CCTV
We are now pleased to be able to offer the supply and installation of CCTV systems. Often seen in the past as very expensive and complicated to install, modern systems have become far more affordable and suitable for domestic use. With just one system you can have a number of high quality recording cameras to deter potential unwanted access on your property and should the worst happen, have up to HD quality surveillance footage. In many instances, you can even be notified of any alerts on your phone and see the cause of the alert in real time.
It is an unfortunate truth that since Brexit, there are many UK nationals with a second home in France who are now unable to use/stay at their property for as long as they used to. The rolling 90 days in any 180 day period means that properties often remain closed for at least half the year.
A CCTV system can offer some peace of mind, enabling homeowners to monitor their property in real time.
There are various different systems available:
A Digital Video Recording system is hard wired and usually uses analogue quality cameras. This is often the cheapest option. This is not to say that it may not be what you need, but this type of system usually offers the lowest quality image. Given the limitations of the system, it does not allow for audio transmission. These systems can also be trickier to install as it is common for each camera to require two cables. One for power and one to supply the images to the recording unit. The extra time to run the additional cables may well offset the initial cost benefit of the system.
A Network Video Recording system uses either wired (via Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi) cameras. They usually feature higher quality cameras for a better video image. Wired systems mostly (but not always) use PoE (Power over Ethernet) meaning that only one cable is required per camera. This can make installation quicker and neater. This is usually our preferred type of system as it is not subject to good WiFi coverage.
Both of the systems above rely on a hard-drive based recording unit to be located within the property. This is where the video is stored, although depending on the system, it may also be possible to access it remotely via an internet connection.
IP (Internet Protocol) Cameras do not use a form of local video storage. These systems store the video recording directly to the internet where they can be accessed via a website or app. This does of course require the property to have an 'always on' internet connection. The cameras are connected to the network - before transmission to the internet - via either a PoE cable or by WiFi.
There are a number of different camera options, both external and internal, and in certain cases it may be possible to create a bespoke system based on specific requirements.
Whilst WiFi becomes increasingly common in our everyday lives, many professional CCTV installers still prefer the 'hard wired' nature of Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems. Such systems eliminate the potential issue of poor WiFi coverage in certain parts of a property, meaning that further expense on WiFi extenders - or investment in a WiFi mesh system - is not required. It also means camera placement is often simpler due to the fact no consideration of access to a plug socket is required, or if no socket is convenient, additional electrical work being carried out.
Please feel free to contact us to discuss your requirements and to arrange a site inspection.
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