BEWARE
CCTV Cameras are often judged by the number of TV Lines (TVL) quoted but this alone, can prove to be grossly inadequate.
The image sensor used in a camera might be of the highest quality and be capable of producing an image with a high TVL specification. However, the image is collected initially by way of a lens so the quality of that lens and its clarity has a considerable bearing on the end result. Let us assume that there is a good lens and a good image sensor, does that mean a good picture? The simple answer is not necessarily. The image has to be processed and if it is not carried out properly the picture quality will suffer.
Think of it this way. You might think that the more pixels that make up a picture, the better the picture. However, a high number of 'distorted' pixels might not provide as good a result as a lesser number of 'true' pixels.
Add to this the fact that some cameras can handle changing light levels better and giver a truer colour rendition and it soon becomes apparent that just because a camera has a claimed high number of TV Lines, that alone does not mean the desired results will be achieved.
To complicate the issue even further, unbranded or cheap own brand cameras are often associated with false or exaggerated claims as to their performance. There are so many that it would be impossible to verify performance claims, who is going to take the trouble to challenge them?
Two cameras might look identical but in fact be very different. Even cameras from the same maunfacturer might share a housing for cameras of very different specifications.
There are manufactureres of dome housings for example who suuply a number of camera manufactureres. Some might house a good camera and others a very poor camera.
Vista VIPS (Intigrated Positioning System) Camera
Vista Powerdome Camera
Eneo Long Range IR LED Camera
Vista Long Range Dual IR LED Camera
Vista Vandal Resistant Dome Camera
Vista Box Camera
Vista Internal Dome Camera
|
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED LEASING? |
|
|
|
SSAIB Approved Installer - CCTV
CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS
Many of the large number of CCTV installations being caried out are a little dubious to say the least! There is a lack of standards being applied and false claims are commonplace. The problem is that CCTV is a far more complex subject than many realise. There is no easy 'one fits all' solution.
The difference between different images might not be apparent at first glance. However, the devil is in the detail and closer scrutiny will reveal the difference with a good detailed image being vital for recognition or identification of the subject.
It is devastating to have CCTV installed and record an incident which is of no use to the police as the images do not clearly identify those involved resulting in no further action being taken. You might know who is involved but the main purpose of CCTV is to prove it.
It is worth remembering that the cameras and recorders etc. are working away 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Taking that into context, a computer used in an office might be in use 8 hours a day, five days a week. While it is not in use it has time to cool down. The CCTV with its hard drive recorder operates constantly for 8,736 hours in a year, the computer intermittently for perhaps 2,000 hours. In which case is the quality the most critical?
Our approach is to assess the needs and discuss the expectations. A site survey is then carried out and a detailed specification provided which indicates the design purpose for each camera. We also have to consider the implications of the Data Protection Act. For example, it is not permissable to record sound under normal circumstances. The systems we specify are to the standard required where CCTV is a condition for licensing purposes.
We carry out a survey and provide a detailed specification and quotation without charge.
Design purpose for cameras are to provide;
Prescence. Easy to acheive but of limited use when depending on recordings where at best, the time of an incident can be verified.
Recognition. Persons or vehicles can be recognized if they are known to you. Often, where identification is achieved at an entrance for example, recognition from other images can be sufficient to provide evidence for an incident.
Identification. Can be difficult to achieve but essential for a prosecution to take place.
If a CCTV System does not meet its objectives, it is not 'cheap', just an expensive toy. Some companies sell CCTV, systems based on 'what's in the kit' while others provide security.
We can offer the following;
Conventional and IP Based Systems
- Colour & Colour/Monochrome Cameras
- Internal & External
- Pan, Tilt and Zoom Cameras
- Speed Dome Cameras
- IR LED Lighting (monochrome images)
- White Light LED Lighting (colour images)
- Digital Recording
- Networkable
- Remote Viewing over the Internet
- Remote Monitoring (Central Station)
- Vehicle Number Plate Recognition Cameras
- Vehicle number Plate Recognition Database Systems
- Fully Comprehensive Maintenance
Professional Systems
The word 'professional' is all too frequently mis-used when selling and describing CCTV equipment. For example, many large stores sell CCTV kits which they describe as for professional use suitable for domestic and commercial use. If they really believe this, why do they spend vast amounts of money for 'proper' systems to be installed at their stores by professional security companies?
