looking to set up CCTV cameras at my new shop

[kiaanx 0]

I was wondering which is the best type of cctv system to use for a business.

Ideally i'd like a wireless set-up and it would be beneficial i could view the footage from a laptop at home.

 

can anyone recommend the right system for me?

 

thanks

[tomcctv 190]

I was wondering which is the best type of cctv system to use for a business.

Ideally i'd like a wireless set-up and it would be beneficial i could view the footage from a laptop at home.

 

can anyone recommend the right system for me?

 

thanks

 

 

Hi kiaanx. first wireless never works. if you want a cctv system invest in a good system. you will get good advise on here but first you will need to tell us a little more.

how many cameras.

size of store.

and your budget.

[kiaanx 0]

 

Hi kiaanx. first wireless never works. if you want a cctv system invest in a good system. you will get good advise on here but first you will need to tell us a little more.

how many cameras.

size of store.

and your budget.

 

The store isn't the biggest therefore i'm only looking for 3 cameras but it does need to be viewable from home.

i haven't really set a budget but i'm looking for as cheap as possible.

[tomcctv 190]

 

Hi kiaanx. first wireless never works. if you want a cctv system invest in a good system. you will get good advise on here but first you will need to tell us a little more.

how many cameras.

size of store.

and your budget.

 

The store isn't the biggest therefore i'm only looking for 3 cameras but it does need to be viewable from home.

i haven't really set a budget but i'm looking for as cheap as possible.

 

 

in the cctv industry cheap is short for it will not do the job. its ok looking at monitors but the most important is getting good footage from the system (footage you can use) so its not cheap you are looking for its a budget system http://www.avermedia.com/AVerDiGi/Product/Detail.aspx?id=252

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Color or B&W cameras? Minidome format or brick cameras? Dependent on answers, there are decent cameras and DVRs in the market that will perform very well. You can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $500 to $700 range, but obviously you can find similar hardware for less than these ranges.

 

On the side of the DVR, there are way too many too choose from. What makes the pricing vary are too many variables, but at the end what you want is a decent performer.

 

Here is something that I will recommend - regardless where you get the equipment, ask basic questions about warranty and support. If warranty is less than three years, then you get what you pay for.

[Guest]

I was wondering which is the best type of cctv system to use for a business.

Ideally i'd like a wireless set-up and it would be beneficial i could view the footage from a laptop at home.

 

can anyone recommend the right system for me?

 

thanks

 

Ask yourself why you need CCTV, what you expect to see from each camera (consider image size, quality, environment etc), how are you going to use the recorded images etc.

 

View the video released by the FBI and posted on this site recently which gives additiona advice regarding the operational requirement.

 

Then you can start to look at the technical aspects of the kit.

 

Ilkie

[Henry-f 0]

As has already been said, avoid wireless cameras and systems. Especially if you are trying to set up a CCTV system on a budget. The quality will be very poor. you are also introducing a chance for image deterioration even before it reaches the DVR recorder.

 

The first thing you need is a CCTV DVR recorder. Make sure you buy one that records in what's called D1 resolution. That's 704 x 576 pixels. The lower options are field (half D1) or CIF (1/4 D1). By recording in D1 you are capturing the maximum detail possible. Don't worry too much about recording in "real time" which is around 25 frames per second. 3-6 frames per second is fine if they are good quality images.

 

The trick with cameras is don't try to film everything at once. Choose exactly where you want to film and then fill the whole of the screen with that subject. For this reason we are big fans of zoom, or vari-focal cameras. This allows you to zoom in or out once you've installed the camera to best fill your frame.

 

[admin edit: out of fairness to others; link removed. ]

 

Cost-wise you can get a great 4 channel recorder at £150 (a little over $200) and good quality varifocal cameras range from around £80-140 (a little over $100 to a little over $200). Cable costs are much cheaper than wireless links, allow around £15 ($20) per camera. There are lots of places selling CCTV these days, obviously some are knocking out cheap rubbish but most areas have a retailer who can give good advice and sells quality products.

 

Finally if you want some helpful advice on things like positioning your CCTV cameras and so on there are some video tutorials on our site.

[tomcctv 190]

As has already been said, avoid wireless cameras and systems. Especially if you are trying to set up a CCTV system on a budget. The quality will be very poor. you are also introducing a chance for image deterioration even before it reaches the DVR recorder.

 

The first thing you need is a CCTV DVR recorder. Make sure you buy one that records in what's called D1 resolution. That's 704 x 576 pixels. The lower options are field (half D1) or CIF (1/4 D1). By recording in D1 you are capturing the maximum detail possible. Don't worry too much about recording in "real time" which is around 25 frames per second. 3-6 frames per second is fine if they are good quality images.

 

The trick with cameras is don't try to film everything at once. Choose exactly where you want to film and then fill the whole of the screen with that subject. For this reason we are big fans of zoom, or vari-focal cameras. This allows you to zoom in or out once you've installed the camera to best fill your frame.

