Network Video Recorders

Sometimes, when you have existing data cabling network in place or are installing new data cabling into your building, This cabling network can also be used for your CCTV system, therefore reducing the need for traditional style co-axial cabling and keeping both equipment and labour costs at a lower rate.

This is where you would use a Network Video Recorder (NVR) rather than a traditional standalone digital video recorder (DVR).

The network video recorder once installed becomes part of your IT system and network, allowing users (were allowed) to access and control certain parts of the cctv systems (permissions allowing) whilst providing traiditonal recording methods where required

we highly recommend and install the Samsung NVR

Samsung network video recorder

 this allows upto 64 IP cctv cameras to be installed and connected to the NVR unit (again using the existing data cabling network) which allow for viewing and recording images upto the full high def levels of 1080p (when using mexapixel cctv cameras). This level of cctv camera image also allows for superb digital zooming for closer evidence inspection when required. 

If you would like more information on utilising existing cabling networks for your CCTV systems or purely would like to discuss theupgrade of an existing cctv system to IP then please feel free to contact Zodiac Security .

IP CCTV System installers

Security installers in Exeter

Exeter is one of the largest and most thriving cities in the south west of England. Unfortunately with a large bustling city comes higher levels of people and more often than not, more crime.

Exeter – the pride of the south west of england

 At Zodiac Security we supply and install a variety of security systems for all properties including home security and business security.

This may be one single security system or a whole range of security systems including:

• Burglar alarms

• Cctv

• Access control

• Monitored alarms

• Wireless alarms

• Door entry systems

• Maintenance contracts

• Repair and servicing

• IP cctv systems

If you have any security issues in Exeter or are simply looking for a security installer in exeter then speak to Zodiac Security – an NSI (NACOSS) approved security company providing cost effective, affordable security systems in Exeter

High Def CCTV Systems

With the advancement of technology, traditional analogue cctv systems are being replaced and upgraded to IP cctv systems or the new and improved high def cctv cameras

the difference high def cctv can have

High Def CCTV systems, whilst providing a clearer and more defined image for general viewing, the higher image concentration also allows for superior digital zoom images (as detailed in the picture). this means that one camera can cover a large area and when needed the images can be digitally zoomed in to provide that all important close detail often required for evidence.

If you are currently unhappy with your current cctv systems performance or are interested in upgrading to the latest high def cctv systems then please do not hesitate to contact us.

Most cctv systems are set up and installed during the daytime when lighting isn’t an issue, however when are incidents likely to occur? yes, thats right in the evening / nightime / very early morning when lighting most definitely is an issue.

so how can this be overcome?

there are 3 different ways that this lighting issue can be overcome

1) installing additional lighting (thats another blog post)

2) using day / night low light level cameras (thats another blog post)

3) using infra red lighting (thats this blog post)

Certain cctv camera can be used with infra red lighting, this is invisble to the naked eye (so the intruder will not know he is still visible to the cctv camera)  but the camera can see and utilise this infra red light to allow it to “see” in the dark and therefore pick up any activity during these low light / dark times.

This is the typical view of a colour cctv camera during the day

colour camera during the day

normally, with no external light source present this camera would not be able to see at low light levels, making the cctv system pretty useless, however, with the addition of infra red lighting (still invisible to the naked eye, so the intruder would think he was unseen) the camera can see at night

cctv camera with infra red lighting

this is where the initial system design and security survey is of extreme importance, because the last thing you want to do is install a security system thats does not work to its full potential or when you are most vulnerable.

At Zodiac security we design and install cctv systems to meet all requirements and all potential circumstances. so that you remain protected at all times.

For more information on cctv systems, infra red lighting or any other security please contact us for free no obligation advice, surveys and quotations.

Simple, effective IP CCTV Systems for home and business.

Increasingly in todays security market people are looking to use and utilise the information and technological resources available to them.

One of the latest trends is for IP CCTV Systems – these system utilise existing networks and the internet for cctv cabling and monitoring – replacing the need for traditional CCTV cabling.

IP CCTV Systems are often used on large scales sites where an existing cabling infra structure is usally in place, however there has been a demand recently for smaller, simpler IP CCTV systems suitable for homes and small businesses.

With that in mind we are now able to provide a simple, cost effective IP CCTV systems that meet this requirement.

