How to Install Home CCTV Systems in Simple Steps

CCTV systems are state of the art security for your home, but a professionally installed CCTV camera and DVR system can be a bit pricey. Technology has brought the price of the components for CCTV systems down within the range of most homeowners, however, so if you can get past the fear of drilling holes in your walls, you can have a state of the art security system, complete with security camera wherever you want – at far less than the cost of a professionally installed system. These tips and steps can help you understand the scope of the project and decide whether installing your own CCTV surveillance camera system is doable for you.

Get the Right Equipment

Making sure you have the right equipment and the right components is half the battle. When it comes to sourcing CCTV systems, you can get excellent advice from an online supplier of CCTV camera systems if you know what you want to monitor. Do invest in industry standard RG59 Siamese cable for the cabling. It consists of a video cable and power cable run together, cutting down on your work and making the installation much easier.

Choose the Best Surveillance Camera Locations

A security camera is useless if it isn’t monitoring what you need monitored. It’s not enough to just decide where to place a camera, though. You need to consider viewing angle and distance when choosing cameras and locating equipment. One of the best ways to figure out where to place each security camera is with the help of CCTV design software which uses your floor plans to help you decide the best places to locate your CCTV cameras.

In most cases, the best location for a security camera is where the roof and the walls of the house meet. Your CCTV camera will be sheltered from the elements there – though you should certainly still invest in a camera designed for outdoor use – and you’ll probably find that the cable run for your CCTV systems components will be simpler than if you try to mount the camera elsewhere on the house.

Run your cables from the exterior equipment to the interior of your house. For most houses, the best place to run your wires into will be the attic. You can run your RG59 cables from the attic to the room where you will place your DVR and monitor.

If you’re comfortable with running cables and mounting hardware on or near your roof, and if you can follow instructions for hooking up the components of your CCTV system precisely, you can probably manage the installation of your own CCTV systems and components.

CCTV Systems for Retail Surveillance

Shrinkage is a significant drain on any retail operation. Between losses due to shoplifting and losses due to employee theft, most retail stores lose as much as 5 percent of their prospective income to shrinkage and theft. CCTV systems for security can make a significant dent in that percentage, increasing your retail profits and helping you manage your store more effectively. If you’re considering installing a security camera system, consider these important factors before you make your purchase.

Surveillance Points

Each surveillance camera represents a set of “eyes” on your operation. Before you start shopping, survey your property for points where a security camera is likely to make a difference. The most effective CCTV systems include cameras that allow one person to view the entire store at all times. Position cameras at places that can’t be easily seen from checkout registers, customer service desks and other places where you typically station staff.

Point of Sale

A point of sale surveillance camera is useful for a number of different reasons. It’s the best way to catch employee POS theft, where employees pocket cash instead of putting it into the register, undercharge customers and pocket the difference or take money from the register. In addition, point of sale surveillance allows you to monitor cashier performance and customer interaction and can provide evidence to exonerate employees against customer complaints.

Storage Rooms

Most employers don’t want to think that their trusted employees could be deliberately and systematically stealing from them, but a great deal of shrinkage happens before merchandise ever hits the selling floor. A CCTV camera in the back rooms can capture employee theft of goods that never make it to the shelves.

Outside Security Camera Surveillance

CCTV systems can provide security beyond loss prevention. Most retail establishments position a security camera at each point of entry and exit from the store to capture images of customers and staff entering and leaving. A parking lot security camera can also provide a measure of security for your staff and customers’ parked vehicles by letting your security staff keep an eye out for thieves and vandals who target cars in the lot.

Providing adequate surveillance is an essential security factor for your retail store. High quality CCTV systems can make it far easier for your security staff to keep a close eye on your premises and property. Reducing shrinkage through better surveillance will increase your bottom line and make your business more profitable.

Five Features to Look for in Residential CCTV Systems

People choose to install CCTV systems in their homes for many different reasons. They include security, including general surveillance and crime prevention, keeping an eye on household help or providing a safer home for their families. CCTV systems can provide peace of mind for parents who have to leave their little ones alone with a caretaker and homeowners who care about security and protection. Choosing the right CCTV camera, deciding on the number of cameras you need and figuring out where to place them can all lead to a lot of confusion. These suggestions for five important CCTV features can help you choose the right system for your needs.

Color Security Camera

Choose a low-light color security camera for the front of your house. A color camera will capture accurate clothing and vehicle descriptions of anyone coming to your house. You can add less expensive B&W surveillance camera options to the side and back of your house for more coverage.

Lighting Is Important

A CCTV camera with IR emitter will capture good images in low light situations, but they can be expensive. Another option is to combine your security camera with a motion detector floodlight outside your home. The combination will serve to both frighten off intruders and capture them on camera so you can provide the information to law enforcement.

Wireless or Wired?

If your intent in installing a CCTV system is basic security, choose a wired solution. For now, anyway, wireless security camera networks tend to be insecure because the feed can be intercepted from outside your home. Most wireless surveillance camera systems are also prone to interference, making them less than idea. The exception is a wireless nanny cam, where you want to be able to log into your IP based security camera from a remote location.

