The ability to film in low light conditions or even complete darkness is essential for many CCTV applications. Part of the that ability is down to using the right electronics which are sensitive enough to work in low light, the other tool used is infra red or IR lighting.

Clients frequently express concerns about CCTV night vision. The issues are mostly regarding no image or video at night, blurry images at night, Voltage drop, white areas on the screen, moving spots in front of the camera, and General image deterioration at night.

In order to solve the above issues,
1. Make sure the camera has power and all the connections and wires are fully secure, and infra red light is on and illuminating. This indicates that the power is going through. If it isn't working, try turning it on.
2. Ensure the visor is in line with the back of the camera body. Visor is that part of your CCTV camera lens which protects it from direct light or reflections and minimises any white & other light distractions.
3. It is suggested not to exceed the suggested or recommended cable run length and the cable is long enough. This would cause connection problems.
4. Avoid placing the cameras in areas where there is too much dust. Check and clean the dust/grease/fingerprints or if there are any scratches on the camera glass.

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.

Like everything in life CCTV is available at a range of different prices points and quality levels. You can fly on a plane for 2000 in economy or you can pay 25,000 to fly on the same plane in a first class suite. The problem with CCTV is a lack of regulation and failure to understand the basic principles means people often sell systems which won't do what they claim. They sell you a first class suite but you board the plane to find yourself squeezed into a small economy seat. Actually its worse than that, they sell you a first class suite to New York but you get to sit on an orange crate whilst the plane flys to Luton.

When people call us on the phone to discuss their needs they usually start by describing each area of the property to be secured. "I want a camera to cover my front garden which is 23 metres long by 18 metres wide. We need to cover the gate in the middle and driveway to the side and I'd also like to cover my ornamental fountain which is over by the neighbour's wall"

Motion detected recording is a feature on all our DVR recorders. The DVR monitors camera images and decides when it thinks there is movement. To do this the DVR looks at individual image frames and compares them to the previous one. If it sees differences then motion is assumed to have taken place. It is the DVR not the cameras which is looking for movement.