Keeping your family and home safe is paramount, and the first step to ensure this is to choose expert CCTV suppliers for your home security. A CCTV system is a security system that is made up of several cameras linked to a single monitoring system. CCTV systems have become more affordable and so have gained popularity among homeowners wanting to secure their homes. Before deciding on which CCTV system, it is a good idea to evaluate your needs and choose a system that will meet them.

Why use a CCTV system?

There are numerous benefits to having a CCTV system installed on your property. Both CCTV cameras and monitoring systems will improve the security and safety of your property. With remote monitoring from inside your house, you can identify what exactly is going on outside. CCTV systems can also be used to obtain evidential quality images and recordings of suspects that may be involved in any criminal activity on your property. The recordings thereof will serve as indisputable evidence in any investigation. Another advantage is that a CCTV system can help prevent crimes and discourage any intruder from bothering you at home. It has been noted that often just the sight of a mounted camera and alarm system will deter a would-be intruder.  Most importantly, a well-built and functional system can provide you and your family with an increased sense of security and peace of mind. Installing a CCTV camera is a low-cost investment in keeping an eye on your children, pets, and properties.

Where can I find a quality CCTV system?

We provide effective CCTV systems designs that are specifically designed to meet your needs. As the leading provider of CCTV solutions to both businesses and homes throughout South Africa, you can rely on the selection of CCTV systems we have on offer. You can choose from the best 720p HD CCTV package to meet your needs from our wide variety of packages. Our basic packages include only CCTV cameras, the respective digital video recorder and a 1TB hard drive. Or perhaps you would prefer to choose the comprehensive packages? Our comprehensive packages also include everything you will need for an effective CCTV system installation. You also have the choice of our IP 4MP CCTV package. This package includes IP 4MP CCTV cameras, a digital video recorder and a 1TB hard drive. These packages have everything you will need to put your system together, including cables and connectors. Our experts can assist you in choosing the right system for your needs, and will explain the advantages of each before you decide.

Why choose Iron Curtain Security for your CCTV system?

We have built a solid reputation and have a proven track record within the industry. Our customers know they can rely on us as we will provide them with expert advice, quality products and workmanship that is backed up by excellent after sales service and support. We aim to stay at the forefront of technology and we have achieved this by partnering with the leading manufacturers of security equipment worldwide. We also place a strong emphasis on quality by sourcing only the best tried and tested products. Our business has grown to include the supply and delivery of our first class products, and expertly installed by our installation teams based in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban. We are proud to say that we have successfully implemented more than 2000 separate security projects throughout the country, for both a wide range of industries throughout the business sector, as well as provided peace of mind for many families at their homes.  When you choose one of our CCTV systems, you will also receive our industry leading 3 year on-site swop out guarantee™. All our staff have expertise in all core facets of our operation, and these include the product, technical, electrical, IT and installation.

Before you make your purchase, we are happy to provide a free installation assessment. We will assist you with the process of designing a system that will meet your particular security needs while considering your budget. This is because we know that there is no one size fits all when it comes to security solutions. When you are confident in the system that meets your needs, we can match it to your budget. Our qualified installers and technicians will ensure that your system installation and integration is seamless, and your CCTV system is up and running as soon as possible. Ensure the security of your family and home, and choose expert CCTV suppliers. Speak to Iron Curtain Security today for a free installation assessment with one of our professional consultants.

You’ll often find commercial areas filled to the brim with CCTV cameras. However, commercial areas are not the only properties that need security. Business owners are well aware of the capacity of a CCTV system to deter and prevent crime, and they see these systems as essential to running a safe business. The good news is that a CCTV system can be used just as effectively in your own home. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to ensure the security of your home.

There are systems out there that allow you to view your security camera footage on your mobile device, from anywhere with an internet connection. A CCTV system is the perfect foundation or complement to an existing security plan, and in this article, we’re going to take a look at the 5 greatest benefits of using a CCTV system for your home.

1. Video surveillance augments an existing security system
   You may already have a security system in place. Some homeowners choose to go with a house alarm, which automatically alerts the police in case of a break-in through the window or front door. A CCTV system can act as a second layer of protection, which films the culprits and records information for the police. This facilitates the police investigation, potentially allowing the homeowners to recuperate some of the losses.

