Every camera needs a job
A camera meant to deter needs to be seen. A camera meant to identify someone needs to be close, well lit and set up for detail. These are different specifications, with different lenses, positions and distances. When they’re mixed up, the system disappoints the people who paid for it.
Before anything is specified, I ask:
- What must be seen, and in how much detail?
- Does the event need an immediate response, or only later review?
- Which positions need analytics?
- Can the existing cabling or network be reused safely?
- How will the system be viewed, supported and secured?
The right technology at each position, not one technology everywhere
Modern HD analogue is far more capable than its reputation. It delivers high-definition, full-colour night images and person and vehicle detection. Where sound coaxial cable already exists, it avoids a rewire.
IP cameras earn their extra cost where the camera itself does the work: number plate recognition, people counting, occupancy monitoring, or integration with other systems.
A hybrid system uses each where it fits, on one recorder and one app.
A 32-camera site might use 24 cameras for general perimeter and circulation coverage, 2 specialist cameras at vehicle entrances, 2 enhanced cameras at reception and 4 specialist cameras at defined high-risk points. The mix comes from the site survey, not from a preference for one technology.
What’s included
- IP, HD analogue or hybrid, matched to each position and your budget
- Analytics that alert you to people and vehicles, not just record them
- Full-colour, low-light cameras where identification matters after dark
- Remote viewing on your phone or tablet
- Network and cyber security designed in from the start
- Integration with access control, lighting and alarms where it adds value
- A written rationale for every recommendation
How a CCTV design comes together
- Understand the risks, the people involved and what you need to achieve.
- Survey the scenes, lighting, cabling, network and existing equipment.
- Define what each position must deliver: detail, alerts, storage and resilience.
- Match the minimum capability that meets the need at each location.
- Check performance, cyber security, privacy, compatibility and whole-life cost.
- Write it up, so the recommendation can be understood and defended.
Every CCTV system I design can include our data protection compliance service: fee guidance, site-specific signage and a CCTV policy.
Data protection complianceComing soon