CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television, it is a system of cameras, monitors, and recording equipment that is used to monitor and record activity in a specific area.

CCTV systems capture video footage, which is transmitted to a central monitoring station or a series of monitors. The footage can also be recorded for later viewing and analysis.

There are several different types of CCTV cameras, including dome cameras, bullet cameras, and IP cameras. Dome cameras are typically used in indoor settings, while bullet cameras are used in outdoor settings.

The right CCTV system will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the area to be monitored and the level of detail required. Consulting with our professionals will help determine the best system for your specific needs, get in touch today.

Regular maintenance of a CCTV system includes checking the cameras and recording equipment are working properly along with monitoring if you have monitored CCTV set-up. It’s also important to periodically review the footage to ensure the system is capturing desired information.

HD IP CCTV sets the new standard in surveillance. Never before has CCTV been so intelligent, sophisticated, integrated and crisp.

• IP stands for Internet Protocol; IP CCTV connects directly to your computer network and uses network cables to transmit its information.
• Varied – IP cameras range from VGA quality through to 8 megapixels(4K). (To make this easier to understand, the image that you see on a full HD television is approximately 2MP).
• Intelligent – IP CCTV cameras can be installed to suit all needs with features like Motion Detect, Enter/Exit and Tamper Detect; IP CCTV can be suited to any application.
• Connected – With IP CCTV linking to your computer network; it can be securely viewed from an array of devices anywhere in the world as long as you have a network connection.

IP CCTV isn’t compatible with analogue CCTV as the technology is completely different; however:

• You can leave your existing CCTV system in place and we can install an IP CCTV system alongside. The disadvantage is that you then have two CCTV systems running which are completely separate. Nevertheless, one of the advantages of IP CCTV is that it’s expandable. Our recording units support up to 64 cameras; so, there’s often no need to add an extra recording unit when you want to upgrade. A cost-effective solution in the long term when you wish to add more cameras or replace existing ones.
• The second option is that we remove your existing analogue recording unit entirely and replace it with one of our IP recording units. Your existing analogue cameras can be left in place and each one connected to an encoder which effectively turns each camera into a network camera. These ‘network cameras’ are then viewable alongside your new IP cameras. The only danger is that you’ll see the side by side comparison.

• Our manufacturer of choice for IP CCTV systems is Samsung. We find their equipment to be the best on the market in terms of quality, reliability, technology and ease of use. We also find that by offering our clients a premium brand, they feel more reassured that they’re purchasing a quality product.
• If you have a preference for a different brand, that’s absolutely fine. We have a great relationship with a number of manufacturers and are very competitive on price; so, we’ll be happy to assist whatever your requirements.

Samsung Techwin manufactures video surveillance products utilising innovative technologies; many of which are unique to Samsung. Samsung Techwin’s products are based on “3 Pillars” of development, namely Image Quality, Bandwidth Utilisation and Ease of Use. The Samsung range also includes hybrid options; such as encoders to allow existing analogue cameras to be incorporated. By delivering Smart Security products, Samsung provides a complete range of end to end IP network solutions; including Network Video Recorders (NVR), licence free viewing and recording software and a comprehensive range of High Definition megapixel cameras. Smart IP CCTV Cameras, offering your cameras to be monitored by an Alarm Recording Centre. Samsung NVR’s incorporate a “Hot Swap” facility to allow replacement without interrupting recording. Power supply reliability is enhanced by way of Dual Power supply.

• Exceptional Performance & Stability
• Up to 64 channels of full HD Network camera support
• 400Mbps network camera recording
• 264, MPEG-4 & MJPEG multiple codec
• Up to 12 hot-swappable HDD’s supporting RAID 5/6, iSCSI
• VGA/HDMI live monitoring
• Dual SMPS power supply
• UPnP (Auto Port Forwarding)
• Device recording support

BS8418 has proved such a success that TI Security is incorporating many of its design requirements to ensure a better service and use of resources. When businesses are looking to have a monitored CCTV security system installed, they want to know that every aspect of its performance is going to meet their needs. BS8418 was developed for that very purpose, especially because compliant systems can be eligible for a ‘first response’ service from the Police. Rather than specifically being created with the end-user in mind, BS8418 started life as a set of best-practice recommendations in order to stop the high incidences of false alarms that were being reported by remote video response centres (RVRCs). Rather than setting out restrictive guidelines for components and design specifics, the standard has been developed to eliminate issues such as the system failing to trigger when needed, and bogus alarms that can result from badly thought-out installations and poor operation. Now rolled out as an official standard, BS8418 has 2 primary purposes:

1. To ensure that monitored and event-triggered monitored CCTV systems are well designed
2. To ensure that monitored and event-triggered CCTV systems perform according to the users’ needs

When a camera surveillance system is implemented and designed properly, control room staff can provide a much better service, with their time focused on handling actual, real-time events, instead of being side-tracked by false issues created by insufficient systems. When the standard was first unveiled, it provided an additional opportunity for suppliers and customers to install a system that could in the future be granted ‘first response’ status by the Association of Chief Police Officers – who adjusted the ACPO Security Systems Policy to include this type of onsite security measure. However, for a monitored CCTV surveillance system to meet first response requirements, the design must include a facility for monitoring staff to issue a warning via a speaker, as per the latest iteration of the standard: BS8418:2010. This audio aspect allows control room personnel to tell the intruder that they’re trespassing on private property, are being monitored via onsite cameras, and should remove themselves from the area with immediate effect. In many cases, this warning is sufficient to persuade the offending party to leave – especially as many triggered events are an accidental breach, rather than a genuine incident. Details of the unauthorised entry can be logged on the reporting system, but require no further action. Of course, if the audio challenge to leave is ineffective, the person needs to be removed from the protected site – so the designated keyholder is advised of the breach and asked to attend. With the RVRC operator being connected to the site by audio, there’s the additional benefit of being able to provide ‘back up’ once a responder is in attendance. Having someone watching the area, while simultaneously being able to communicate their observations, offers real peace of mind. When suppliers work towards the compliance standards, the end-user will benefit from:

• Reliable and effective security
• A clear explanation and understanding of the system’s capabilities

The specifics of how operators manage alarms and site monitoring are truly flexible with this type of camera surveillance security system, and response actions can also be defined according to business needs. The specification, plus clear details of how the system will be designed and implemented (including the exact operational parameters it offers), should all be stated in the proposal/scope of work provided by the supplier. This document should evidence best practice and all considerations made to ensure that the system is effective and completely fit-for-purpose – this should include details of audio challenge functionality and quality, RVRC services and camera configurations. In essence, this standard-compliant document should leave the user in no doubt as to the system’s capabilities and how triggered alarms will be dealt with – while also allowing them to suggest any potential changes that could be made based on their personal knowledge of the site. Working towards a BS8418 compliant system that marries CCTV surveillance with activity-triggered capabilities offers a fantastic, advanced solution for businesses that need to ensure their site is secure inside and outside of operational hours. One of the greatest benefits is the flexibility it offers, giving owners all the usual CCTV functionality, with the added reassurance of a monitored system, and site response, when it’s most needed. The standard also requires these elements to be clearly defined and explained:

• Commissioning/system testing
• Documentation handover.
• Setting and unsetting procedures to allow RVRC system management takeover when the site is unoccupied
• Owner responsibilities
• RVRC operating, monitoring and administrative procedures
• Collection of annexed information, including technology, positioning and illumination