   On top of that, the previously mentioned remote viewing capability allows you to view the security feed remotely. This is great when you are away on holiday and you hire someone to take care of your home or pet. You will be able to see for yourself if everything is in order in your home.

2. A CCTV system can generate savings
   One of the best ways to reduce insurance premiums is to increase the security of your home. Insurance companies have a clause which states that anything that can reduce the risk of damage being done to your home can be used to reduce the insurance premium. A CCTV system definitely falls into this category, and the video evidence captured by the system can help with insurance claims.

   Video recordings also play an important role in court cases. You may be involved in a criminal case in court, which may or may not be related to a break-in. The video evidence will be invaluable when making your claims.

3. CCTV systems are easy-to-use

   A video surveillance system is great for busy people. After all, who wants another appliance in the home that will need routine maintenance and repairs? A CCTV system is a set it and forget it type of deal that is easy to install and maintain. Most companies offer a support/maintenance service, so you don’t have to worry about upkeep, and all you will need to manage the system is a basic grasp of computers/smartphones.

4. A CCTV system is great if you have house staff
   If you hire house staff to take care of your property, either inside or outside the home, a CCTV system can help you keep them accountable. Gardeners and housekeepers are great to have around the home, but sometimes you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. With a CCTV system, you can also gather video evidence for any complaint you may have with the staff and make a stronger case for your argument.

5. Video surveillance can take the place of other monitoring systems
   A video surveillance system can have more than one function. For example, if you have a CCTV system, you don’t really need a baby monitor. The CCTV cameras will serve the exact same function as a newer model of a baby monitor, which films the cot and relays the footage to the parents’ mobile devices.

   A CCTV system can also be set up with motion detectors, which will automatically alert the authorities in case of a break-in. Let’s say you’re out on a weekend break, and you do not have pets, or any house cleaning staff while you’re away. All you have to do to turn your video surveillance system into a full blown security system is activate the motion detectors.

As you can see, investing in one of these systems has numerous benefits for a homeowner. From increased security, to increased savings, a CCTV system has much to offer. You will be able to protect your home, monitor all activity from a distance, and record any evidence of wrongdoing on your property. If you are interested in a CCTV installation for your home, contact Iron Curtain Security, the number 1 name for quality CCTV systems in South Africa.

Property security is very important for businesses. Assets must be protected in order to turn a profit, and CCTV systems are one of the most effective ways to deter criminals and recover losses in case of theft. Today’s systems come with a wide variety of high-tech features, such as motion sensors and mobile phone/tablet accessibility and management. Some systems can even be configured to automatically call the police in the case of an intrusion.

Thanks to a rapid technological pace of improvement, CCTV systems are now available for businesses of all sizes. However, picking the right system can be difficult because almost all vendors offer numerous customisation options. So what are the factors that come into play here?

The features of a CCTV system

To start, you will be able to choose the resolution of your cameras. The resolution can vary greatly, and this is one area where you can save money, if you have a smaller property, or would like to monitor internal activity. When recording in an office or warehouse for the purposes of management, coordination and employee theft prevention, clarity is not a top priority.

You then have systems which come with embedded video analytics capabilities. These systems automatically detect and track movement, and they can be configured to send mobile notifications or even contact the police. These systems are top of the line, and they remove the need for manual monitoring, which can help save money.

Nowadays, most systems come with IP cameras, which are connected through the internet and are the modern iteration of the analogue camera. Besides the previously mentioned features, these cameras are also compatible with network video recorders (NVR), and they can be connected to PoE switches. NVRs allow for a higher quality of recording, and systems built using NVR can be scaled up very easily. PoE, stands for Power over Ethernet, which is a capability where cameras are powered through Ethernet cables. These same Ethernet cables are then used to transfer information through the NVR.

Analog cameras come with none of these features, but they are slightly less expensive than their IP counterparts. However, if you have to cover a large area, a system based on IP cameras may be cheaper, because IP cameras have a larger field of vision, and as such, fewer cameras will be needed. There is also a middle ground between the two systems, where both IP and analog cameras are used. Based on an hybrid video recorder (HVR) infrastructure, a purely analog system can be upgraded using IP cameras. This is a perfect solution for older businesses that have expanded their property.

What to look for in a system

For a quality image, the minimum resolution of the camera should be 720p, which is HD. You can go for a higher resolution if you want the clearest image possible, but for most businesses, 720p is enough. You then want to consider the frame rate. Frame rate determines the smoothness of the movement within the recording. The standard for real-time movement is 30 frames per second, but you can go both higher and lower depending on your budget.

