Getting Started with High Definition CCTV

By innovate Business Security, HD CCTV, Safety, Security, Security Services, Security Tips 1080p HD CCTV, HD CCTV, Premises, Site Survey, Video

Thanks to the rapid rate at which technology changes, CCTV surveillance systems can now record crystal-clear, high-definition video of your domestic property or commercial premises. On top of that, the price of HD CCTV is more affordable than ever before, with even the most basic systems benefitting from footage of 1080P resolution.

Here at Innovate Security, we only install the market leading HD CCTV products from renowned brands such as Hikvision, Samsung, and Qvis. Therefore, you can rest assured that both live and recorded pictures will deliver unparalleled detail and the finest evidence available.

However, there are still a few things you will need to bear in mind before having this kind of system installed. So, here’s a brief guide to getting started with high definition CCTV.

Carry out a site survey

First of all, it helps to have a site survey in order to determine the number of cameras required, the position of each camera, the resolution of each camera as well as any cabling routes. Thankfully, this is something we can carry out on your behalf.

Choose between 1080p HD or Mega Pixel IP quality

Generally speaking, 1080p HD CCTV will deliver video quality that is up to 4x better than standard analogue systems. On the other hand, IP camera quality is even better, providing an extremely sharp picture that can be digitally zoomed up to the pixel limit. The biggest difference is price, with HD systems coming in cheaper than Mega Pixel IP alternatives.

Choose your DVR or NVR and HDD

With a 720p/1080p HD system, you will need to choose a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) according to the number of channels. You should also decide upon the record/playback resolution of your DVR too. Mega Pixel IP systems are a little bit different and require an NVR (Network Video Recorder) instead.

But regardless of what you need, it is advisable to pick a recorder with more channels than necessary to allow for future requirements. This also makes sense when it comes to deciding upon an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), which are typically configured to ‘overwrite’ when they get full.

Choose your cameras

The main types of camera available include:

Dome cameras – The lens is positioned on a gimbal enclosed within a clear or smoked plastic dome
Eyeball/Turret cameras – The lens is fitted within a ball that sits inside an orbital socket
Bullet cameras – Typical surveillance camera design and usually installed outside
PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras – Featuring internal motors that can pan 360 degrees and tilt 100 degrees

Choose how to power and connect your system

Powering your CCTV depends on the types of cameras you have chosen. For example, standard cameras usually require a 12v DC supply, whereas most PTZ cameras need a 24v AC supply. You will also need to decide on how you are going to connect every component together, which can include routers and computers for systems with online capabilities.

If all of this sounds a little daunting, let Innovate Security take care of things for you. We always tailor design each system with the customer’s wants, needs, and budget in mind. So, contact us today to find out more.