Maybe you always ask yourself: ” What is all the fuss about Camera Security Systems?”

Good question! There are increased security concerns in homes as reports of crime, rape, violence and abuse increase. Desperation, abuse of drugs and bad behaviour due to wrong habits are pushing individuals to commit crimes and indulge in activities which society does not make approve of.

This then raises a fundamental question: how secure is your home? 

Having worked so hard to build your own home or move into the exclusive neighbourhood you wanted since your first job, you have to claim and secure your progress in life. It is advisable to install a camera security system in your home if you live in affluent estates such as Runda, Muthaiga, Muthangari, Karen, Riat Estate and section 58 in Nakuru.

Installed security cameras would go a long way to give you certain assurance and peace of mind. It’s not always you are at home with a rungu to guard your property, or awake at night to monitor trespassers and idlers lurking around your space.

Benefits of Installing Security Cameras in your Home

1. Reduce Crime by deterring Criminals

Installed security cameras pose a big hindrance to criminals from carrying out pre-planned crimes. The cameras can help trigger alarms, identify the individuals and make them abort their operations once they note a camera security system is in place. Evidence gathered through the video recording assist in prosecution, investigations and re-claim of stolen or vandalized property.

2. Law Enforcement and Investigations on Crime

Police play an important but difficult role in maintaining law and order. With increased crime rates, they get overwhelmed looking for criminals and solving crime cases. 

The CCTV cameras installed in homes and houses record incidences as they happened. Police can use these videos and images to pursue, capture and prosecute the culprits in the law courts.

3. Check on Activities at Home while away…

As a career person, you might be forced to work late into the night or leave early in the morning for work. Wi-Fi-enabled cameras and IP Cameras would be handy for you to check on the events at home, even while you are away in the office or on another business trip in a different location.

Through remote monitoring, you will be able to check on live updates or check back on recorded video. Also, you can have live conversations with the children through the speakers and cameras or give instructions to the house help.

4. Claim Insurance Compensation

In most modern homes and houses, expensive furniture, electronics and equipment form part of the household. These items are costly and can be insured against theft or incidence such as fire or vandalism. You can claim compensation from insurance companies in case certain losses as covered. Security cameras provide footage and evidence which you can use to validate your claim.

5. Low Maintenance Cost

Professionally installed cameras at home are a great investment to you as the owner or one to whom the property has been leased. They need little maintenance for the great service they provide. Routine check-up from a camera expert and wiping off dirt and grime is sufficient to keep the cameras running year after year. You can add or replace the cameras over time as technology advances and needs change.

6. Monitor Your Pets Movement and Behavior within your Compound

If you love pets and happen to have one at home, security cameras offer a great deal of help in monitoring their location and behaviour without you necessarily being present. You would be able to note a change in behaviour and take necessary actions.

Running a successful business requires a lot of commitment, consistency and resilience. Much time and effort, besides resources, are invested in various businesses. 

As much as possible, the issue around risk should be factored in at all times by the management. Risks should be mitigated as much as possible, considering the many factors that make businesses vulnerable. 

Installing a CCTV security system in the office or business complex is both necessary and essential to reduce risks associated with losses such as burglary, break-ins and acts by rogue members of staff.

Thus, choosing the right security camera system for installation is important for your business. There are 7 key factors you need to consider when contemplating the same.

The Size of the Area to be Covered

A large office in a high rise building, small office downtown and offices in their own compound in suburbs all require a different approach as far as camera installation is concerned. PTZ cameras are best suited for larger areas due to their ability o focus on wide areas and zoom in. As such, lesser cameras per area would be installed, compared to other cameras with lesser capabilities. Bullet cameras tend to be static and limited. One should have a mix and match in the CCTV security system set-up.

The Level of Discretion

Some cameras are conspicuously large and when installed, they make it clear ‘Big Brother’ is watching. Although this is a necessary measure to minimise risks associated with certain unethical behaviour and vices at the workplace, it makes other people uncomfortable as invades their privacy.  

Discrete CCTV cameras such as the Bulb Camera, Fish Eye or spy cameras are ideal in case you wish to monitor events without necessarily raising unnecessary attention.

Indoor or Outdoor Installation?

You have to factor in where the CCTV security system would be installed. Indoors areas have different dynamics compared to outdoor areas.  Weather elements such as rain, sunlight, debris and temperature changes would require cameras that are properly housed and well-mounted to be fully functional.

Indoor cameras, whilst protected from the external environment have to be efficient in a more controlled environment. They need to have a sharper focus on images and the mounting should be such that there is the least obstruction possible.