In terms of models, you have several options: bullet cameras, which are rectangular and they protrude from the wall; dome cameras, which can be attached to the ceiling and housed within a dome; and pan-tilt-zoom or PTS cameras. PTS cameras can be controlled remotely in order to adjust the field of vision of the recording.

The next step is determining whether you need indoor or outdoor cameras. Outdoor cameras are sturdier, and they are marketed as weatherproof, while indoor cameras will not be able to withstand the water, dirt and other environmental hazards which can mess with the quality of the image, or even destroy the camera. Outdoor cameras also range in sturdiness, so it is important to you fully understand the durability of the model you are purchasing.

Lighting is the next consideration. If you will be capturing footage at night or in low light environments, you have infrared cameras at your disposal. These cameras rely on infrared LED lights, which cover a dark area in infrared light. This light is then reflected back to the camera, and the footage becomes visible. Finally, you have audio as a component of the system. Some cameras are able to pick up audio, while others feature a two-way audio system, which allows a person to communicate through the camera.

Small businesses may not think a security camera is a necessary tool. It could be a small corner store, a family-run car wash, or the headquarters of a cleaning service. Maybe the office is rarely occupied or doesn’t hold many valuables. You may be old-school, averse to technology and fancy gadgets. Or maybe you’re just having a hard time justifying the budget.

Either way, security footage may be something foreign and alien to you. Maybe you think it belongs on the crime shows on TV. However, CCTV is increasingly finding use in daily life. From traffic footage to pest control, cameras are becoming an essential feature in many homes and businesses. They offer tangible protection and psychological peace of mind.

In the past, surveillance equipment was expensive and far beyond the reach of ordinary people. However, technology has grown exponentially, making cameras smaller, more subtle, and more affordable. The price range of a security system is governed by other systems too. If your business is physically small and occupies minimal space, you can buy fewer units.

The type of lens can also reduce the scope of your protective infrastructure. If your office has a smaller square footage, you can get a strategically placed camera that covers a wider area, and that can chop down your expenses. There are cases where your budget for safety is on the lower side. You could hire a 24-hour guard, get a dog, or install cameras.

Good quality and easy payment for your security camera

Unlike a security camera, a dog needs to be fed, and depending on the location of your business, the dog may require a license, or space to run around. Guard dogs may also intimidate your customers, or attack the wrong person, leaving you open to law suits. Similarly, a security guard needs meals, breaks, and uniforms, all of which cost money.

For many small businesses, security budgets and overheads are a crucial factor. When they ask ‘do we need CCTV?’, what they’re really asking is ‘Can we afford it?’ They may fully believe that they need remote surveillance, but they may worry that they don’t have enough business coming in to pay for it. If this is where you’re at, consider the following factors.

One, by not securing your business, you could actually be losing money. Without a good surveillance system, you’re at risk of shoplifting, burglary, or even theft by your own staff. After all, many crimes are driven by opportunity. A thug will spot an easy target with an open door and no alarms, and they will break in. They may not know the size of your business or the volume if your income. All they saw was an opening to attack.

In addition, since your business is so small, you’re unlikely to have hi-tech security measures like quick-response vehicles or motion detectors. A security camera could end up being the most affordable form of security for your business. If you buy your cameras from Iron Curtain Security, we offer easy payment options to ease your burden.

After sales service for your camera system

All our security camera packages come with a 3-year-swop-out guarantee™, so you can call us in case of any problem. We offer free installation assessment with no obligation, so we can come by your shop and talk over the options with you. This will relax your mind regarding your security budget. You don’t have to commit to anything, and we’ll answer all your questions.

In case you haven’t used camera-based security before, our help desk is available for assistance. You can call us anytime and we’ll walk you through any glitches in the system. We also offer remote access as an add-on. It costs a little extra, but still works out cheaper than hiring human security monitoring.

When you install cameras, you still need someone to watch them. After all, the mere presence of a camera doesn’t necessarily deter shoplifters. They need to know someone is watching. If you can’t fund the extra staff, you can connect the CCTV to your mobile phone or home system. That way you can glance at the shop floor no matter where you are. Another advantage of surveillance systems is you can inspect the areas outside the shop as well.  Speak to Iron Curtain Security for security camera advice and guidance.