Windows Based DVR

CCTV systems require a recorder – usually a DVR –  to allow for later viewing of the surveillance camera footage. Windows-based DVRs are easier to use, offer high-resolution recording, intelligent motion detection and auto-alert functions. On the down side, Windows-based DVRs tend to be more expensive than non-Windows-based recording solutions, so if your budget is tight, Windows may not be an option.

Reputable Dealer

There are hundreds of websites offering cheap CCTV systems. You can also pick up everything you need to whip together a DIY CCTV system at your local Radio Shack. If you choose either option, you’ll be missing out on one of the most important features of residential CCTV – knowledgeable salespeople and good support. It’s worth it to pay a little more for quality products and good advice.

CCTV Systems for Rental Properties

If you own a rental property, you know that high-quality security is high on the list of most-wanted features with many renters. Not too many years ago, only the priciest apartment complexes could afford CCTV systems for security. Technology has brought the price and accessibility of CCTV systems well within the range of most property owners. A good CCTV security system can provide the safety and security your tenants deserve. If you’ve never considered installing a CCTV camera and security system for your building, consider important uses and benefits.

Front Door Surveillance Camera

A surveillance camera at the entry can record the comings and goings into your rental property. This provides security for your tenants and a record of visitors to your property for you. If you connect the CCTV camera to a security system, you can even provide the capability for your tenants to see who is ringing their doorbell before unlocking the door – an important security feature.

Parking Lot Security Camera

If you provide parking for your tenants, a security camera overlooking the parking lot can help you avoid legal issues if one of their vehicles is damaged or stolen on your premises. In addition, you’ll be providing a safer parking lot for your tenants who can rest secure in the knowledge that there is surveillance on their cars.

Safety Cameras in Remote Areas

A CCTV camera can also provide a sense of security in remote areas of the building for your tenants. If you provide laundry facilities in the basement, for example, the presence of a working security camera can discourage predators and make the building safer for all of your tenants – and provide legal protection for you if something untoward should happen.

CCTV Systems Can Reduce Your Insurance Bills

Insurance companies set their premiums based on the amount of risk your property presents. When you proactively provide security for your tenants, many insurance companies will reduce your premiums because you are reducing the risks associated with your building. A good quality CCTV security system can practically pay for itself in reduced insurance premiums over the course of a couple of years.

CCTV systems provide many benefits and advantages for the owners of small rental properties. When you install a security camera and monitoring system, your tenants will be safer, your property will be worth more and your premiums will be cheaper. It’s a win-win situation for you and your tenants – and with the affordable options available today, nearly any property owner can afford it.

Five Ways CCTV Systems Can Help Your Business

With the low prices for CCTV systems and security cameras these days, there’s practically no financial barrier to prevent even the smallest businesses from protecting themselves. If you’ve been wavering about investing in a security camera system for your business, these five benefits of providing security with CCTV systems may help you make up your mind.

A Security Camera Helps Keep Your Property Safe

Coupled with ongoing surveillance, CCTV systems can let you know when there’s trouble brewing on your property. Even some middle-of-the-road and low-cost security camera systems can be programmed to trigger an alarm under specific conditions. The trigger can be as simple as motion where none is expected or as complex as specific behavior patterns.

Surveillance Camera Footage Can Help Law Enforcement and Prosecution

If necessary, the footage from your CCTV camera can help police track down burglars, thieves or vandals, and provide evidence needed to prosecute them successfully.

A CCTV Camera Can Help You Analyze Work Patterns

CCTV systems are often used to analyze work patterns and employee behavior to help devise a more efficient workflow. This can be especially helpful in bars and other entertainment or service venues. It’s the same way that sports teams use camera footage to analyze their games and figure out where they can tighten up. Surveillance camera footage can be used to figure out better equipment placement and work order so that your employees can work together more efficiently.

Surveillance Can Help Manage Loss and Shrinkage

Surveillance cameras and CCTV systems can be instrumental in getting a handle on shoplifting, as well as helping you identify places where your employees may be stealing from you. No one likes to think that trusted employees could be abusing their trust, but it’s a fact of life in many businesses. A surveillance camera can help you pinpoint the guilty parties and take the suspicion off those who are innocent of any wrongdoing.

A Security Camera Can Protect Your Employees

While employees may chafe at being under surveillance, a security camera can also provide protection for them. Consider, for example, that a security camera on the parking lot will prevent theft and vandalism to employee vehicles, which are often left sitting alone for entire shifts, making them prime targets. Likewise, a surveillance camera can provide safety for employees walking to their cars or working in remote areas of your facility.

CCTV systems are very reasonably priced and within the reach of even the smallest businesses and stores. Don’t leave your business unprotected.

Five Places to Put Cameras for CCTV Systems

Home security systems are becoming more and more popular because they offer far more protection than a burglar alarm. CCTV systems and IP security systems are now affordable enough for nearly any homeowner – and many apartment and condo owners – to afford. If you’re designing CCTV security systems for your home, here are five places that most experts recommend you should cover with a security camera.