Our range of IP CCTV systems allow to to view the cctv camera(s) from either your local PC or remotely from any authorised computer when you need to, from anywhere in the world. You can also retrieve and store information from a remote location should you require (a snapshot picture for example)

the IP CCTV cameras available are:

an internal IP CCTV colour dome camera – ideal for offices and shops

Internal IP CCTV dome camera

An external IP CCTV camera with infra red lighting (so it can see in the dark)

External IP CCTV camera

the third alternative is an internal IP colour dome camera with Pan and tilt facility – so you can control the camera to move, left, right, up and down etc

internal PTZ IP CCTV Camera

The three IP CCTV cameras are installed and connected to a router and will self configure for remote access. then anyone with te relevant software (supplied) and the correct codes can access the IP CCTV cameras.

Recording and viewing software is provided so that your PC or laptop can be tranformed into a fully operational digital video recorder as and when required including motion detection and snap shot facilities, this can be manually turned on or off or fully automated with pre-set timer schedules.

The supply and installation price for these IP CCTV cameras (including software) starts from as little as £500 + VAT per camera and multiple cameras can be installed on one site as required.

for more information please contact us.

When it comes to protecting our homes, many of us will ensure that there are locks on the doors and windows and that all external gates are safely secured.

However, if you are able to put some money aside to invest in upgrading or purchasing a new home security system, you could save yourself some money on your home insurance policy.

According to police statistics, there were over 550,000 recorded cases of burglary in England and Wales last year* Out of these cases, around 275,000 had taken place in a household or dwelling, with burglaries from other buildings making up the remaining numbers.

Many homeowners will take steps to try and protect their properties and the possessions within. Indeed, many insurers will take kindly to any extra steps you might take in order to further protect your property and to deter potential burglars, and could offer discounts to those who take steps to further protect their properties.

One of the first things to consider is the doors and windows on your property and the locks on them – this can include doors, windows, patio doors and even garden sheds. Fitting a combination of deadbolt and 5-lever locks throughout the property you can give yourself a feeling of security as well as potentially saving you money on your house insurance policy.

There are a number of different types of home security on the market. These can range from movement-sensitive outside lights to burglar alarms which can be activated should there be a disturbance when you are not at home.

Having such a system in place can not only help put your mind at ease when it comes to protecting your home from intruders, but may also help you to reduce the cost of your home insurance premium.

When selecting an alarm system, check that the systems, as well as the fitters, are registered and approved by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), this will help to indicate a high standard of workmanship and product quality.

Burglar alarms can be activated when you leave the property, with a keypad allowing you to deactivate the alarm during a set time period between when you enter the property and type in the number to deactivate the system.

For items within the property itself, safes can be useful for storing items such as keys and wallets, as well as particularly sensitive information, including document that include personal details.

There are a range of different sizes available to fit any property, and many these will be fire resistant for a certain level of time. By having a safe installed in your home you can help to reduce your premiums by showing your insurance providers that you are taking extra care to protect your prized possessions and vital documentation.

If you live in an area that has a particularly high crime rate, a home CCTV kit could be worth installing in order to keep an eye on the outside of your property. External CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent to wannabe thieves, whilst helping to ensure that the perimeter of your property is under constant surveillance.

These cctv kits can be set up to connect with your existing home entertainment system, allowing you the chance to flick over from watching TV to a camera should you suspect a disturbance. Footage can be recorded and stored onto a specialised recording box (DVR) or onto your computer using your broadband connection and monitoring software

*British Crime Survey statistics

article provided by www.moneysupermarket.com

Conventional modern CCTV systems usually consist of a digital video recorder (DVR) and a seperate monitor for viewing the cctv camera images. However sometimes this may not be suitable for every location, be it a size or styling issue. 

Therefore Zodiac Security are delighted to be able to offer the new, space saving solution, a combined digital video recorder and flat screen monitor in one housing. 

combined DVR and flat screen monitor

 This combined unit not only is a stylish, space saving alternative to a conventianlly designed cctv system but offers all of the same facilities, features with added the added benefits of being a combined unit.

These combined units are suitable for 4 cctv cameras (4channel) or 8 cctv cameras (8 channel) DVR units with integrated 250 / 500gb hard drives. 

 Ideal locations for the cctv units may be home offices, receptions or just simply an area where space and design is an issue.

for more information about any of our CCTV systems please contact us

A conventional cctv system traditionally will have a dedicated cctv monitor or similar viewing screen that has the dedicated task of showing and viewing any cctv cameras on the security system.

For a commercial or business premises thats ideal, space generally isn’t an issue and the cctv system will often need to be looked at more often than a home, but what about a domestic property (a.k.a your home?)

