CCTV Kit – Protect Your Home Or Business With High-Definition Security Cameras
Suitable for smaller spaces requiring less cameras and coverage, these kits are also easy to install and use. They can be either wired or wireless.
Smart CCTV systems allow users to keep track of activity in their homes or businesses on a 24/7 basis. They include features such as digital zoom to enlarge footage without losing clarity.
High-definition (HD) security cameras
Using high-definition security cameras, you can protect your home or business with the peace of mind that comes with knowing the images you see are clear and sharp. The camera’s resolution also helps police and prosecutors identify individuals or vehicles in video footage for evidential purposes.
The latest security cameras are available with up to 8 megapixels (MP) of image resolution, which can deliver stunning clarity and streaming performance for both residential and commercial use. They are available in a range of sizes and styles, from small and discreet to more robust and rugged units that can withstand weather and other harsh conditions.
A higher megapixel resolution means more pixels in each frame, but it also requires more bandwidth to transmit and store the data. For this reason, it is important to consider your network status before selecting a high-resolution camera. If you don’t have a high-speed Internet connection, you may want to consider a lower resolution camera for your home or business.
For example, Lorex offers a wide selection cctv camera kit of wired and wireless security cameras with HD resolution. Some connect to Wi-Fi directly and use a mobile app for monitoring, while others record locally to a DVR or NVR. They also come with features such as night vision and person, animal, and vehicle detection. Some are even battery-powered and completely wire-free.
Network video recorders (NVRs)
NVR cameras allow businesses to save footage locally or in the cloud, and some even support remote viewing. This feature eliminates the need to be on-site in order to check camera streams and allows enterprises to investigate issues at home, while travelling, or even in another country.
Unlike analog CCTV cameras, which transmit raw, unprocessed video data over coaxial cables, NVRs process the data within the device itself. This allows businesses to record higher-resolution footage, capture more detail down to license plates, and store footage at a faster rate. NVR systems can also include a built-in Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which ensures the integrity of recorded footage in case of a power outage.
However, NVR security systems are dependent on a reliable internet connection. If the connection is interrupted, video recordings and live feeds will stop working. For this reason, many NVRs come with a battery backup that can provide emergency power for up to four hours.
The type of NVR you choose depends on your requirements. Some NVRs have ports for connecting PoE-compatible IP cameras and require no individual power adapters to function, while others have no such cctv camera kit ports and require a scan function to connect devices. Ask providers about different types of NVRs, including their PoE/non-PoE switches and scan function. This will help you choose the best equipment for your specific requirements.
Hard drives
Typically, surveillance hard drives come pre-installed inside NVRs or DVRs or can be added externally. They provide 24/7 continuous recording of up to 2 weeks in FHD 1080p. The recording time can be extended by lowering the frame rate. However, this is not recommended if you plan to use the system for a serious security purpose or you want to record more than 4 cameras simultaneously.
While most regular PC SATA hard drives will work with video surveillance equipment, they are not designed for the heavy workload of constant streaming and writing of multiple 4K video streams. They will fail prematurely compared to purpose-made video surveillance hard drives.
For example, a hard drive from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) product is optimised for 24/7 reads and writes from multiple users. This makes them a perfect fit for recording motion detection clips or continuous footage from multiple cameras. On the other hand, a surveillance hard drive from a brand like WD Purple is specifically designed for continuous recording of multiple camera feeds. This type of drive has special optimisations that allow it to manage write errors by skipping them and continuing with recording.
If you encounter problems like the internal hard drive for your DVR or NVR not being detected, check whether the cables connecting the device to the hard drive are firmly connected. Also, make sure that the power cable to the hard drive is plugged in correctly. If the problem persists, you may need to replace the hard drive.
Wi-Fi connectivity
If you’re considering buying a wireless CCTV kit, it’s important to consider the connectivity options. Wi-Fi cameras connect to a wireless router, which transmits footage over the Internet. This makes it easy to view the footage remotely, but can also be vulnerable to hacking or other security risks. Make sure to look for a camera that uses encryption and doesn’t have a history of breaches.
Most cameras have integrated WiFi that allows them to communicate with a home’s wireless router. However, it’s important to check whether the camera supports a 2.4 or 5 GHz network. If it does not, you will need to purchase a dual-band router or experience connectivity problems.
To reconnect a disconnected camera, first check the router’s documentation for troubleshooting steps. You can use WPS mode, AP mode, or Ethernet to reconnect the camera. If the LED is flashing green, wait a few minutes to verify that the camera has a full internet connection.
Many cctv wifi kits come with an HDMI port to connect to a monitor or a TV set, and they offer 1080P FullHD resolution. Some of them also have a VGA port for older PC monitors. The NVR in these cameras stores video files on an internal hard disk. They can record continuously or only when the camera detects intrusion. The storage capacity depends on the type of hard disk you choose. Some can take 3.5″ HDDs, while others require smaller 2.5″ HDDs.
