Steven_W

I have installed a couple of CNM Secure DVRs (the SALVA unit, 8 channel) for a guy locally. I spoke with CnM secure technical and they inform me that there is no way to go into a history of viewed DVRs with different IP addresses, like you can with mEye for example. He informs me they will put that forward in the next version of the app, but in the meantime is there a way that a different app that permits history will work with this range of DVRs? I have tried mEye but it will not connect. Many thanks!

Hi all I have been installing fairly basic 4 channel or 8 channel complete CCTV kits (mainly from Maplins) for a couple of years, only using the cables supplied within the kit (thin joint video & power cables) I have stepped up a bit now and I'm in the middle ground between domestic and professional and in some cases a mix of 2. Yesterday I was installing 8 420 TVL Sony CCD cams (4 bullet, 4 domes) but forgot to buy additional cable. The DVR came with cables to 4 cameras, I bought an additional 4 off eBay. As I was caught short for cable I used my professional siamese RG59 plus power cable, meaning I had to mix the 2. I didn't have any spares on the van and had to joint cables rather than properly terminate them... this worked OK but ended up just not feeling right as I had heavy duty pro cables mixed with thin domestic stuff... however, no noticeable difference in quality! So, the point of this post, is that obviously it's all about profit margin on installations and there are many cowboy installers doing cheap gear off eBay with 6 cameras installed for £500. I won't work for this because of the quality of the products and the issues with returning faulty products. I have used Maplins for complete CCTV kits but now feel I should up my prices and use higher quality "Prosumer" or professional products. So how do you guys feel about the basic 420 TVL kits versus a mix if the 2 versus pro level products? The job I did yesterday would be double the price if I used pro products, where's a comfortable mix of the 2? Thanks all!

I know what you mean, these systems have been supplied by customers, or when I am approached to do an install they say "I have seen an 8 camera system on eBay for £400 with a monitor"... that kind of thing. The problem is that it is so easy for people to search for systems and get very cheap products they can't understand why I want to charge them double for materials. A lot of my customers are on a budget, so I normally start the conversation with a disclaimer to state that I do not recommend the products they want me to install and therefore can't give them a warranty. If I do an install in one day and make say £250 out of it and it doesn't break the bank for the customer plus they have a reasonable system installed to the spec they stated, plus I have a disclaimer in place, that's the only way I proceed for a bottom end system. For prosumer standards I go for 600 TVL Sony CCD cameras, RG59 throughout, a decent monitor and an XDH DVR or similar. Plus I have to explain the pitfalls of the quality of their internet connection and how this can affect remote viewing. I have fallen fowl of domestic gear in professional situations and learnt the hard way! Still, you live and learn!

I was considering switching to CNM products for my installations but there seems to be quite a few problems with these, most of my customers want smartphone access, mostly either iPhone or Android, so I hope this gets sorted!

Hello all I've been a lurker here for a while so thought I'd sign up as I'll be adding to threads and creating ones pretty soon. I've done several complete CCTV system installations over the years but I'll be doing more than ever soon and need to be able to seperate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to products... Hope you are all well, speak soon!