Below are some of the factors we will take into consideration when designing a system for you.

Surveillance
For any cctv system to be truly effective, careful consideration must be given to both the placement and management of each camera and associated hardware.

• Will any external cameras be visible from a distance so as to act as a deterrent ?
• Have the cameras been positioned to capture useable images of all persons entering or exiting the premises ?
• What are the likely operating temperatures and weather conditions ?
• What are the lighting conditions ?
• Are vandal proof housings required ?
• Do you require audio capabilities ?
• Do you require PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) capabilities ?
• Do the circumstances demand facial or number plate recognition technologies ?
• Is remote access required to any or all cameras (via the internet) ?
• How many days footage do you need to be recorded, and at what frame rate ?
• For residential systems, are your cameras intruding on your neighbour's privacy ?
• Cable routes should be planned and protected against malicious damage.
• Any recording equipment should be kept securely, and preferably hidden.

Access Control
These systems may at first seem simple but several important questions must be asked before equipment can be chosen for any application.

• Do the circumstances require video as well as audio ?
• Can existing cctv cameras be used in conjunction with the entry system to cut costs ?
• Will any video feed be sent to the TV or a handset unit ?
• Can any existing system components be retained and combined ?
• Is it practical to use a keyless (swipe card etc) system ?
• Do you require biometric systems (Fingerprint / Iris recognition) ?
• How troublesome is the cable run ? (especially important for older buildings)
• Will additional cable be installed for redundancy ?

An explanation of the technologies available..
As the sophistication of security equipment increases, it can become a confusing realm for anyone not familiar with the industry. Here we briefly explain some of the technology available and some terms you may
come across in your search for a security solution.

ANPR – Automatic Number Plate Recognition
Images of vehicle licence plates are captured and read against a database. Used for congestion charging and to grant access to certain areas via automatic barrier systems.

Biometric
This covers cameras which can recognise unique facial or iris characteristics to grant or deny access to an area, or fingerprint recognition access control systems.

CCD
The imaging sensor inside a camera. Produces much higher quality images than cameras using CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensors.

CIF / D1
Two common resolutions which recording devices operate at. D1 providing the largest image (720 x 576 pixels), CIF is smaller (352 x 288) but uses less hard disk space.

Domotics (Home Automation)
These systems allow automatic or remote operation of devices such as heating, lighting, air conditioning, and audio within a home or office.

DVR / NVR – Digital Video Recorder / Network Video Recorder
These replace the traditional video recorder and record instead to hard drives. They are more reliable and offer higher quality images and an abundance of useful features.

FPS – Frames per second
Higher frame rates (25fps is considered ‘real-time’) provide better evidence but require more expensive hardware and use more storage space as well as bandwidth.

IP66
This classification when applied to a cctv camera means it has been built to withstand an operational lifetime outdoors. It is therefore weatherproof to a high standard.

IR – Infra Red
Infra Red lights can be used in conjunction with cctv but are often built into the camera itself. This allows images to be recorded in very low light levels.

Keyless entry
This term can be used to describe biometric systems but more commonly used for systems using swipe cards and fobs or alphanumeric keypads.

MJPEG / MPEG4 / H.264
These 3 compression methods generally speaking increase in performance from left to right above. MPEG4 is the current standard, with H.264 providing the best quality images while using the least disk space, but the hardware involved is still quite costly for common implementation.

Motion Detection
Rather than recording footage continually 24/7 and wasting valuable disk space. Some recorders can lay dormant until motion is detected, then record automatically.

POE – Power Over Ethernet
Using specialist equipment, cameras can be powered and video received along the same CAT5 network cable. This cuts costs and eases installation as only one cable is needed per camera.

Remote Access
Some cameras and recording devices can be accessed over the internet, or even your mobile phone. This allows a property to be monitored from anywhere in the world.

Vandal Proof
Higher specification cameras are built to withstand sledge-hammer blows for use in high-risk applications. There are even bullet proof cameras available !

Video Entry
Many of today’s audio entry systems are being replaced with similar devices integrating a small camera which allows residents to see who is visiting before granting entry.