Find Our Most Frequent Questions Below
It's understandable that you'll have questions about having CCTV cameras installed. Having a Residential or Business Security Camera system can be simple or more complex and it only makes sense that you'll have questions; and we will try to answer those questions below.
Alternatively, email us at enquiries@cctvcheltenham.co.uk or call us on 01242 659309 or 03330 341309
FAQs about CCTV systems
How Much Will A CCTV System Cost?
The cost of a CCTV camera system is difficult to state here as it will depend on the camera type, the number of cameras, the recorder box ( NVR / DVR ) and the number of days you wish to retain the recordings. Needless it is to say though, that the cameras are of excellent quality and very reliable.
What Types Of CCTV Cameras Are There ?
There are two types of CCTV camera systems commonly used in Cheltenham and surrounding areas: Analogue and Digital (IP Cameras). Analogue cameras use COAX cable and Digital (IP Cameras) use Ethernet or CAT cable - usually CAT 5e or CAT 6. Both Give good quality images but overall, IP cameras tend to be better built and have more options and more reliable.
Analogue CCTV cameras often need a separate power supply and adds to the cost. Some Analogue CCTV camera systems can push the power down the same COAX cable which eliminates the need for a separate power supply.
IP CCTV cameras use PoE which is Power Over Ethernet. This means the cameras do not need a separate power supply. Data and power go over the same cable.
Are The CCTV Cameras Wireless or Hard Wired ?
All our CCTV cameras are hard wired. Wireless CCTV cameras need to be able to connect to your WiFi signal and this is often weak outside the home and this often makes the cameras unreliable.
It is not always the case that they are unreliable but by hard wiring a cable to the cameras, you never have any drop outs or connectivity issues.
Do The CCTV Cameras Need Power ?
All CCTV cameras need power but IP Cameras receive their power via the cable connected to the recorder box (NVR). Analogue cameras generally need a separate power supply although it is now possible to push the power from the recorder box (DVR) in the same way as the IP cameras. It is more common to have a separate power supply.
Which CCTV System Is Better ? Analogue or Digital ?
Both CCTV types give good image quality but we feel the IP cameras are better made, have the edge on image quality and often have more functions. The fact that no extra power supply is needed makes for an easier installation.
Which CCTV Type is cheaper ?
Analogue cameras are cheaper but that is often reflected in their build quality, functionality and image quality. The fact that analogue cctv cameras need an extra power supply means the cost of the power supply and the extra time it takes to install brings the overall cost close to that of IP cameras.
What If I need Multiple Buildings Connected Together and Cabling Is Impossible ?
We have added CCTV cameras to farms and holiday cottage parks where running cables is impossible. We achieved this by using Point To Point (PTP) devices that create a wireless bridge between the buildings. The cameras are still hard wired to the network but the bridge devices join the buildings together and make a seamless CCTV system.
Can I View CCTV Cameras Remotely Via A Phone, Tablet or PC ?
As long as you have a stable Internet conection in your property and the recorder box ( DVR or NVR ) is connected to it, you can view your cameras from anywhere in the world.
Can CCTV Cameras Send Me Alerts And Notifications ?
Most CCTV cameras can be set up with alerts. Digital CCTV cameras offer a larger variety of alerts but the main alerts are motion detection and line crossing.
Motion detection picks up movement in a specific area of the camera whereas line crossing detection uses an imaginery line. If line crossing or motion detection is triggered, you receive an immediate notification to your device with the ability to watch a playback of the event and what triggered it.
Hopefully, this has provided you with answers to some basic questions but if you would like to have more information, please feel free to contact us by:
email us at enquiries@cctvcheltenham.co.uk
or call us on 01242 659309 or 03330 341309