Entryways

Mount a security camera to cover all of the entrances to your home so that you can see people approaching. Angle a surveillance camera to allow you a good view of the face of anyone who is standing at your front door so you can check to see who’s there before opening it. In addition, keeping your entryways under surveillance just makes good sense. Police reports show that most burglars and home invaders get into the homes of their targets through a front or back door. A CCTV camera covering the entrances will show you anyone who approaches your home, even when you’re not there.

Driveway

If the driveway where you park your car is out of sight of the main windows of the house, a surveillance camera lets you keep an eye on things. An outdoor CCTV camera mounted obviously may even serve as a deterrent for vandals and car thieves. If someone does vandalize your car or attempt to burglarize it, you’ll have surveillance footage to help police find the culprit.

Backyard

Position a security camera so that it can view as much of the backyard as possible. In addition to keeping tabs on any intruders on your property, you can also keep half an eye on the backyard when older children are playing or hanging out. It’s obviously no substitute for your presence when younger children are outdoors, but it can help prevent problems with older children and let you keep a tabs on what’s going on out there.

Baby’s Room

Lots of parents are more comfortable if they can peek in on infants while they’re sleeping. A nursery monitor is helpful, but a CCTV camera focused on the crib lets you check in on the little one without risk of waking him up by entering his room.

Main Living Area

One of the most popular areas to place a CCTV camera in residential homes is the main living room or area. A security camera in the living room allows you to check in on your home from a remote location, and lets you record interactions between nannies or babysitters and your children. The so-called nanny cam provides peace of mind for parents who can’t supervise caretakers directly.

Choosing cameras for CCTV systems can be complicated. If you’re trying to decide what kind of security cameras to choose, ask for advice from the experts at a store that sells CCTV systems.

Benefits of CCTV Systems

CCTV systems are one of the major ways that retail establishments and business properties help provide safety, discourage theft and increase security. The range of security camera choices on the market – and the decrease in prices thanks to improved technology – have made it easier for even small businesses to take advantage of the added security of video surveillance. The latest advances in security camera and CCTV systems provide a number of advantages for monitoring, management and law enforcement.

Deter Crime and Illegal Activities

Most businesses install a surveilance camera to deter shoplifting and other crimes on their premises. The mere presence of a visible, obvious CCTV camera can cut down on the incidence of shoplifting and burglary in public and residential spaces. Most criminals prefer to do their stealing in places where they don’t risk being observed or recorded.

In addition, monitored CCTV systems allow store management or staff to keep trouble areas under surveillance so that they can step in and intervene before a crime is committed or detain shoplifters and others who have been observed committing a crime. A monitored security camera allows staff to head off dangerous situations and respond to problems far more quickly.

Reduce Manpower Requirements

In larger areas, such as shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and apartment complexes, CCTV systems can reduce the need for larger security staffing. A state-of-the-art surveilance camera system can put eyes in places when security guards are covering other areas, effectively doubling or even tripling security coverage without requiring more staff. That reduces costs without compromising security, and can, in fact, provide more comprehensive security than patrolling security guards without surveilance camera backup.

Provide Evidence in Legal Cases

In addition to prevention and deterrence, CCTV systems can also assist with prosecution in legal cases – or provide protection against lawsuits. Recorded tapes from a video surveilance camera can often be used to help police identify and apprehend criminals, and may be useful during prosecution. Security camera footage can also be useful in defending against charges of sexual harassment, employee malfeasance or other legal cases that may be brought against the company or business.

Reduced Insurance Premiums and Taxes

Because CCTV systems increase security and reduce risk, many insurance companies will reduce premiums for businesses that install them. Those premium savings can add up to a significant amount over the years.

Finally, many business owners reduce the costs of installing CCTV systems with tax credits and tax deductions for business investments. With security systems so affordable, there’s no excuse for not providing the best for your business.

Choosing CCTV Systems for Entertainment Venues

If you run an entertainment business, you know the value and importance of providing video security for your venue. CCTV systems are among the most affordable ways to keep an eye on the various possible trouble areas so that you and your security crew can be prepared to step in where needed. If you’re just putting together a CCTV security system for your club or bar, these tips can help you design an effective system and designate security camera placement.

Entrance and Exit Points

The entry into your venue is a vital place for a security camera. If you require ID for entry, choose a camera that can capture a good, high-res image of both the ID and the face of the person presenting it, or make use of a system that photographs the ID while a surveillance camera captures the image of the person entering. This kind of footage can prove essential in defending you if your venue is charged with allowing underage patrons to enter.

Parking Areas

If your club provides parking for customers and staff, point a surveillance camera at the parking lot. Choose either a wide angle camera that can view the entire parking lot, or a PTZ camera that can be programmed to sweep and zoom in based on movement or other triggers. In addition to providing security and peace of mind for your customers, a security camera on the parking lot can provide safety for any staff that leaves after closing, late at night.

Transaction Points

Placing a surveillance camera at transaction points – cash registers or the bar, for example – allows you to keep an eye on any place that money changes hands. You can present it to your employees as a way to ensure their safety and provide evidence if they are accused of mistreating customers. It also allows you to spot abuses by your staff and pinpoint waste and inefficiency in serving customers.