4. Audio Integration

Audio integration in CCTV Security Systems enables 2-way communication between those manning the system and those being monitored. This is helpful too in that live recording can be made, set alarms triggered off and important audio-visual evidence gathered.

The Quality and Clarity of Recorded Video

High-resolution cameras suit outdoors and high activity areas such as supermarkets, lobbies where the probability of theft or burglary is high. For smaller and simple offices, low-resolution cameras could be installed. The small spaces make it simpler to monitor activities, compared to larger areas characterised by high activity and traffic. A wholesome CCTV Security System should have a balance of these many delicate parts fitting into a whole, as needed security solutions.

Effects of Lighting of Camera Functionality

The focus of cameras is greatly affected by lighting. Better lighting enables more effective image capture and video recording. As such, when installing the cameras, the direction of direct light, light reflection from the windows and artificial light such as flood or security light determine the camera placement. IR on cameras ensures they record events both during the day and at night.

Future Plans on Camera Installation on the Business Premises

You may have a limited budget, hence be limited in the purchase and installation of cameras. You may opt for more channels DVR or choose IP cameras and NVR. IP cameras connected to a network enable easy scaling up, with no wiring involved or tedious, costly updates.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of CCTV Security Systems Installation

You have to consider the short term and long-term benefits of installing the security system against the cost. Is it worth it? At the business place, the cameras reduce chances and frequency of theft, gather evidence on incidences and enable better monitoring of certain wrong tendencies. 

Assurance of safety at work and property is useful to both the staff and management. Also, important data is recorded through the camera such as staff entry and exit from the premises, useful insights on customers and ways to improve customer experience.

When you weigh these benefits against the cost of installation of the CCTV Camera systems and their maintenance, you would be in a better position to determine how best to go about it.

Conclusion

In a world that is ever-changing, security systems provide a great option to you as a business owner to man your office and improve surveillance. A.I is making it more effective and manageable to operate remotely, detect abnormal issues and analyse data for your benefit. 

Security camera installation is critical towards successfully securing your home, office or property. Investing in a good security system is the first great steps towards better living. Congratulations! This will save you time and cost in the long term.

Having a HIKVISION 4 channel kit packaged and ready for installation gives you certain sureties over security concerns you had before. 

The first part is done and dusted.

The second phase of the process involves the installation of security cameras. You can do it yourself if you are confident enough or better still, you can involve a technician who is competent in security camera installation.

Consider the following key factors in the security camera installation.

1. Working out the Plan

If you decide to do the security camera installation yourself,  it is important that you do it right. You need to have a carefully laid out plan, all laid out and precisely worked out.

Choose the right spots for the 4 cameras and DVR. Essentially, this would enable you to maximise the camera coverage and minimise the length of the camera cable. Longer cable use reduces the quality of videos recorded.

The 4 channel full kit should include:

• 2 dome cameras (Indoor use)
• 2 bullet cameras (Outdoor) depending on your preference
• DVR
• Standard 100m cable
• 500GB Surveillance Hard Disk
• Power Supply (5-10A)
• 8 BNC and 4 DC  

Indoor Security Camera Installation

For indoor camera installation, choose a strategic corner where most entry points are visible. 

It is important to consider the proximity of the cameras to a power source. Cameras rely on a constant power supply, hence the need for power socket proximity.

Outdoor Cameras

Survey the several spots you intend to instal the camera(s). Among the many things you need to consider, choose a spot that maximally covers the doors, windows approaches and other key entry points.

The spots should be at least 10 feet (3 metres) above ground to avoid the cameras being knocked down, obstructed or interfered with. 

2. Camera Mounting

Follow the guidelines provided on the camera units regarding their installation. Make guide marks on each camera for drilling.  Drill the holes and hammer the screws into the screw mouldings. 

Go ahead and screw the camera firmly in place and the identified spots. Also, insert the power cables of the camera in the socket.

3. Installing the DVR

Position and fix the 500GB Hard Disk in the DVR. Considering the important role the DVR plays as part of the whole CCTV security system, a lot should be taken into consideration. 

All video recording and evidence are stored in the DVR. Hence, it should be well-secured and protected at all times. At all times, the DVR should be locked safely in a compartment box, with limited, authorised access.

All the wiring from the cameras to the DVR should be lined and moulded along the identified path. Use wire mouldings to secure the cables and keep the wires safe.

Connecting the wires.

Both the power and signal cables should be well connected to enable the proper functioning of the security system.