 

Cost-wise you can get a great 4 channel recorder at £150 (a little over $200) and good quality varifocal cameras range from around £80-140 (a little over $100 to a little over $200). Cable costs are much cheaper than wireless links, allow around £15 ($20) per camera. There are lots of places selling CCTV these days, obviously some are knocking out cheap rubbish but most areas have a retailer who can give good advice and sells quality products.

 

 

For a shop going as low as 3 or 6 fps is a bit low and with a little more money you can have at least 12 or 13 fps. and never miss the quick handed shoplifter. also 704x576 is 4cif look for full D1 720 x 480/720 x 576 (NTSC/PAL).

and stay away from no branded name systems (no backup or support) it does pay to use named dvrs and cameras you will end up with a good system.

[Henry-f 0]

A lot of DVR recorders that say they record in 720 x 576 pixels in the spec sheets actually only record in 704 x 576. The way to test is to quickly remote access your CCTV system. Take a screen snapshot then go to resize it in your computer's graphics programme. Select "pixel size" and hey presto - it displays the pixel size of each frame.

 

Either way whether it's 704 pixels x 576 or 720 pixels by 576 it's a lot better than the CIF format of 360 pixels x 288 that so many systems use. Certainly if you're looking to set up a small system in a shop on a budget and get everything else right by zooming in your cameras to fill the frame, position them properly and so on you'll have one of the best systems in the street.

 

I still think that 6 frames a second is more than enough for all but the most specialist of applications, certainly if it means the difference between an extra camera or 2. CCTV is always a trade off between perfection and someone's budget. We aren't talking Vagas here

 

Keep smiling

 

Henry

[CCTV_Suppliers 0]

Here is a basic system that I can recommend with brand name parts and full three years warranty...

 

1. Sanyo 6 channel embedded system - running between $250 to $300 - at least week of recording space or more if you want to add larger capacity hard drive - Internet ready and does not require any special remote software - you can use MS IE to perform all the tasks.

 

2. CBC indoor minidome with 480TVL resolution and 3mm-9mm lens - from $130 to $150 range

 

3. Altronix power supply - lets say 8 position - varies between $70 to $90

 

4. cables connectors, etc - roughly $100

 

Instead of using CCTV monitor, you can use regular TV with external Video input - this way you can feed the video from the DVR using BNC to RCA adapter...

 

Your initial three camera package could run between $800 to $900 and will give you room to add more cameras as you see fit... you also can add different brand cameras, so there are no restrictions...

 

Hope this answers your basic question.

[Sawbones 0]

One thing you're going to want to avoid is the "system in a box." It's a full system, including DVR (usually low-grade), and 4 or 8 cameras (even lower grade). You'll find them at Sams Club, Costco, etc.

 

First of all, some of those systems come with non-standard cabling, so changing out cameras or replacing the DVR is a real pain.

 

Second of all, there is no single camera for every view you're going to want. Some cameras may need WDR (wide dynamic range... usually used for nasty backlighting situations, like catching somebody coming into a darker area through a glass or otherwise well-lit exterior door), while others may need to be IR sensitive, and some can simply be color area-coverage. Some cameras can be zoomed into a specific area (like a cash register, or high-dollar merchandise, etc.

 

There is no "one perfect camera," so avoid the boxed system. You're far better off getting a quality DVR, and building your system piecemeal, with cameras chosen for the specific view you're after.

[rory 0]

A lot of DVR recorders that say they record in 720 x 576 pixels in the spec sheets actually only record in 704 x 576. The way to test is to quickly remote access your CCTV system. Take a screen snapshot then go to resize it in your computer's graphics programme. Select "pixel size" and hey presto - it displays the pixel size of each frame.

Some budget stand alone DVRs perhaps .. not all though, and definately not most PC based DVRs today. With most PC based you can just select the source size for the video (eg. 640x480, 720x480), then set the record size (eg. 320x240, 640x480, 720x480) Most cases in NTSC they will do 720x480, unless they are clones, which is common for DVR cards out of China, still stuck on 640x480. I understand with standalones it can be a little more sketchy, where they claim D1, 4CIF, or CIF in the settings, it can really be anything unless you investigate the video as you mentioned. But still, 6fps was 5-10 years ago, nowadays 15fps+ per channel is the norm, even more with live video, hardware compression cards, or using smart motion recording ...

 

BTW taking a screen shot from the networked video will only give you what they set the activeX / video window to .. has nothing to do with what the video is actually streamed at; eg. I can set an upload stream at 720x480 but set the download video size to 320x240, if you capture that window using screenshot you only get 320x240, but if you were to reset that video size to 720x480, you would get, 720x480, ofcourse compressed as all DVRs do. Also, many DVRs are dual stream, in fact i try to stay away from those that are not .. meaning the network video is seperate from the live and recorded video.. unfortunately many budget 4 channel DVRs are not dual stream and changing the video quality settings on the DVR affect the networked video as well.

[rory 0]

I was wondering which is the best type of cctv system to use for a business.

Ideally i'd like a wireless set-up and it would be beneficial i could view the footage from a laptop at home.

 

can anyone recommend the right system for me?