Dance Floor and Customer Areas

Choose a PTZ camera to do programmed sweeps of the dance floor or customer seating area. This is especially important in an entertainment venue where crowds can get rowdy. It allows your security staff to quickly pinpoint brewing hot spots and get there before actual problems break out. Surveillance sweeps of the customer areas are also useful for post mortem analysis after incidents to help you and your staff understand how an incident started and be better prepared for it in the future.

Before making final plans for camera placement, be sure to check the code and laws in your state and city to make sure that you don’t violate any laws. In general, venue owners are prohibited from placing cameras in bathrooms and areas where customers have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Aside from that, though, CCTV systems can be one of the most valuable steps you take to protect your property, your staff and your customers.

A Few Interesting Facts About CCTV Systems

CCTV is rapidly becoming the state of the art for home security and business surveillance. CCTV systems have broad applications in industry, business and government operations, but the falling prices and increasingly handy technology have made increased their usage in smaller businesses and private homes substantially over the past several years. How much do you know about CCTV systems? Here are a few interesting facts that you may not know.

In 80 percent of court cases where the police seek to use security camera footage introduced as evidence, the surveillance camera footage is inadmissible. In many cases, it’s because the CCTV camera doesn’t have the necessary focal length to adequately cover the area.

Even if you choose a proper lens, the DVR you choose for your CCTV system can compromise the quality of your surveillance footage. The quality of the footage taken by your security camera will be compromised if your DVR isn’t capable of recording at the right resolution. Working with a professional can ensure that your CCTV system is compatible and meets all your needs.

In 13 states, you may be violating the law if you install a CCTV camera system in a “private place” without the permission of the people being observed. In some cases, you can meet the requirements of the law regarding CCTV systems by posting notification that a security camera is in use. A “private place” includes any area where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. One state specifically prohibits the use of a surveillance camera to view any area where people will be in a state of full or partial nudity.

If you use a CCTV camera to monitor your property outdoors, you must take care to position it so that it doesn’t infringe on your neighbors’ property and privacy rights. Avoid angles that capture house windows and fenced backyards, at the very least. The laws may be more restrictive in some areas.

In London, CCTV systems capture almost every square meter of public space. The average inhabitant of London is captured on a security camera about 300 times per day.

A visible security camera is a powerful deterrent to crime. Most store owners report a significant drop in shrinkage after installing a visible CCTV camera.

CCTV systems are tools to help you keep your home and business safe from thieves and intruders. If part of your intent in installing a CCTV system is to have evidence in case of a crime, make sure that you choose the right CCTV camera and recorder for your needs.

The Legalities of CCTV Systems for Surveillance

As the price of CCTV systems continues to come down, more and more people are installing CCTV systems for security and surveillance. The increasing use of CCTV cameras in private residences and small businesses has raised a lot of concerns about privacy in various countries around the world, but those concerns are just coming to the United States. If you’re considering installing a CCTV camera and recording system, it’s important to know what laws and restrictions apply to your use of a security camera system for surveillance.

First, always check the laws regarding the use of CCTV systems for surveillance in your state. The laws vary widely from one state to the next, but these answers generally apply.

Surveillance Camera in Your Home

In general, you can legally use a hidden surveillance camera in your home to record video without the consent of the person you’re recording. This applies to most small cameras, such as nanny cams, that parents use to keep an eye on caregivers in their homes. If you’re planning to use a security camera this way, though, you should check the laws in your state or speak to an attorney about how you plan to use the CCTV camera.

Also, it’s important to remember that recording video and recording audio are completely different in the eyes of the law. In most cases, it is illegal to record audio without the knowledge of at least one of the parties being recorded. Again, the laws vary widely from state to state, so be sure to check them in your state.

Finally, while most states have no restrictions about hidden recordings in public areas of your home, nearly all states have laws against using a hidden surveillance camera in areas of your home where residents or guests have a “reasonable expectation of privacy,” such as in the bathroom or in a bedroom. Some states don’t have specific bans about using hidden cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s legal or morally right in states that don’t expressly forbid it. It’s still a developing area of the law, and you could find yourself used as a test case.

Intent May Govern Recording

In addition to location of recording, your intent while recording may determine whether it’s legal for you to use a CCTV camera to record interactions in your home. For example, it’s illegal to record video or audio with the intent of using it for blackmail or malicious intent.

Recording with a Surveillance Camera Outside Your Home

Generally, it’s legal to record surveillance video in public places, but it may be illegal to record surveillance footage of private space that can be seen from your property. For example, when setting up an outdoor security camera, you should take care to position it so that it does not record your neighbor’s back yard or the inside of their home through the windows.

Other laws may apply to business owners who want to record surveillance video of their employees at work, because regulations set out by the National Labor Relations Board come into play. If you intend to use CCTV systems to record hidden surveillance in the workplace, check with a lawyer to make sure that you’re on firm legal ground before proceeding.