The answer is quite simple. They need to minimise their losses from theft and provide added protection for their staff by deterring abuse and attacks. They know (as do the regular offenders) that high quality images are required for a successful prosecution.
The option to lease a system is well worth considering. You can spread the cost and deploy you capital elsewhere (such as the expansion of your business) and there are considerable tax advantages. Although the lease is effectively a rental You can still take title to the system at the end of the lease period. The advantages of Leasing
-
PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF CLIENTS REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS
-
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE OF SECURITY ISSUES AND REQUIREMENTS
-
EXPERT ADVICE BASED ON YEARS OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CCTV
-
BEST SITING OF CAMERA
-
CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO SCENE ILLUMINATION
-
AWARENESS OF LIGHT REFLECTION ISSUES
-
MOST SUITABLE CAMERA SPECIFIED
-
MOST SUITABLE LENS SPECIFIED
-
DESIGN PURPOSE OF EACH CAMERA SPECIFIED
-
HIGH QUALITY RECORDED IMAGES
-
SUFFICIENT HARD DRIVE CAPACITY TO RECORD FOR TIME PERIOD REQUIRED WITHOUT COMPROMISING IMAGE QUALITY
-
SUITABLY RATED CAMERA POWER SUPPLY UNITS FOR CONTINUOUS OPERATION
-
CORRECT INSTALLATION TOGETHER WITH QUALITY CABLING & CONNECTORS ETC.
-
EXPERT CLIENT INSTRUCTION ON USE OF DVR ETC.
-
INSTRUCTION ON RETENTION OF IMAGES (TRANSFER TO DVD OR MEMORY STICK)
-
BACK UP SERVICE FROM COMPETENT TRAINED PERSONNEL
-
SYSTEM MUST MEET REQUIREMENTS FOR STATED PURPOSE
-
APPOINTMENT OF DESIGNATED DATA CONTROLLER
-
SYSTEM ADDED TO DATA PROTECTION REGISTRATION WITH THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER
-
CORRECT SIGNAGE
-
DISPLAY OF CORRECT TIME & DATE
-
ORIGINAL RECORDING OR AUTHENTICATED WATER MARKED COPY TO PREVENT TAMPERING
-
ABILITY TO VIEW IMAGES EASILY WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL BESPOKE SOFTWARE
BEST PRACTICAL RESULTS REQUIRE:
CORRECTLY SPECIFIED SYSTEM BASED ON;
FOLLOWING INSTALLATION;
COMPLIANCE WITH DATA PROTECTION ACT (NON-DOMESTIC);
IMAGES FOR EVIDENCE OR TO WARRANT FURTHER INVESTIGATION;
IMAGE QUALITY SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE RECOGNITION OR POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION
REMEMBER, YOU CAN ADD QUANTITY BUT YOU CAN'T ADD QUALITY
Vista Quantum Digital Video Recorder
INTEGRATED INFRA RED ILLUMINATION FOR LONG RANGE NIGHT TIME VIEWING
|
The VIPS range of cameras offer a truly reliable and robust solution to both day and night time viewing. Thanks to a very sensitive camera and in built IR illuminators, they are cable of providing very good monochrome images in total darkness at a distance exceeding 120 Metres from the camera . During daylight hours they provide excellent full colour images. Because of the all-in-one design, the modules are optimised to provide the best possible images, whatever the lighting conditions. Unlike when using Dome Cameras where often 360 degree illumination is deployed, only the area where the camera is facing is illuminated representing massive savings on running costs. High Sensitivity The 1/3” Camera Module with a powerful optical zoom lens together with the in-built illuminators allow for detailed pictures from a distance exceeding 120 Metres at night. All-in-one Design The all-in-one design is aesthetically pleasing and practical. The IR lamps light the area the camera is looking at for improved efficiency and economy. The high output LED’s deployed use a minimum amount of power and have a very long life. The illuminators are perfectly matched to the camera for the best possible results. Variable Pan/Tilt Speed The speed varies from 0.1 to 50 degrees per second so activity can be followed with ease. Up to 220 pre-set positions can be programmed in together with detailed tours.
|
Vista VIPS Camera in action
|
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PAY TOO LITTLE FOR A CCTV SYSTEM?
Ask yourself this, ‘do you just want pictures or do you want security?’ Getting an image is easy, getting the right image good enough for evidence is a complex issue, from selecting the right cameras and lenses, the optimum camera location, the correct setting up and due consideration given to scene illumination. All of these add to the time taken in carrying out a survey and an installation but they can make a dramatic difference to the final results. There is no substitute for experience.