Now, if you are like the majority of people you will already have a big screen at home – the is commonly called  a ” TV” so why not make the most of it?

you could be watching cctv on your TV

there are several different methods of doing this, the two major ones are:

1. you can actually link your cctv cameras into your TV distribution box (via a clever bit of cctv equipment – this is normally located in your loft) so that you can view your cctv cameras on any TV in the house. You can then record onto a traditional video recorder / dvd recorder.  Not the most secure system as it does not provide the added security measures of a DVR but it will get you by. As stated, the obvious disdvantage of this system is no DVR (digital video recorder). I would advise that this this system is better suited for general observation (seeing who’s at the front door, watching over the kids in the garden without actually having to stand and stare at them) than a fully dedicated cctv system.
2. Another option is to have a conventional cctv system installed, locating the DVR underneath (or near) your television (be it in the lounge or bedroom for example) and then connecting your DVR to the television via a BNC to phone connection or a BNC to scart connection. This method allows you to get the full benefit of digital cctv recording whilst being able to view your cctv system through an AV channel on your normal television.

Both of these methods remove the need to find space for a tradional cctv monitor (and therefore the cost of having to buy one) whilst not compromising on the level of your security.

For more information on CCTV systems for either homes or businesses (or both) please visit our main site www.zodiacsecurity.co.uk

Although it may not seem so, cctv warning signs are a vital part of the cctv system.

CCTV warning signs when installed in the correct location provide the initial visual deterrent to anyone who may be thinking about entering the building / area when they shouldn’t be.  It is an advertisement of the fact that you have secured your building and will take the approriate action should you carry on. From a general and curteous point of view it also lets the public know that they will be on CCTV as well.

When a criminal sees a CCTV wanring sign it provides the element of doubt to the criminal and will usually result in them going elsewhere for their criminal activities – which is the intended action.

cctv warning sign

CCTV warning signs are supplied and installed as standard when we install a cctv system, however they can be purchased seperately as required.

if you would like to purchase cctv warning signs then please contact us with the size required and the amount you wish to purchase  and we will provide you with a quotation

Guardcam

3 security systems in one – cctv, security floodlight and voice warning system.

CCTV at home? thats bit over the top and expensive isn’t it?

Not now it isn’t, with the all new Guardcam, an effective CCTV system for the home that provides three secutity deterrents in one, all for hundreds rather than thousands of pounds.

 Guardcam Domestic CCTV & Security Floodlight System pdf

Sounds Great tell me more about the Guardcam.

Guardcam

The Guardcam is a three in one security device featuring a security floodlight and PIR, a cctv camera and recorder and a voice warning unit. The features in more details are:

1. Eco friendly Grade C 230w halogen lamp
The Guardcam uses a low energy Grade C halogen lamp offering an equivalent to older Grade D lamps with lower running costs.

2. High resolution digital camera
GuardCam’s integral camera offers clear image recording in video or still frame format. Night images retain colour and clarity due to automatic halogen light illumination.

3. Built in DVR records directly to 2Gb SD card
Up to 750, twenty second video sessions or 1500 still images are recorded onto the supplied 2GB SD card. Oldest Images are deleted and overwritten as the card reaches capacity ensuring recent events are always available.

4. Time and date setting 
The time and date, once configured will remain within GuardCam ready to be applied to all recordings. In the event of mains power failure internal back up batteries ensure the settings are not lost.

5. Easy replay on Windows Media Player
GuardCam is supplied with an SD to USB converter. Simply remove the SD card from GuardCam insert into the converter and plug into your PC’s USB port. The recorded images can then be launched and stored using Windows Media Player or any other suitable media software.

6. PIR motion detector with integral photocell
GuardCam detects the presence of intruders with proven PIR (passive infra red) technology at a distance of up to 12 metres from the unit. A photocell is employed to ensure activation is restricted to day or night operation at the users discretion.

7. PIR sensitivity and time control
GuardCam’s PIR can be adjusted to provide the best coverage whilst avoiding false alarms from passing traffic, animals etc. The time control adjusts how long the halogen light will remain activated after the first trigger.

8. Audible alert speaker with choice of 3 warnings
GuardCam has the option to deliver one of three messages upon activation. “Warning you are tresspasing”, “Warning you are being captured on video” and finally a barking dog (more effective than you may think). There’s also the option to have no voice alert.

9. 3 mode selection
Mode selection allows you to choose the most suitable combination of GuardCam’s functions. Light plus video at night, sound plus video in the day etc.

10. Secure waterproof recording control panel
The important SD card and time date controls are secured behind a waterproof door only opened with the supplied allen key.