Camera Tips for Home CCTV Systems

If you’re planning to join the growing number of people who protect their homes with CCTV systems, there are a number of things to consider before you lay wire or buy a single CCTV camera. These tips can help you choose the right CCTV system and security camera configuration for your home and your needs.

If your budget is limited, confine yourself to CCTV systems with 4 cameras or fewer. There’s usually a very big jump in price when you go from a 4-camera system to a 5-camera system. The main reason for this is because DVRs, used to record footage from your surveillance camera, come in 4-channel, 8-channel and 16-channel configurations. If you really think you need more than 4 cameras, experts suggest using a PC-based DVR system that can be scaled upward as you can afford to purchase and add more cameras.

Choose a security camera model that can cover more area. Wider angle lenses allow you to cover more ground, but you’ll generally have less detail. If you choose security cameras with adjustable lenses, you can adjust the focus as you add cameras and need to cover less ground with each CCTV camera.

Cover each entrance to your home with a camera to give you the best view of people approaching your home. Use outdoor cameras for the entrances so that those cameras can cover your grounds as well. Position the front door camera facing away from your house so that you can see the faces of people at your door.

At the backdoor, place the security camera about 10 feet away from the door so that you can watch part of the back yard while still being able to see enough detail of people at the door.

Cover your garage door and driveway with the same camera.

Always place cameras on the side of the door that opens so that the door doesn’t block the view of what’s happening.

Choose outdoor infrared cameras for your outdoor CCTV systems. That will allow you to view what’s happening in low light. Make sure that he camera has enough range to cover the entire area you’re covering.

If you have babysitters, a nanny, house sitters or other people who work in your home, you may want to add an interior camera to your CCTV system plans, but be aware of any laws concerning surveillance cameras in your community.

CCTV systems have come down enormously in price, but do expect to pay for quality. When your family’s safety is at stake, price should not be your sole determining factor.

Choosing the Best CCTV System Cameras for Your Business

CCTV security systems are a great boon for security in business places, and new technology has made CCTV camera choices and CCTV security systems more affordable for businesses of all sizes. The drop in price has brought all sorts of manufacturers into the marketplace, offering all sorts of choices in size, scope and type of CCTV systems to buy. The sheer number of choices for your security camera alone can be overwhelming to the business owner who isn’t an expert in security systems. If you’re trying to decide on the best style of security camera for your business, drill down through your needs to figure out which cameras will best suit your needs.

Security or Surveillance?

While security and surveillance overlap and most people make no distinction between the two, there’s a subtle difference. Generally, if you want a security camera to enhance the security of your place of business, you’ll want a CCTV system with at least one visible camera to make it clear to your customers that they are being watched. Surveillance, on the other hand, implies that you want to know what happens when no one is watching. In that case, you’ll want to outfit your CCTV system with a hidden surveillance camera, which are smaller and can be concealed from view.

Daytime or Nighttime?

Will you need a CCTV camera that can transmit a viewable image in low-light conditions or in the darkness? Low-light cameras and IR cameras are more expensive than standard cameras, but if you need to view or record what’s happening in low light conditions, they’re a necessity. Budget for the best camera you can afford because it will set the level of quality for your surveillance monitoring and recording.

Fixed or Moving?

A fixed security camera is far less expensive than cameras that move, but its uses are limited to showing an image of one place at one level of detail. If you want to be able to zoom in for more detail or sweep an area, then you’ll need to budget for a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) security camera. As a tradeoff, you’ll generally need fewer PTZ CCTV cameras than fixed security cameras to cover the same area.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Outdoor cameras are housed in weatherproof casings to protect them from the elements. This generally makes them larger and more expensive than the least expensive CCTV cameras on the market. If your camera will be located indoors, you don’t have to invest in a camera rated for use outdoors.

In addition to these basic questions, you should also know what level of detail you want to be able to retrieve so you can choose the right resolution and what type of camera will be compatible with the rest of your CCTV system. If you’re not certain which the best CCTV systems are for your business, a professional installer or dealer will be happy to answer your questions and offer you advice.

Four Places You Should Cover with CCTV Systems

CCTV systems used to be a very expensive way to provide security for your private or business property. In the past decade, though, the price on high quality CCTV security systems has come down enough to make them affordable for most business and property owners. In most cases, you can provide adequate surveillance coverage for your needs for considerably less than $500.

One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make when designing your CCTV security system is where to place surveillance cameras. If you choose a wired security system, your choices may be constrained to some extent by your wiring. Even if you choose a wireless CCTV system, you may still have to position your security cameras within range of an electrical outlet. Even with those considerations, though, there are four areas you should cover with surveillance cameras.

Main Entrances

If you’re setting up a security system for your home, it’s essential to cover the entrances and approaches to your home for safety sake. A security camera that covers the driveway, front and back entrances will provide plenty of warning that someone is approaching the house and allow you to check who is at your door before opening it. Surveillance footage can also allow you to go back in time and see who might have come to your front door while you were out or at work.

Areas Out of the Line of Sight

Your security cameras should also cover any areas that can’t be seen easily from your house. If, for example, you have an attached garage on one side of house and no windows that look out in that direction, a surveillance camera aimed at that side yard gives you a set of eyes where you can’t physically keep an eye on things.