It is virtually impossible to have ‘like for like’ quotes even where the same main equipment is specified. Different ancillary equipment might be used together with a different approach to installation and less time spent setting up.
Companies that charge too little for their installations are likely to fail and leave their customers high and dry, so YES, you can pay too little for a CCTV System.
WHY DO SOME QUOTES APPEAR TO BE CHEAPER?
Everything has a cost. Lower initial prices might seem attractive but do they represent the true cost? Unlike buying an item such as a TV or computer etc. you can’t just take a CCTV System back to the shop if a fault develops because it is installed in many parts of the premises. Is the problem down to the equipment or the installation? You must rely on being able to call someone out, someone who is competent and doesn’t spend excessive time locating the fault and use such situations to render high charges. Accordingly, a low initial price might turn into a higher overall price.
Equipment to be Installed.
Cheaper lower performing equipment can be installed which might well provide inferior results with a longer term reliability issue. Stated specifications do not always give a true picture.
For example, a camera which is claimed to be high resolution on the basis of a high number of TV Lines might well provide poorer images than a well designed camera with a lower number of TVL.clear picture cannot be achieved with a poor quality lens.
Time spent on Installation.
Taking less care can mean saving time and reduce cost at the expense of corner cutting and risking possible future reliabilty	issues. Setting up properly takes time but is essential in order to achieve the desired results and the best possible images. As well as instructing on use at the time of installation, we also make a	follow up courtesy call to ensure our customers know how to operate their systems.
Help and Service
It is essential that help over the telephone and service is available and that any guarantees given are honoured. Some manufacturers offer long guarantees on cameras etc. but there is the cost of calls to diagnose problems and to replace that equipment to consider. Guarantees are only of any use if the installation company is still trading.
'It is not prudent to decide on price alone. Whereas it is not wise to pay too much, it can prove disastrous to pay too little.'
Domestic CCTV
Having CCTV installed in the home is an option many consider and some pursue. However, if the purpose of such a system is to provide evidence for the police the quality of the recorded images must be up to standard. Quite simply, the police will not pursue a complaint unless any offender caught on camera can at least be recognised or preferably positively identified from those images except in exception circumstances where a very serious offence has been committed.
Accordingly, the criteria for such a system is the same as for any other CCTV system so the notion that you can install a cheap little system which provides questionable images which you might consider provide 'proof' of an offence being committed is as mythical as a unicorn.
Even with top quality equipment it can be difficult to provide the right images which means the right choice of camera and lens etc. With any CCTV System is better to have fewer high quality images than a number of low quality images, one good image can be enough to achieve a prosecution. Recordings must have time and date and must be watermarked to prevent tampering,
We are regularly contacted by people who have had a cheap system installed asking if anything can be done to improve the image quality. In most cases they have recorded images of an incident and have been told by the police they are not good enough. The simple answer is no, other than replacing it with a high quality system. Despite what you see on TV, images cannot be enhanced, what you see is what you get. Their reason for having the system installed was probably to apprehend an offender (quite often a neighbour) with whom they had problems and who is laughing in their face and feeling very smug and invincible knowing the cameras pose no threat. The effect can be devastating, compounding the feelings of anger and resentment to a new high.
The DIY stores etc. that sell cheap systems often claim they are fit for professional use. It is noteworthy that they use professional companies to supply and install very different equipment for their own security!
Many so called professional CCTV installers will provide systems that provide less than adequate results and can be very unreliable. It is worth remembering that the cameras and recorders are working away 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Taking that into context, a computer used in an office might be in use 8 hours a day, five days a week. While it is not in use it has time to cool down. The CCTV with its hard drive recorder operates constantly for 8,736 hours in a year, the computer intermittently for perhaps 2,000 hours. In which case is the quality the most critical?
Our policy is to specify the same high quality equipment from respected specialist CCTV manufacturers for domestic installations as we do for commercial installations and schools etc. This allows use to offer the option of on-going fully comprehensive maintenace for all systems confident in th knowledge that reliabilty won't prove to be a major issue.
The bottom line is check the quality of the recorded images and be satisfied with the overall quality before you commit yourself. A promised long guarantee is of little use when the installer is no longer in business so it might well be worthless and introduced simply to make sales. If you are in any doubt, don't waste your money.
See also 'BEST RESULTS REQUIRE'