1.4 is a large aperture and allows for more light to pass into the camera.

The CCTV system will allow you to control how much a scene is in focus by adjusting the lens aperture. A wider aperture will focus on a specified object and will make the background blurry. Whereas, a small aperture will focus on everything within the range of the camera.

Iris

An iris is the part of the camera that controls how much light comes through the aperture. In simple words, more light can pass through the iris when it creates a large opening. However, you cannot get a better image by the wider opening of the iris. Too much amount of light can wash out your image and little light makes the scene dark.

The fixed and manual iris lenses are usually used for indoor applications while the auto iris lens is ideal for outdoor locations where there are variations in lighting conditions.

C or CS Mount for your CCTV camera installer

You can either select from the C or CS-mount option while installing the Camera. The major difference between the two is the distance from the image sensor to the lens. The distance for C mount is 17.5 mm and it 12.5 mm for the CS-mount.

How to Choose the Right CCTV System Installer

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CCTV systems can dramatically increase the security of your property and keep your loved-ones protected. Calling a professional person can be a low-stress way to get your CCTV installer monitor system up and running. This blog post will explain to you the importance of hiring a CCTV installer and how to choose the right one.

Why you should hire an installer?

A CCTV installed by a professional person ensures total peace of mind. After assessing all your requirements, the installation company will provide you with the best CCTV system. Some DIY kits in the market can offer similar features but you won’t get the best out of them. Even worse, they could actually be a security risk for you and your business.

How to Choose the Right CCTV System Installer

Hackers

With the advancement in technology, you can now access the video footage from your laptop or smartphone. This means you can keep an eye on your premises anywhere, anytime. However, the problem with this system is that it is connected to the internet. As home DIY kits are usually set up in an improper manner, your system may be vulnerable to attacks from hackers. Professionally fitted CCTV is less likely to be vulnerable because the security settings, such as port numbers and default passwords are changed after installation.

Picture quality

Imagine a burglar enters your home and steals some valuable items, such as jewellery or your laptop. You won’t worry much at that moment because you had installed a CCTV system in the previous year. But when you play the video footage, the camera resolution is not proper and you can’t see the burglars face. In such situations, a camera with a good picture quality can be really helpful. Professionally installed CCTV cameras could give you a lifeline – so you might see the burglars in the video footage and call for police assistance.

What should you look for when choosing an installer?

Modern CCTV camera systems have more in common with computers than the analogue systems that were very popular in the last decade. The CCTV installer should have the knowledge of computer networking for you to take full advantage of the features your surveillance system can offer.

Here are the three main types of surveillance systems:

Analog

Analog CCTV systems use the oldest technology and they are cheap as compared to other systems. Analog CCTV cameras are connected to the monitor using coax cable such as RG59. They are easy to install but the image quality is poor. For instance, it would take about 6 analog cameras to capture the level of detail of a single HD camera. If you need a high-quality image to identify burglars, then you may consider the other technologically advanced system. If the fitter only installs analog systems, you may want to contact someone else.

HD-TVI

HD-TVI stands for High Definition Transport Video Interface. The HD-TVI cameras currently support 720p, 1080p and 4K video resolutions. These cameras use the same coax cable used by analog CCTV cameras which makes it easier for people to upgrade to an HD system. They offer a range of 1600 feet from the DVR and are available at lower prices than many similar IP camera systems.

IP

Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are currently the best cameras that are available in the market. The images captured by an IP camera can be viewed from anywhere around the globe via the internet. These cameras are a versatile security solution and they require nothing more than a network connection. IP cameras don’t need coaxial cables and they can also be relocated. These cameras are available both for indoor and outdoor use with the ability to pan either remotely or via operator command. They also have features like 360-degree fisheye lenses, pin-hole style cameras and thermal imaging.

Things that you should ask the installer

All manufacturers offer warranties on security cameras, but to take advantage, you will have to dismount the camera and send it to them. Meanwhile, as you wait for the repairs, your surveillance system isn’t protecting you. Some of the best installers in the United Kingdom offer additional warranties that help you through the gap of waiting. You will always need a warranty on your security system because anything can happen.

You must ask the installer if they provide workman’s compensation and general liability insurance. Having insurance will ensure that they are professional installers. Even professionals can slip while installing the cameras. If they are insured, you don’t have to worry about being liable.

