What do I need for a complete CCTV system?

A CCTV system will be based around a DVR or digital video recorder. CCTV cameras are connected to the DVR using cables and there will be some ancillary items such as a power supply for the cameras.

DVR or digital video recorder

The DVR is the heart of the CCTV system. It takes all the camera inputs, arranges them on screen for live viewing and also stores footage onto a hard drive for viewing at a later date. Our DVRs record all the cameras regardless of what you are viewing live on your monitor. It is possible to view 1 camera at a time or several cameras in various combinations depending on how many channels the DVR supports. We sell 4, 8 and 16 channel DVRs which are suitable for 4, 8 or 16 cameras respectively. They can be combined, so 2 16 channel DVRs could host a 32 camera CCTV system.

Our DVR recorders also support remote access over the internet. You need to connect the DVR to your internet router. This can be done either with a cable, a power bridge adapter that uses your electrical wiring or a wireless network point. Then wherever you are in the world you can view live footage from your cameras, see previously recorded footage, make backups of important events and even make settings changes to the DVR.

The cameras

CCTV cameras are the most important thing to get right and we have devoted quite a bit of space on our website to help you make the right choice. We are always glad to offer help and advice if you are planning a CCTV system so pick up the phone and give us a call. We can have a look at your property using aerial images whilst talking through your specific requirements and select which cameras will best suit your requirements.

Cables

The cable from the DVR to the camera does 2 jobs. It transfers video from the camera back to the DVR and it supplies 12-volt power to the camera. Video connection is via a BNC connector. If you are using CAT5 cable then the BNC connector will be part of the video balun.  12-volt power connections are 5.5mm jack plugs. At the camera end, there is a DC plug, and at the DVR end a DC socket into which the 12-volt power supply for the camera connects. For this reason, you would normally locate the camera power supply next to the DVR unit. The DVR will be supplied with its own 12-volt power supply.