Areas of Your Store that Are Blocked from Sight

In a small retail store or commercial establishment, position your security camera to provide an eagle eye view of the entire store. Pay particular attention to areas of the store that are blocked from the view of a clerk at the counter or register by aisles, end caps and other store hardware.

Point of Sale

A CCTV camera positioned at the register provides an ongoing record of every transaction carried out by each employee. That serves at least two purposes: you can keep an eye on your employees and discourage them from stealing from the till while at the same time protecting your employees from false accusations of overcharging, rude behavior and other misconduct.

CCTV systems are only as good as the surveillance they provide. Choosing the best vantage points for your security cameras is an essential part of your security plan.

Benefits of Using CCTV Systems with Video Analytics

What do you get when you combine CCTV systems used for security and surveillance with sophisticated video analytics software? If it’s done right, you get an enhanced security camera surveillance system that can pinpoint patterns of activities and bring them to the attention of security personnel, identify problems before they happen and make it easier to find specific events in hours of video footage. Here are just a few of the major benefits of video analytics enabled CCTV systems.

Security personnel can set up video analytics to recognize people, events or situations when they happen and base alerts on known patterns and people. This can be used to watch for specific security risks, monitor the behavior of specific persons or alert personnel to the possibility of a security breach based on what the camera sees.

CCTV systems enabled with video analytics software can reduce the workload on existing security personnel by covering large open spaces, perimeter fencing and remote areas and raising a video alert when specific events occur in those areas.

Video analytics allows you to “tag” faces, people, events and other patterns when they occur in a surveillance camera video. Once tagged, the CCTV system will recognize those patterns if they occur again and “bookmark” them so that you can find them when reviewing security footage.

Heat maps and other sophisticated technology can be used to monitor crowds at large events and watch for patterns that are precursors to problems. Analytics can help CCTV systems become more “intelligent” about things like unusual gatherings of large numbers of people or a change in the way traffic moves at certain areas.

CCTV security systems can be “trained” to recognize patterns of suspicious behavior, such as a person trying multiple car doors in a parking lot, and alert security personnel to take a closer look at the scene.

CCTV analytics can make it easier for personnel assigned to monitor and review security camera footage by flagging specific people, events and out-of-the-ordinary occurrences that might be missed in the hours of footage.

Video tagging can be used to scan and search for specific faces, areas and events making it easy to go directly to those things without having to wade through hours of CCTV footage looking for them. This can be especially helpful in finding and displaying security footage for use in court cases and criminal prosecutions.

For more information about how video analytics and CCTV systems can help make your home or place of business more secure, contact a CCTV professional installer for the latest developments in video security technology.

Ten Things You Should Know About CCTV Systems

CCTV systems have become the most popular type of security camera system on the market. If you’re researching CCTV systems as a security solution for your home or business, here are ten facts you should know before you make your choice.

Wired CCTV systems are more secure than wireless security camera systems. While wireless systems are more affordable and offer more flexibility, the wireless signal can be hacked, giving unauthorized persons access to your CCTV camera feed.

Wireless CCTV cameras offer more flexibility than wired systems. Once you configure a wired system, you’re pretty much stuck with the camera placements. A wireless security camera, on the other hand, can be easily relocated if your security needs change.

You can easily set up a CCTV camera and recorder for less than $500. Prices have tumbled in the past five years or so, making CCTV systems among the most affordable security solutions available.

A PC-connected CCTV system can give you easy access to your security feed via the Internet, using any Internet-enabled device, including a smartphone, tablet or PC.

While most business owners think about CCTV systems as stationary security systems, you can install a CCTV camera in a vehicle. This is especially useful if you own a cab or delivery service.

CCTV systems can run continuously if needed, or you can set them on a timer to only monitor the premises within certain time periods.

You can also set up a motion-activated security camera to only start recording when there is activity in the monitored area. This is an excellent solution to save space on a hard drive or DVR disc.

CCTV security is one of the most popular and effective deterrents for shoplifting in a retail business. Most people expect to see a security camera in a store. A mix of visible security cameras and hidden surveillance cameras are the most effective choice for loss reduction.

A surveillance camera can reduce your insurance premiums. Most insurance companies will discount your home insurance or business insurance premiums if you install a qualified CCTV camera security system.

A CCTV camera system can protect your employees and their property. A security camera trained on the employee parking area can deter car thieves and vandals, while a camera at the POS can help resolve customer-employee disputes.

Choosing among the many CCTV systems on the market can be tricky, but with the wide selection available, you’re guaranteed to find exactly the CCTV system you need for your home or business.

CCTV systems provide security and surveillance in a wide range of situations. Retail stores use them for surveillance to prevent shoplifting and to keep an eye on employees at point of sale and other locations in the store. Homeowners use them with home security systems and to keep an eye on their premises from a remote location. Various industries use CCTV systems in different ways to suit a wide variety of purposes. Choosing the right CCTV camera is essential to ensuring that you’ll get the best use out of your enter CCTV system. These buying tips and considerations can help you choose the best CCTV surveillance camera for your needs.