The Basic elements of any CCTV camera system

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CCTV cameras provide surveillance capabilities used in the protection of people and assets. A CCTV camera installer links the monitor to a video camera using a direct transmission system. Surveillance systems can be extremely simple, a camera lens with a monitor or very complex that use the latest technology. Here are some key elements of all CCTV systems.

Image acquisition of CCTV system installer

The first stage of any surveillance system is the image acquisition stage. It is an action of retrieving an image from the camera. It is the first step in the workflow sequence because processing cannot be done without an image. The image acquired from the camera is completely unprocessed. You can start with a simple camera. It has a chip at the front that transforms the light or infrared into an electrical signal. The incoming energy is transformed into a voltage by the combination of electrical input power and a sensor material that is responsive to the light. The output voltage is the response of the sensor and it is converted into a digital form that can be displayed on the screen.

The Basic elements of any CCTV camera system

Add a lens to the camera as it will give you a focused image. Adjust the focal length of the lens so that the field-of-view suits your scene and records the footage as per your preferred details. Photons are required to create the picture. The image acquisition can be done by using a variety of sensors. The motion should be in both x and y directions to obtain a two-dimensional image. The rotation of the camera provides motion in one direction while linear motion provides motion in perpendicular directions. A CCTV camera installer cannot capture good images without sufficient light. Hence, you should ensure that there are no objects in front of the camera lens.

Place a protective casing outside cameras as it will protect them against dust, dirt and rain. A wall bracket with a manually adjustable joint will keep your static camera oriented correctly in any weather. If you want to operate your camera with remote control, you can add a motorised pan and tilt unit between the camera and mounting. As the pan needs to decode the remote-control signals, an elementary receiver will also be needed.

Sturdy mounts such as purpose-built poles or lattice towers are needed for heavy loads. Consider tilt-over type of mounts that will allow you to do fitting and maintenance of the CCTV equipment at ground level.

Signal transmission

As we’ve successfully completed image acquisition, let’s progress to the next part – signal transmission. Video output from the CCTV camera could be:

  • IP video as TCP/IP or UDP multicast
  • Composite analogue signal
  • HD-SDI and High Definition

To produce a good quality picture on the screen, the video signal must be applied to the monitor with no distortion of any of its elements. The camera should be connected to the monitor by using Fibre Optic cable or MicroWave link. Fibre Optic cables will transmit the signal effectively because they have a higher bandwidth and low loss characteristics. The composite video output from the average CCTV camera covers a bandwidth ranging from 5Hz to many MHz’s. Almost all cables produce a loss of signal that is primarily dependent on the frequency. The higher the frequency, the higher the loss. This means that as a video signal travels along a cable it loses its high-frequency components faster than its lower ones. A significant loss of detail is not usually objectionable unless it is very large.

Wireless cameras are alternative to cameras using cables. The wireless transmissions include microwave line-of-sight links and microwaves over short distances. These cameras allow you to access the video footage from your smartphone.

Managing the arrived picture

The video signals from the camera arrive at a CCTV control and monitoring point. Hence, a switcher is necessary to direct the images to the system. Analogue video switchers might be desktop ‘8-in, 1-out’ or ‘128-in, 32-out’ matrix. Sometimes the images are digitised before or after they arrive. Software such as DVR/NVR can be used to switch the images. The output is then transmitted to the display and the recorders. Analogue signals go to the LCD or plasma screens while the digitised signals are fed to displays via the computerised innards of DVR, NVR and Virtual matrix.

The telemetry signals come from the operator’s control keyboard or automatic preset positions triggered by the alarm sensors. As recorders are universally digital these days, you can export the footage to CD, DVD or other portable drives.

Can a CCTV system help you with your home security?

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CCTV systems are used by various businesses to protect their assets and premises from burglars. According to a report from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), there are over 6 million surveillance cameras in the United Kingdom. These systems are one of the easiest and most cost-effective security solutions. You can also use a CCTV installer monitor to keep an eye on the activities around your house. This blog post will give you an insight into the pros and cons of installing CCTV cameras outside your house.

Cost-benefit analysis

There are several types of CCTV systems in the market, each with its own operating characteristics. It is necessary to compare the costs and benefits of a surveillance system before installing it. Initial costs depend largely on the size of the house and the type of security solutions needed. For instance, your house may need a more complex system than a warehouse monitoring system. You can purchase domestic CCTV for as little as £50, so it’s potentially a cost-effective way to improve security at your home. You can spend more on a top-of-the-range system and this will help you in identifying a criminal in case a burglary takes place.

