CCTV Camera Kits
If you are looking for a complete CCTV system that is simple to set up and use, consider a cctv camera kit. These kits contain all the components you will need to start monitoring your property.
Choose HD CCTV cameras for maximum image clarity, allowing you to read registration plates and recognise faces. Also look for cameras that have night vision to monitor your space in the dark.
Cameras
Whether it’s to deter theft, prevent vandalism, cctv camera kits monitor traffic, or keep an eye on employees, CCTV systems can be a significant benefit for businesses in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Typically consisting of at least one camera, lens, monitor, and recorder (the recorder may also be called a DVR or NVR), CCTV systems can be scaled up or down depending on the size of the area you want to cover.
Most cameras included in cctv camera kits work by taking a constant sequence of images and sending them over cable or wirelessly to the recording device, where they are stored for later viewing. To ensure you have enough storage space, look for a kit that comes with an NVR or DVR with a large hard disk capacity. Since video files take up a lot of space, you’ll also want to select a system that uses surveillance-grade hard drives built with more durable components than computer hard drive models.
If you prefer a discreet solution, there are many small hidden cameras available online that can be installed in various places in your home, including inside alarm clocks and intercom systems. They usually connect to your home Wi-Fi and can be accessed via an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. However, these cameras’ connection to the Internet means they are susceptible to hackers, so look for one that uses encryption and has no history of security breaches.
Monitors
In a CCTV system, the monitor or display device is where images are shown on screen. Older systems used black and white monitors, but modern CCTV monitors are often full color high-resolution displays that can show live video from multiple cameras at once. They can also include special features like the ability to zoom in on an image, track a specific object or person, and even talk back to anyone in range of the camera.
Some cctv monitors can be remotely viewed from anywhere with a computer, iPhone, iPad or other electronic device that connects to the internet. This remote monitoring feature allows business owners to keep an eye on their store’s security when they are at home or out of the office, and it gives them peace of mind that the business is protected 24/7.
The monitors included in a cctv camera kit should have a minimum resolution of HD or higher to capture sharp and clear images. They should also have a low power consumption so they can run for a long period of time without running up a high electricity bill. LED monitors are a great choice because they use less energy than LCD monitors, which can save money over the life of the monitor. They also come in a wide variety of sizes so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Power
Whether your CCTV system uses a digital or an analog DVR or an IP camera with built-in WiFi, you need power to operate it. The best cctv camera kits come with the necessary power supplies. These are usually 110 volts and can supply enough current for your cameras. When choosing a power supply, make sure it is large enough for the maximum current draw of all your cameras during the day, plus the amount of current used by infrared LEDs and motorized lenses at night.
To keep wiring neater, you can use a CCTV power distribution box to consolidate all the camera power wires into one central point. This box, in combination with a RG59U siamese cable and video baluns, lets you run all the wires from each camera to a single power supply, which is typically installed near the DVR. You can then plug the power supply into a conventional wall outlet and your installation is complete.
If you need a solution for remote locations where it’s expensive and impractical to run power lines, consider a solar powered CCTV kit. These kits are simple to install and come with everything you need, including solar panels, batteries, cables and connectors for powering your cameras. You can even add wireless cameras to these kits to further reduce the need for wiring.
Wiring
There are a number of different security camera wiring types to consider when purchasing your CCTV kit. These include RG59 siamese cables, plug and play cables and ethernet cable. All of these are available in both shielded and unshielded versions. The choice you make depends on the site specifications and budget. Plug and play cables are premade with connectors already attached, making them easier to use than bulk cable that needs to be cut and fitted by hand. However, they are also more expensive.
Alternatively, you can buy ethernet cable that is ready to go. This is great for a number of reasons, including the fact that it can carry both video and power, meaning there cctv camera kits is no need for separate cables. The only downside is that you will need to have a POE switch installed in order to utilize this type of cabling.
Coaxial siamese cables are also widely used for analog CCTV systems. These cables feature separate insulated wires for both the power and the signal, which connect to a camera power supply box. These are typically used to run the camera power wires to the cameras, and they can also carry the video signal back from the cameras to the recorder. They should always be run close to the power supply, to avoid any signal degradation caused by long distances of transmission.