Location

The location where you’re going to place your CCTV camera will have a lot to do with the camera you choose. Your first consideration will be whether your camera will be indoors or outdoors. You can choose most types of cameras for indoor use, but if you’re planning to place your surveillance camera outdoors, you’ll need to choose one that has a weather-resistant case. In addition, you should consider the location of power outlets, since even wireless cameras will need a power source in order to operate and broadcast. Battery-operated cameras are an option, of course, but may not be your best choice unless you want to be climbing a ladder to replace the batteries in your wall-mounted outside surveillance camera.

Available Light

Will your CCTV camera be filming in low light conditions or will there always be plenty of light for recording? You may pay a little more for a camera with infrared capabilities or one that can record in low light, but it will be worth it if you want good quality recordings outdoors or in low-light areas.

Fixed or Moving View

A fixed CCTV camera may be fine if you want to be able to see who is ringing your front doorbell, but if you want to be able to survey a larger area, it may not provide the capability you want. If you want to be able to sweep the area or zoom in on specific subjects, you’ll want to look at PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, that have the capability to pan horizontally, tilt vertically and zoom in for a closer look.

Budget

No matter what capabilities you need, you’ll find security camera choices that are appropriate for a wide range of CCTV systems, and at price points to fit any budget. While budget has to figure into your criteria for choosing a CCTV camera, don’t let it be your only deciding point.

A CCTV System Helps Shrink Shrinkage in Retail

Does your retail store use a CCTV system for security? If you don’t, you might want to take a second look at the cost-benefit ratio of installing a CCTV cameraand CCTV security system to reduce your shrinkage and help head off other problems.

What’s your shrinkage ratio? If you run a small retail store, there’s a good chance that your shrinkage rate is unacceptable. On average, say most global retailing experts, the retail shrinkage rate is about 2 percent, but new numbers in October 2011 showed an alarming increase. In the United States, for example, the average shrinkage rate – the amount you lose to theft and fraud – is about 6 percent. The shrinkage rate varies widely among the various business sectors, though, with jewelry stores – who are more security conscious on the whole – at the low end of the list and children’s clothing store at the top.

Can you afford to lose 6 percent of your inventory to shoplifting and employee theft? If your answer is no – and it should be – then a CCTV system, properly deployed, can help reduce your shrinkage rate substantially. A study conducted in the UK found that shrinkage rates from shoplifting and employee theft dropped by an average of 26 percent within six months of installing a security camera and CCTV system in store.

Best Practices for Implementing CCTV Security

Security camera placement is crucial to your results when you implement a CCTV security solution. Keep in mind that a major reason for the reduction of theft is intimidation – both shoplifters and employees are less likely to risk stealing from you if they know they are being watched. Place your cameras in view to make it obvious that you are using a video surveillance camera.

Use CCTV Security at Point of Sale

Most employee theft happens at point of sale. If you focus all of your security on the sales floor, you’ll be missing the largest potential source of shrinkage – your employees. Placing a security camera at the point of sale allows you to record each sale and review them later for signs of employee theft. A surveillance camera may also serve your employees in disputes with customers, which is another selling point for installing a CCTV surveillance system in your business.

Shrinkage may be an inevitable part of doing retail business, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do everything in your power to reduce your losses. A CCTV system is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get a handle on loss and reduce the shrinkage ratio of your business.

CCTV Systems for Home Use

CCTV systems are popular with retail and business establishments, but until recently they weren’t often installed in private homes. As the technology for CCTV camera and recording systems has improved, though, the prices have come down considerably. Today, CCTV systems are often used for home security purposes even in homes that aren’t in the 7-figure price range. If you’re in the market for home security devices, consider the advantages offered by a CCTV system.

Affordability

CCTV systems are now very affordable, especially for home security use. The cost of the system depends on many factors, of course, including the number of security cameras, whether you choose a wireless or wired system and what type of recording system you choose. In general, though, you can you can outfit your home with a surveillance camera at the main entrance and driveway or indoor security camera in selected living areas for well under $500.

Flexibility

If you choose a wireless security system, you’ll have the option of arranging your surveillance cameras to cover the areas you want to cover. Wired systems are more secure and more complicated to install, but they too offer a good deal of flexibility over most fixed security systems. If you choose a CCTV system that will handle more cameras than you plan, you’ll also have the ability to upgrade as your needs change.

Flexible Surveillance Options

You can choose between always-on surveillance and motion-triggered surveillance camera options to make your security more relevant. This can be important if you’re using disc-based storage with limited space. Choosing a CCTV camera that only records when it senses motion is a good way to save space and capture only the data that’s important to you.

Multiple Camera Options

You have a wide choice of options for security camera and surveillance. The many types of cameras on the market include those for indoor and outdoor use, security cameras with infrared and low-light recording capabilities, fixed surveillance cameras and CCTV cameras that pan, tilt and zoom – called, appropriately, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras.