You can use a wire or wireless system depending on your budget. Although wired surveillance cameras are cheap, wireless ones will be convenient as you can access them from your smartphone anywhere, anytime. You can store the footage on a hard drive or a separate digital recorder to store the recorded footage. Along with the installation cost, the next cost associated with security systems is maintenance and repair. Maintenance cost may include software upgrades, camera cleaning and hardware replacement due to normal wear and tear. These costs are very minimal to initial investment costs.

Can a CCTV system help you with your home security?

Will it stop crime?

The psychological effect of the presence of surveillance serves as the greatest step in crime reduction. A CCTV system reminds the residents of their security measures that they would otherwise forget easily. Psychologically, people residing in protected areas take more measures to protect their assets. Thus, the surveillance system prevents crime by identifying potential victims. The burglars can also experience the same psychological effect and they won’t commit a crime in secured places. A number of robberies took place on moving trains in Brazil before the trains started using CCTV because the criminals felt no pressure in executing the illegal activities. These cases almost disappeared after the installation of CCTVs on the trains. The criminals fear to carry out illegal activities as the authorities can easily catch them. Surveillance cameras thus affect the criminal psychologically to stop their activities.

Why your CCTV installer monitor could be breaking the law

The home CCTV systems don’t come under the jurisdiction of the Data Protection Act. But if the system is used to monitor other activities than its intended purpose, you may have a case for taking further action under totally different laws. For instance, if your camera is directly pointed towards another person’s property, they have the right to file a case against you under the Human Rights Act.

Private house owners filming outside their premises are no longer covered by an exemption to the Act. Hence, filming your neighbour’s house or road could get you into serious trouble. “Private property owners must operate within the law, for instance by ensuring that their usage and siting of the camera is well justified, that their recordings are not excessive, that it is kept only until it is required and then it is kept secure,” said an ICO spokesman.

You can install the system on your own, but it’s best to ask the ICO for advice first. If you break the laws, you could get involved in proceedings which could end in disdain of court charge.

What about privacy?

“It is still unclear what the implications might be for the citizens of the UK,” says Kate McMullan, an associate at Hogan Lovells. “You have to be careful about the recorded footage. You must inform your neighbours and other people that you are using CCTV, for example by putting a signboard.”

The ICO says that you should still consider whether a CCTV system is wholly necessary, and says you should consider whether other options, such as extra lighting, locks or alarms could solve your security issues. Ensure that your system is not recording audio and the law restricts users to publish the video footage online. Keep in mind to follow all the rules before installing a CCTV system and don’t film outside your premises.

How CCTV Footage Is Used in Crime Investigation

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A CCTV system monitors the interior and exterior of a property, transmitting the signals to the display. If you are concerned about the security of your home or workplace, CCTV installations UK can help you in monitoring your premises anywhere, anytime. Many countries across the globe are now using CCTV systems as an additional tool in fighting crime. This blog post will explain to you how CCTV footage plays a major role in crime investigation.

Why do police request CCTV footage during investigation?

Police officers around the globe are using CCTV footage in crime investigation. The video footage is very effective in solving crimes because they record the crime and create evidence for court trials. Most investigators use the footage to locate or confirm the identity of a suspect. Investigators also use the video to determine whether an offence has occurred, observe relevant events surrounding incidents, corroborate victim and generate other investigative leads.

How CCTV Footage Is Used in Crime Investigation

The reason for requesting CCTV footage is more likely to be influenced by the characteristics of crime. A recent study has found that the detectives from Scotland Yard used CCTV footage to investigate a great number of murders and the video has helped them in their investigation process. A report shows that of the 90 murder cases recorded that year in Scotland, CCTV footage was used in 86 of the cases. According to police officials, 65 cases were solved because the criminal was identified in the footage or the suspicious activities were recorded before or after their attacks. Investigators say that CCTV footage is as important as forensic evidence like fingerprints and DNA samples.

How CCTV footage can help in crime detection and prevention?

CCTV footage allows investigators to watch the entire incident. The video provides information about the sequence of events, the methods used by the criminal, and the entry and exit routes taken by the offender. Even if this is not possible due to some reasons, CCTV footage can be helpful in refuting other evidence of what happened, such as witness testimony.