 

thanks

 

Depends, if it is a small business then first stay away from wireless, it may work but that is MAY and it is not cheap no matter what wireless you use. Standard would be some higher res maybe varifocal on the registers depending on what you want to see or hidden cameras if you dont want them to know they are there, perhaps a mic over the register area for audio.. some wide angle general cameras (with IR if you want to see in the dark) to cover the store, perhaps a high res varifocal to cover the entrance, if pointed at the entrance may need a WDR camera, or using a cheap camera point it inwards not looking at the door to avoid backlighting problems .. cover your isles, shelves, etc. Indoor domes are fine in most cases.

 

If you have a warehouse area could use IR but dont need to be cosmetic so could use IR bullets, vandal domes with or add IR if you are worried about them being damaged/moved, could just use IR cams at either end and normal color down each isle. BTW certain areas you could get away with low res if on a tight budget, such as shelving areas, general shots of the store, even the register if you already have the camera zoomed in right on it. Outdoor would benefit alot more with high res, and ofcourse the store entrance.

 

there is no "right" system, every application is different, also depends what YOU want. Additionally no one brand has ONE single camera or system to cover it. Get a DVR that suits your needs, there will never be an all in one system that has cameras and a DVR that does what you need. When choosing a DVR also note its capabilities for evidence sharing, as well thats one of the most important things with CCTV, and one of the most common things missing from budget 4 channel DVRs. If you have issues sharing the video with the cops or courts, in many cases then whats the point. Sometimes I get calls from people asking how to back up video from a DVR I have never used, they are doing this some 2 years after it was installed, they use it every day, but not once tried to backup video .. I am like WTF?? And remember no matter what you install, the criminal could come in with a mask .. or even take the DVR with them! An additional fake system can help in some cases

[Henry-f 0]

Totally agree with the CCTV in a box not being a good way of acquiring CCTV. Also agree with wireless being generally unsuitable as well unless you are spending big money. It's interesting that the one thing you rarely see in promotional videos of cheap wireless CCTV products is screen footage.

 

Not a huge fan of PC based CCTV DVR's either. If you build a stand alone computer then it will more than likely end up costing more than a bespoke stand alone plug and play DVR recorder. If you combine it with your normal PC then not only will a good capture card have an associated cost, not a million pounds away from a stand alone DVR but also your PC needs to be left on all the time, risks a performance reduction handling the CCTV footage, has the hell knocked out it's (probably non AV grade) hard drives and worst of all is the first thing taken in a break-in.

 

Yes, technically you should make a little back up to your computer and use that to determine frame size. I suspect for the original poster merely knowing that different frame sizes exist and to aim for D1 in what ever guise is sufficient to ensure a useful CCTV system on a budget. Let's not scare folk off by splitting hairs or going down too technical a road lest they give up and buy the CCTV in a box solution because it was easier !!

 

Henry

[Sawbones 0]

Totally agree with the CCTV in a box not being a good way of acquiring CCTV. Also agree with wireless being generally unsuitable as well unless you are spending big money. It's interesting that the one thing you rarely see in promotional videos of cheap wireless CCTV products is screen footage.

 

Not a huge fan of PC based CCTV DVR's either. If you build a stand alone computer then it will more than likely end up costing more than a bespoke stand alone plug and play DVR recorder. If you combine it with your normal PC then not only will a good capture card have an associated cost, not a million pounds away from a stand alone DVR but also your PC needs to be left on all the time, risks a performance reduction handling the CCTV footage, has the hell knocked out it's (probably non AV grade) hard drives and worst of all is the first thing taken in a break-in.

 

Yes, technically you should make a little back up to your computer and use that to determine frame size. I suspect for the original poster merely knowing that different frame sizes exist and to aim for D1 in what ever guise is sufficient to ensure a useful CCTV system on a budget. Let's not scare folk off by splitting hairs or going down too technical a road lest they give up and buy the CCTV in a box solution because it was easier !!

 

Henry

 

I'm going to disagree on the PC-based DVR point.

 

PC hardware is a commodity item, and can be had dirt-cheap. It may not be as cheap as a low-grade DVR, but you maintain full control over the hardware, and have your choice of software. You can add or subtract encoder cards, add some IP cameras, easily expand your hard-drive space (1TB drives can be had for VERY little money these days... and are probably the same drives the embedded DVRs are using), add a network drive for remote/redundant storage, etc. You don't have to ship it to Taiwan to get it fixed, either.

 

I went PC-based, and I'll never go back.

[Henry-f 0]

Firstly congratulations on living on the right side of the line. We may be thousands of miles apart but a dodge Ram pickup nestles quietly in the corner of my car collection so I'd fit right in

 

It just seems a lot of hassle and added expense. We fit a good quality Western Digital AV grade hard drive in all our DVR's so quite possibly the same. No saving there then. With the DVR everything is already there for you. With the cost of DVR's these days you'd wonder if it's worth bothering to fix them beyond simple DIY stuff.

 

As with everything in life though, each to their own.

 

Keep smiling

 

Henry

[MarvinLamont 0]

Outdoor Business CCTV Cameras are an excellent choice for providing video surveillance footage of your businesses entry doors, exit doors.