Multiple Storage Options

As with cameras, CCTV systems offer several different types of transmission and storage. The simplest system includes a security camera or cameras and a monitor with no recording option. These are only appropriate if your intent is to only survey when a person is available to monitor the transmission. If you want to record as well as observe, you can choose from DVR CCTV systems or PC-based systems which record in digital format direct to a hard drive.

CCTV systems are an affordable way to provide security for your home. For more information on the best CCTV systems for your use, consult a security professional.

Choosing a Home CCTV Security System

In unsettled financial times, crimes like burglary tend to rise and the last few years are no exception. Locking your doors and windows can only help so much. A CCTV security system is a proactive way to protect yourself, your business and your family both inside and out. A home security system with a surveillance camera can allow you to keep an eye on your property and record what happens there in your absence.

Choosing the right CCTV camera requires a few considerations. A security camera offers various capabilities, and deciding which of them are important to you will help you decide which surveillance camera is the best purchase for your system.

Wired or Wireless?

A wired security camera and system is more stable and delivers better, more reliable images. On the other hand, wired CCTV systems are more difficult to install and limit your range considerably more than a wireless security camera system. Wired security cameras are more difficult to hide, and more difficult to move if you decide to reconfigure your security setup later.

A wireless security camera, on the other hand, is easier to set up and can be relocated with relative ease. Wireless surveillance cameras are often less expensive than wired ones, and can broadcast to a device as much as 500 feet away. On the downside, a wireless security camera is less secure and less stable, and doesn’t provide the same high quality you’ll get from a wired security setup. A wireless security camera setup will also still need some power source, either via an electrical outlet or with an included battery. If your CCTV camera uses batteries, you’ll need to place it somewhere easily accessible so that you can replace them as needed.

Do You Need Low Light Capability?

Most security systems today can record in fairly low light conditions, but you can purchase a security camera with night vision capabilities that allow you to view and record in total darkness. Judge the night vision capabilities of the camera by comparing the LUX value on the surveillance camera. The lower the LUX rating is, the higher the amount you can view. Thus, a LUX of .5 will get your better night vision capabilities than a CCTV camera with a LUX rating of 1.

Always On or Motion Sensing?

It’s most common today to use CCTV cameras that only begin recording when a motion triggers the recording. A motion-activated security camera saves space on your hard drive or tape and makes it easier for you to survey recorded CCTV tapes later. On the other hand, constant surveillance may be an important option for security cameras that are used for legal purposes or to record time lapse changes.

Finally, consider your options for playback and viewing. Many of today’s CCTV system allow you to view the security camera playback from remote devices, including your smart phone and any computer with an Internet connection.

When choosing a CCTV security system, be sure to take your needs into account and choose a security camera setup that works best for you.

Five Ways CCTV Cameras Protect Your Business

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.

Fun Facts About CCTV Cameras and Surveillance Systems

CCTV cameras are a part of our everyday life. Even if you don’t opt to have a security camera in your home or business, it’s almost impossible to leave your home and move around in the outside world without encountering not just one, but many surveillance camera systems and CCTV security cameras. Have you ever wondered about the facts behind CCTV security and surveillance cameras? Here are some interesting facts and observations you can drop into conversation the next time someone brings up CCTV surveillance.

The surveillance camera was invented by Walter Burch. They’ve been around since 1942, when Siemens, an engineering company, installed the first surveillance system at a rocket launch site in Germany.

It took another 20 years for CCTV camera systems to appear in public use in the United States. That happened in Olean, New York in 1962, when the city installed security cameras in its business district to help prevent crime.

The first industry to adopt the use of CCTV security on a wide basis was – what else – the banking industry. Governments throughout the world use the latest CCTV technology in government buildings and military bases, as well as in any area that is at risk from terrorist attacks, including foreign embassies.

The commercial retail industry adopted security camera systems as a way to prevent theft and vandalism, but many businesses also turn the surveillance on their own employees. Despite the wide use of CCTV surveillance, only about 5 percent of US crimes and 3 percent of UK crimes are solved because of a video surveillance camera.

While most people think of CCTV surveillance as a crime prevention solution, many industries use CCTV camera systems to monitor areas where it is not safe or possible for humans to enter or work. CCTV camera use is prevalent in nuclear power plants, chemical factories and other circumstances where a human would be in danger. One well-publicized use of CCTV camera monitoring is in bomb disposal, where a surveillance camera mounted on a robotic base can give technicians an up close and personal look at a suspected explosive device.

If you drive, you’re likely to encounter at least one traffic surveillance camera in use. Municipalities use them to detect traffic violations, pinpoint areas of congestion and record traffic patterns for traffic planning purposes.

While most people use CCTV camera systems to provide security for their homes and businesses, criminals have been known to use wireless video surveillance camera systems near ATMs to record bank card information and read PINs entered by customers. Some criminals have set up surveillance systems in affluent neighborhoods to record the comings and goings of prospective targets rather than casing the area physically.

If you’re considering a security camera system or CCTV security system for your home or business, research the many options available for your use before making a decision. There have been many developments in the CCTV industry since surveillance cameras first appeared on the scene in 1942.