The recording may assist in determining who was involved in the crime either directly, as when a suspect is recognized or indirectly, such as when the footage shows the criminal touching a surface from where investigators are able to recover forensic evidence. The recording can also help detectives in establishing the timeline of the crime. Investigators can use the CCTV footage to verify the accuracy of statements of both the suspects and witnesses of the incident.

As a CCTV footage could result in the guilty plea of the suspect, it will help in reducing costs by avoiding court trials. The recording can be used to prove or disprove allegations against the suspect. Video footage helps in finding the missing individual or suspect and investigators use it as a source of material backup for witness testimony.

Applications of CCTV cameras in police operations

CCTV cameras are used by police officials in their day-to-day activities. Here is a list of the ways in which a CCTV system can be used by the police:

  • Training of new officers
  • Processing of crime scene
  • Patrol vehicle in-car cameras
  • Vehicle collision investigation
  • Undercover surveillance
  • Robbery investigation
  • Tactical operations

Benefits of using CCTV Installations UK

There are numerous benefits of using a CCTV system. Studies have found that there is a reduced level of fear among people in CCTV areas. Reduced fear of crime may help in increasing the number of people using the area. This increases natural surveillance and encourages people to be more security conscious.

CCTV systems can be used for general location management. Surveillance system helps in monitoring traffic flow, public meetings or demonstrations that may require additional staff. CCTV cameras assist operators in determining if alarms have been activated by mistake thus removing the need for a response by the police. Senior police officers say that assaults on police have been reduced because surveillance cameras allow them to determine the appropriate level of response to the incident.

CCTV camera operators can contact the medical services if they see injured people on the street. The ability to call for assistance is a public safety benefit of CCTV systems. Cameras can also be used to monitor the behaviour of offenders in public places. Operators often know the local offenders in public areas and the cameras become a way to monitor their movements. The potential of CCTV systems to assist in investigations may also drive criminals away from committing offences as they run a greater risk of capture.

What Are Night Vision Cameras and How Do They Work?

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CCTV camera is an excellent way to protect your home and business from burglars. Wireless CCTV cameras allow you to monitor the activities around your premises from your smartphone. Nowadays, most surveillance cameras come with night vision technology which allows them to record footage even in the dark. Read on to know more about the working of night vision cameras.

What is a night vision camera?

A night vision camera is an optoelectronic device that captures images in low-lightning conditions. The image may be a combination of visible light and infrared light. These cameras are mostly used by law enforcement agencies but are also available for commercial use. They have an image intensifier tube and a water-resistant casing to protect the camera against rain. Some cameras also include optical devices, such as telescopic lens, sacrificial lens or mirrors.

What Are Night Vision Cameras and How Do They Work?

How does night vision cameras work?

Night vision security cameras use one of these three methods to capture images in the dark.

Low-light imaging

Low-light imaging camera uses an image intensifier to amplify available light. The available light in the area is focused through the objective lens onto the photocathode of the image intensifier. The photocathode is a photosensitive material that emits electrons when light is focused on it. The electrons released by the cathode are accelerated by an electric field and they are bombarded on a plate. These electrons enter the holes of the plate and bounces on specially coated internal walls. This activity generates more electrons and creates a denser cloud of electrons representing an intensified version of the original image. This glows the phosphor screen and an image is generated on the screen of the attached device.

Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging cameras detect the objects by infrared radiation and creates an image based on that information. The emitted infrared light is focused by a special lens and it is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector elements. The detector creates a detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram and it is converted into electric impulses. A signal-processing unit translates the impulses from the elements into data for display. The combination of these impulses creates an image on the screen.

Infrared illumination

IR illuminator cameras detect the invisible wavelengths of light and use infrared light to illuminate images in dim lighting conditions. IR cameras have a series of infrared LEDs that transmit infrared light in the dark. As infrared light cameras can interfere with colour images, IR cameras have a cut-out filter to block it during the daytime. The filter is fitted between the lens and sensor, allowing only the visible light to pass through in the daytime. Once the light level in the area drops to a certain point, the cut-off filter changes its mode and allows infrared light to pass through it.

Some Useful Tips

The CCTV installation and the type of security camera can have a great impact on the quality of the recorded image. Here are some of the useful tips for getting the best from night vision cameras.

