Home Security CCTV

xxxdarlingxxx

Hi there

There has been a few breakins and cases where dogs are being taken from rear gardens. I have a pretty secure garden but it is bordered by parkland and I thought cameras would be a good deterrant. Should the worse happen they would also hopefully identify anyone accessing my property. I would like to put up a couple of CCTV cameras to the from and a couple to the rear of the house.

Any advice on the best medium priced way to proceed would be welcome.

thanks in advance

xdx

neilwoods

Define medium priced way

scheming_gypsy

No idea how good they are, but I was having a quick look on Argos' site for a cheap security light a few days ago, and came across these

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7154894.htm#pdpFullProductInformation

Don't look too difficult to install and reasonably priced.

graspandsave

I'd suggest you go to maplins- ASAP, seriously, they do some good deals, many different budgets catered for
The staff were very helpful, discussed options, we also google the different systems/ different shops before we parted with our cash. Many forums out there with user reviews will help you decide .


PS am not connected to maplins at all, just spent some money there when we installed out CCTv sys

xxxdarlingxxx

Thanks I will head to Maplins, hopefully I will get something with the definition the police would require if needed for the £400ish mark.

xdx

matttye

No idea what they're like for CCTV but Maplins is usually really expensive. Shop around before you buy anything!

neilwoods

What definition do the police say to go for. As for Mplain being expensive, yes they can be, but name another retail chain with CCTV that know's about them. Yes you can always by cheaper online but the fun begins if something goes wrong.

For £349 you can get 9 channel 1Tb with 4 x 650tvl (plus 2 free cameras) from maplin. So 6 cameras and DVR that records at 704x480 which is about DVD quality.

Or for £449 can get 9 channel with 500gb and 4 x 700tvl (records at 960x480, wide screen dvd quality)

Can get Full HD systems now, but do command a higher price

xxxdarlingxxx

Hi there it'sc a min of 700 tvl apparantly. I had a chat with the chap that services my house alarm, I think he will help with advice too.

xdx

paddyrg

700 lines is high, it's way over DVD quality and systems are markedly dearer. The DVRs sometimes use time division multiplexing (don't panic, the term means that they use lower frame rates than TV so the vide seems more stuttery), so if you can see a unit in action with 4 cameras it'll help your decision. Outdoor cameras almost certainly require extra illumination, they vary in quality from small ones with a handful of LEDs to ones with many concentric rings, which can see much further at night. Probably worthwhile. Motion detection might appear useful but frankly the dogs, deer, badgers and foxes will set it off the whole time anyway. Whatever you get though, is better than nothing. We've had successful convictions on a Maplin cheapie special in the past

G_M

there are a number of online retailers, some with quite comprehensive guides on what to look for and what the different techie terms mean. Use google.

You'll need to consider the recording device:

* PC. They are not really designed for heavy duty video input recording, plus any capacity issue will affect your normal PC use (unless you use a dedicated PC/laptop

* Normal DVD player/recorder. I use this at present. It works, but not ideal. I'm looking for a deal on a DVR

* DVR. Best solution. Can record from multiple cameras. Can record only when movement is detected. Easy search functions to find 'events'. They seem to cost £130 upwards (and then you need the cameras + either wiring or wireless cameras + receiver)

neilwoods

paddyrg wrote: »

700 lines is high, it's way over DVD quality and systems are markedly dearer. The DVRs sometimes use time division multiplexing (don't panic, the term means that they use lower frame rates than TV so the vide seems more stuttery), so if you can see a unit in action with 4 cameras it'll help your decision. Outdoor cameras almost certainly require extra illumination, they vary in quality from small ones with a handful of LEDs to ones with many concentric rings, which can see much further at night. Probably worthwhile. Motion detection might appear useful but frankly the dogs, deer, badgers and foxes will set it off the whole time anyway. Whatever you get though, is better than nothing. We've had successful convictions on a Maplin cheapie special in the past

DVD quality is 480i (720 x 480), you use the latter number. So a D1 dvr will only record at DVD quality. If you can get what is called 960H, not much more than the D1, but does record at 960 x 576 (widescreen), get better recording. The DVR will record in various methods, not just motion detect, timed record, motion detect, detect with alarm.

Most camera's will have Infrared to see in the dark, but without decent resolution, hard to identify an individual.

Yes plenty of online sellers, far cheaper. The reason i prefer the high-street, so much easier to go back to sort any problems (at least the stores i have gone to)