FAQ
WHAT IS CCTV?
CCTV is short for Closed Circuit Television, meaning that one or more cameras are connected to a recording & monitoring device.
WHAT IS CCTV USED FOR?
CCTV cameras are used to view and monitor areas to ensure that they are safe and secure.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED CCTV?
If you want to protect your business, home or any other private property, CCTV has never been as accessible as it now. With low prices, easy installation and the technology allowing you to get HD pictures now is a good time to invest in a CCTV system. Working in conjunction with an alarm system, CCTV makes a great deterrent for would be thieves. ✦ If you are looking to purchase CCTV for your business there are even more reasons why you should have one installed. With a CCTV installed at your business premises you will be able to help ensure your employee and customer safety, maintain security around any stock, protect your property.
WHAT IS A DVR?
DVR is short for Digital Video Recorder, a device that records CCTV camera footage onto one or more hard disks. It has a number of BNC connections to connect to the cameras. Our DVR’s can support 4, 8, 16 and 32 channels (connections) on the BNC ports whilst several of our NVR’s can also connect to IP cameras over the network.
WHAT IS AN NVR?
NVR is short for Network Video Recorder, an IP cameras recording device. An NVR offers that same functionality as a DVR, as it records CCTV camera footage, but it is tailored for IP CCTV cameras.
WHAT ARE IP CAMERAS?
IP cameras are the latest technology in CCTV cameras and can achieve higher resolution than standard HD CCTV cameras. They transmit digital signals so can directly connect to switches on the local network. As these can connect directly to switches you can actually run an IP CCTV system over an existing computer network.
WHAT IS PoE (POWER OVER ETHERNET)?
Ethernet network cables consist of several twisted pairs inside the outer jacket. On some networks power can be transferred through one set of pairs to power devices, this is called PoE (Power over Ethernet). The IP Cameras utilizes PoE so that only one cable needs to be run, saving both time and effort.
DOES THE CAMERA LIGHT UP AT NIGHT?
With the majority of our cameras there will be some visible red LED’s visible at night. This red light is the infrared light that allows the cameras to see in the dark.
HOW LONG CAN I RECORD ON THE SYSTEM?
This depends on the number of cameras recording at the same time and the level of quality/detail they record at. This will also depend on how big your hard drive is. If you require us to spec up a system to record for a certain amount of time please contact our support team. With our recorders you can also save recording space by only recording when motion is detected.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE HARD DRIVE IS FULL?
Your DVR/NVR will overwrite the old data when the hard drive is full. This means the recorder will continuously record the latest footage.
CAN I BACKUP THE FOOTAGE FROM A DVR/NVR?
Yes, through the USB port, which is on the back of the DVR/NVR.
Can I view live and recorded video locally?
Yes.
Can I view live and recorded video remotely?
Yes, most of our security DVRs are Internet enabled. You can view live and recorded video from anywhere through the Internet.
Can several users view one site at once?
Most Internet-enabled Security DVR systems allow multiple users to view the same site simultaneously. However, as more people look at the same cameras/DVR at the same time, the bandwidth will be shared between them.
Can I record audio?
Yes, if the Security DVR system comes with an audio option you can record audio. Most analog cameras do not come with built in audio, so you will probably need a separate audio kit.
Can I listen to live and recorded audio remotely?
Yes, some of our Security DVR systems have that option. With an optional audio module, you can listen to live and recorded audio from anywhere through the Internet.
How many cameras do I need?
This will depend on the size and layout of the area you wish to survey. On average, we recommend one camera per 1000 Sq. Ft.
Can I zoom in with a camera?
Yes, but you need a special camera called a Pan-Tilt-Zoom or PTZ camera. Browse our selection of PTZ cameras and find the one that is right for you.
What happens if there is power outage?
Most Security DVRs will come back on as soon as power is restored. However, we suggest an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) which provides a short period of backup power and also serves as a surge protection device.
Can the Security DVR report an alarm?
Yes, some Security DVRs have that option.
How about CCTV power consumption?
Camera maximum power is 3w, one camera power consumption for 1 month is 2.16Kw·H. For a standard 4 cameras system, the maximum power consumption for 1 month is 8.64Kw·H.
Why my camera color is black and white at night?
Because there is a infrared light to provide the light at night time, and we also sell a new type camera can see the image colorful 24-hrs.
What kind of camera support to install at outside?
Currently most of camera standard is higher than IP66, allowed to install at outside. But we still recommend you install the bullet camera outside because this kind of camera waterproof performance is more reliable.
What is a PTZ Camera?
PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, Zoom. A PTZ camera can be remotely controlled allowing it to move up and down as well as zoom in on potentially important targets. You can also program a tour between pre-set points. In theory PTZ cameras sound great, they can cover large areas and even zoom in when more detail is required.
Wired and Wireless camera, which is better?
All of our cameras, with the exception of several covert use cameras are wired style. Wireless cameras are NOT recommended for any permanent security camera installation for home or business. Wireless cameras have several flaws which make them a poor choice for any security camera installation: Wireless cameras are not secure, Wireless cameras still require power, Wireless cameras operate on crowded frequency bands, Wireless transmission can be affected by many different electronic devices.
Is anyone can access to my system?
No, for the camera system before activated. You have to apply an account in software, and we will help you to link up the system to that account. The account is private.
How long does it take to install the camera?
It depends on how big system you need in place. For example, a 4 cameras system at HDB we need less than 4 hours. A 16 cameras system at office at same level we will need 8 hours.
Is it okay to put CCTV Cameras on public places?
Yes, but you have to got a permission from related organization. For the normal building and condo, you have to apply with management office and for HDB you have to apply from town council.
Are there cameras that can follow your movement?
Yes, camera got motion sensor inside.
Can I back up my record to cloud?
Yes, need to connect DVR/NVR to NAS system for back up the record to cloud.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE DISTANCE BETWEEN A CAMERA AND A DVR/NVR UNIT?
✦ IP CCTV system : 100m
✦ HD CCTV system: 200m
✦ This is dependent on good quality cables, older cables may reduce the range of the signal.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
✦ If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at:
✦ Tel: 8420 9793
✦ Sales/Tech support: ops@firstsolution.com.sg