Make sure the IR is powerful

This is one of the most important things to consider while choosing a night vision camera. All IR cameras have a quoted maximum range of 5m to 50m. You must keep in mind that the image quality will not be the same as indicated in the quoted range. Estimate your camera range and then add on a third to it. So, if you want to see 30m, then it’s worth investing in a camera with a 40m range.

Ensure that the field of view view is clear

It’s important to ensure there are no devices that block the vision of the camera. This is because most cameras will adjust the exposure to give the best image. If there is an object jutting the frame, the LEDs will concentrate their focus in that area. This makes the image darker or sometimes nothing can be seen on the screen.

Calculate the mounting height carefully

The height of the camera will play a very important role in determining the quality of the image. For instance, if your car is parked at 8m from the house and your camera is mounted 6m from the ground, the actual distance from the camera to the car is 10m. Keep in mind to consider this while mounting a security camera.

IR needs something to reflect off

The light from the IR camera will not be visible until is reflected back from some object. Sometimes, the camera will warn you when there is nothing in the area. This doesn’t mean that the IR is not working.

CCTV Hotspots UK: Number of CCTV cameras in UK

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Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a self-contained surveillance system comprising cameras, recorders and displays for monitoring activities in various places, such as a store or company. It is estimated that there are 25 million CCTV cameras in the world. Due to the legal requirements and criminal activities, many businesses invest in CCTV cameras UK to improve security. Read on to know more about the towns and cities by surveillance camera concentration in the United Kingdom.

Background of CCTV cameras UK

CCTV cameras were first developed in the late 1970s and were initially confined to places sensitive places, such as banks. The CCTV units were expensive at that time and the picture quality was poor. Since the last 20 years, the picture quality of CCTV cameras has improved dramatically and the use of CCTV has risen exponentially in the UK.

With technological advancements, CCTV cameras now capture high-resolution pictures and are capable of remote operation. They can even identify car number plates and record them on a central database. The congestion-charging scheme introduced in London in 2003 is a perfect example of this technology.

CCTV Hotspots UK: Number of CCTV cameras in UK

Number of CCTV cameras in the UK

According to the British Security Industry Authority (BSIA), there are 5.9 million closed-circuit television cameras in the United Kingdom. “This study represents the most comprehensive and up to date study undertaken into the number of CCTV cameras in the country,” said Simon Adcock, member of BSIA. “As there is no reliable source of data, no number can be held as truly accurate. However, the middle of our range suggests that there are around five million CCTV cameras in the United Kingdom.”

“This report is another reminder of how out of control the surveillance system of our country has become,” said Nick Pickles, director of privacy campaign Big Brother Watch. “This report should be a wakeup call that the residents of Britain have a sense of responsibility towards security.”

In the United Kingdom, there are between 291,000 and 373,000 CCTV cameras in public sector schools, and 30,000 to 50,000 cameras in independent schools. Restaurants have an estimated 53,000 to 159,000 surveillance cameras, while there are 159,000 cameras in health centres. Most of the CCTV cameras UK are funded by private companies because they offer the best return on investment. These companies also provide the majority of CCTV footage. These footages are an invulnerable source of evidence for the police.

 “There is a misconception among people that the CCTV cameras in the United Kingdom are owned by the government. It is private businesses that own these cameras, not the government. These cameras are not available to the government and law enforcement agencies every day, they are busy working to protect their owner’s premises,” said Pauline Norstrom, vice chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV section. “The police ask the private owners for CCTV footage only if a major crime occurs. Without the help of private businesses investing in their own systems, the police officials would only have access to one publicly-owned camera per 1,000 head of the UK population.”

CCTV cameras in London

A recent study has revealed the number of CCTV cameras used by the council and government buildings, but studies still attempt to find out the number of cameras used among individual buildings and private households. Although the number in the study can be troublesome, a figure of 500,000 provides a good estimate of CCTVs in London.

There are a large number of CCTV cameras in the London underground system to ensure safety and reduce crime. The underground system has 15,516 surveillance cameras. Most of these cameras can be found in St. Pancras and King’s Cross station, monitoring 81 million people per year. Here is a list of the top stations with the number of CCTV cameras:

  • Oxford Circus – 309
  • Waterloo – 303
  • Green Park – 210
  • Elephant and Castle – 190
  • Bank/ Monument – 182
  • Westminster – 177
  • Piccadilly Circus – 175
  • Wembley Park – 171
  • Canary Wharf – 167

Best Way to Check If Security Cameras Have Audio

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One of the most powerful security tools, surveillance cameras are currently ubiquitous. They are now being used in all types of spaces, public and private, and are greatly contributing to making every space they serve secure and safe. The popularity of CCTV Birmingham has now resulted in the availability of countless types of cameras with countless and specific capabilities. If you so like, you can even find a CCTV Birmingham that has the capability of recording audio. But is this added capability really so desirable? 

The question of with or without audio

Best Way to Check If Security Cameras Have Audio

Whether or not you prefer a CCTV Birmingham that comes with the added capability of recording audio, depends on who you are and where the CCTV is. For example, if you are a homeowner and are looking to improve the security of your premises, you might feel a CCTV with audio makes it more effective. But if a camera with audio capabilities is being used in a public space it can become a violation of privacy, and it is important that you stay away from it, as much as possible. But first, you should be able to recognise whether or not a particular surveillance camera has the specific ability to record audio. So, here we are with five ways to check if security cameras have audio. 

  1. Using technology to get the work done

When it comes to research the internet and especially the Google search engine is the best. And currently, with the availability of reverse image search, you can search about things you don’t know the name of too! And this is the capability that we are going to use to see if a specific model of CCTV Birmingham has an audio recording or not. The way to go about is to take a snap of the surveillance and make a reverse image search of it. You will then be provided with the name of the model, using which you can find out what its various features and capabilities are and specifically whether or not it is capable of recording audio too. The best advantage of this method is that it can be done discreetly without anyone noticing and getting suspicious. 

  1. Physically checking the CCTV Birmingham

If you aren’t worried of people knowing that you are looking, then the best way to know whether a particular CCTV Birmingham has audio recording capabilities is to make a physical check. You can get up to the device and check to see is there are microphones installed. Generally, this can just be a small hole or a minor opening through which is audio is being recorded. This method can be a great way to be sure but only if you are knowledgeable about security cameras and know where and how to find the microphone. If not, the previous method is more effective. 

  1. Checking the video footage

Another great way to check whether a particular CCTV Birmingham records audio too is to check its video footage. Generally, most security cameras today store the footage on the cloud or users can view the footage on their mobile devices by accessing a specific website or through an app, etc. So, in case you have access to the video footage, this is a perfect way to be 100% sure whether a particular surveillance camera has audio recording capabilities. The only drawback is this doesn’t work for cameras in public spaces since in most cases, common people will not have access to view the video footage! 

  1. Customer support can help

When in doubt, the best way to find out is to ask someone who knows. And the best “expert” you can find is the customer support of the company that provides the particular CCTV Birmingham. This is perhaps the easiest method of all since all you have to do is call the customer support number and provide the details of the camera and directly ask the support staff whether or not it has the capability to record audio. The advantage with this method is you can also find out if it is possible to turn off the audio recording feature and if so how. The only drawback with this method is that you have to know the company that manufactured the specific camera and the specific model name to get relevant information. 

Thus, these are some of the ways in which one can be sure whether or not a specific CCTV Birmingham has audio recording capabilities. 

Where Can I Point My CCTV Cameras?

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A CCTV camera installed at your premises is a major deterrent to crime. CCTV systems are able to keep track of what is happening at your property. By monitoring the activities of visitors at your home and business site, you and your family can have total peace of mind about what exactly is going on under your roof. If you are looking to install a CCTV system, UK CCTV Installations can be a great choice as it has over 90 CCTV installation teams across the United Kingdom.

The vast majority of CCTV cameras in the UK are not operated by government bodies, but by private individuals or companies, especially to monitor the interior of shops or businesses. According to a report by the British Security Industry Association, surveillance cameras are in the number of 4 to 6 million in the UK.

It is now a very common occurrence for individuals to use CCTV systems to protect their homes. It may seem like an appropriate way to protect your domestic space, but the number of complaints from members of the house is increasing. Complaints are often made by neighbours who believe that the security cameras are invading their privacy.

To ensure that you use your security cameras effectively and respectfully, follow the list of rules and tips enlisted below.

CCTV camera placement

If you have bought a new house, research the history of your home by asking past owners whether there have been any past break-ins. Determine the most vulnerable spots of your home. The most common susceptible areas include front doors, obscured windows and areas of your home that are dimly lit.

Make sure that your security cameras are not disturbed by outside elements. Cut trees or other vegetation that conceals the path of the cameras and also avoid placing your cameras in a location where they will be disturbed by the bright glare of the sun. Make sure that the night vision operates correctly in all conditions as it enhances the effectiveness of your cameras.

Things to keep in mind while using a CCTV system

The positioning of your cameras has a great impact on the effectiveness of the CCTV system. You can consider options like privacy filters if a certain positioning of your camera intrudes on your neighbour’s privacy. You become subject to the data protection act if your cameras capture images outside of your household. This does not mean you are breaking the law but you are the data controller. So, as a CCTV user, you will need to comply with your legal obligations under the data protection laws. You need to show you are doing it in ways that comply with the laws and uphold the rights of the people whose images you are capturing.

Take steps to ensure the camera is positioned correctly to avoid complaints or in some cases, accusations of violation of privacy or harassment. You can inform the public that recording is taking place on your property by having a notice. Informing your neighbours about the new CCTV system can help in reducing the number of complaints.

You are responsible for the CCTV recordings and you must use your system only for the intended purpose. Ensure that you know how to operate your system and that it is installed correctly, if not, read the manual. The date and time stamps on the footage should always be correct and the recordings should have minimum access. Only keep the footage as long as you need it – delete it regularly and when it is no longer needed.

Best locations and positions to place security cameras

The following are some common and recommended areas for surveillance camera placements:

Front door

Your front door definitely needs a security camera as 34% of the burglars enter through the front door. Place your camera on the second-floor to prevent burglars from knocking out your camera. You can also enclose your camera in a mesh wiring to help prevent it from knocking.

Back door

22% of burglary takes place through the back door, so you would benefit from using a security camera here. If needed, you should attach a security camera to every door of your home.

Near off-street windows

About 23% of the thieves also break into a home by entering through a rear window, away from the view of a street. You can point a security camera to off-street windows to keep those windows safe from burglars.

Different Types of CCTV Cameras and Their Purpose

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CCTV installations have become a huge part of our life, today and are a major contributor to the improved security that we are experiencing today. CCTV installations are ubiquitous and synonymous with safer neighbourhoods and a higher level of security. Given the huge popularity and the universal nature of the CCTV cameras, we are being provided with a wide variety of different types of cameras currently. Each type is different with different capabilities and is suitable for different premises and situations. Here are the different types of CCTV installations currently available and the where and how to use them.

Dark Fighter Technology for a clear image

The dark fighter technology CCTV installations come with the capability of providing sharp and clear images, even in low light conditions. Hence, these can be used in all sorts of setups and are effective in all light and weather conditions, irrespective of whether it is night or day.

Dome Cameras

These are perhaps the most commonly used CCTV installations all over the world and in both domestic as well as commercial locations. The external and internal dome cameras can be used both inside and outside and act as effective criminal deterrents. The best feature of the dome camera is its shape; since it is covered with dark dome-shaped glass, one cannot know which direction the camera is facing. Finally, these are hardy, easy to install and come with vandal-resistant and IR features. Given the capability and the attractive features of the dome CCTV installations it is no wonder that they are so widely used.

Bullet Cameras

Specifically used for outdoor surveillance, the bullet camera comes with specific capabilities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Basically, the best feature of this type of camera is that it is ideal for long-distance viewing. Additionally, it comes with a tough casing that is resistant to dust, dirt and other natural elements, further making it ideal for outdoor surveillance. The IR vision, the compact size and the quality image resolution come together to make it a popular choice for CCTV installations.

Day/Night cameras

Another type preferred for outdoor surveillance, the day/night camera doesn’t need any special, extra installation to capture clear images in the dark. It comes with an extra sensitive imaging chip to help it capture clear videos even in low light conditions. Other attractive capabilities include being able to record both in colour and black and white and availability in different sizes.

Discreet CCTV cameras

Not every premises and situation can be ideal for smart and familiar-looking CCTV installations. There are some places where it can be more advantageous if people didn’t know about the CCTV camera. In such situations, the discreet CCTV cameras can be more advantageous. As the name suggests, these cameras are less likely to be spotted and hence help capture good images and footage. They can be secreted in everyday objects and décor and are effective for discreet indoor use.