Connecting the Video Cable

• Remove 1.5 cm of the outer covering of the video camera to expose the braids
• Slide in the crimping barrel to the cable. The wider diameter should face towards the end of the cable.
• Remove the white insulator covering the innermost cable.
• Insert the exposed cable into the BNC Port
• Screw the crimpling to make a secure connection.
• Connect the DVR Output port to the monitor to watch the video feeds as captured.

4. Power Supply

Cameras and the whole camera security system are power reliant. To avoid power surges and interference, the power supply unit is vital. 

5. Power on the Security Camera System

Power on the cameras, followed by the display and then the cameras. Using the user manual, go ahead and set up the DVR. For each of the 4 cameras installed, go through each of their respective feeds to ensure each camera is fully functional and adjusted to the best possible viewing angle.

CCTV cameras plays a fundamental role in today’s modern society. The cameras all around Kenya and generally the world are essential in guaranteeing higher levels of security daily. What many folks don’t grasp, however, is that based on the square measure, different CCTV cameras suit different needs of premises which they are installed.

Hence, choosing the correct camera for the correct application very is important. In this article, we will run through various types of cameras. We will help distinguish what makes them distinctive and a lot more applicable over others in places of installation, where at home, office or public places. for a few venues over others.

Types of CCTV Cameras

Pan & Tilt Camera

This is the type of camera you are most likely to find in a public place and is a good choice for when you want a bird’s eye view over the area you are monitoring.

The two main benefits of this type of camera are that:

• The camera can be tilted in order to follow what is going on around it
• It can be set up on a tripod, allowing the camera to be still.

Tilt Cameras can be useful if you’re trying to get a view from above of a dangerous situation, or if the floor is uneven.

Video-wall CCTV Camera

This type of CCTV camera is popular among private property owners and designers, who simply want to be able to monitor everything that is going on. It is easy to set up and can be used in a large or small area.

Indoor and Outdoor CCTV Cameras

Indoor CCTV Cameras

The key advantage of indoor CCTV cameras is that these cameras can be situated inside an existing building, rather than having to erect a brand new set. Of course, this can come at a cost and therefore there are some cheaper indoor CCTV camera options, but there are some clear advantages to this type of camera. Indoor CCTV cameras are smaller, can offer lower resolutions than their outdoor counterparts, are typically quieter, and are not as easily accessible.

These cameras can offer a more discreet view than their outdoor counterparts, making them ideal for viewing lower traffic areas, such as a basement, or office space.

The only disadvantage is that these types of camera do tend to be quite pricey, and not a lot of smaller businesses have the budget to invest in one.

Outdoor CCTV Cameras

Outdoor CCTV cameras provide a very comprehensive and cost-effective solution for many venues, especially those where high visibility or high crime rates are likely. These types of security cameras can help to make a big impact on an establishment’s security, by ensuring that there is extra coverage over a particular area, in the event that a situation takes place outside of a building or in an area that is not monitored by other existing CCTV systems.

Public Transport Safety is a huge factor in public transport, and with CCTV cameras now being fitted onto trains, trams, buses, as well as taxis, public transport is now providing the best possible means of providing CCTV coverage for passengers, whilst also ensuring the safety of the many commuters who use it each day.

Difference between Analogue and Digital CCTV Cameras

Analog CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras in the early days were analogue, that is, they produced analogue signals which sent images back through the channel, over a wire. Today, most CCTV have switched to digital cameras which produce high-quality digital files. With digital cameras, the image quality can be measured directly on the camera, and with high-speed communication channels, the pictures can be transmitted and displayed very quickly.

That being said, the main advantage of analog cameras is the high-quality image quality. Even if there is a delay in transmission, the image will still be crisp, clear and in good enough quality to be viewed with the naked eye. As long as there is sufficient network coverage to receive the signal from the CCTV camera, there shouldn’t be any problem with picture quality.

Digital CCTV Cameras

An important aspect to consider is the type of camera you are using and how it is connected to the Internet. A digital camera, which is quite common, usually takes a variety of different types of images, so can be taken in a number of different ways. Digital cameras can also produce high definition images, so they are perfectly suited to security monitoring, whether that is interior or exterior.

There are several types of digital cameras to choose from, but we find the commonly used and most popular is the IP cameras or integrated security cameras. These are quite easy to use and provide a good quality image. Interactive CCTV You may be familiar with CCTV cameras which make use of two-way speech.

Conclusion

This article provided a handy guide to different types of CCTV cameras, and it’s this kind of knowledge which can really help to keep you and your business safe, whether you are just starting out or you are an established firm, it’s important to consider the types of security you need as a firm and how CCTV can help to secure your premises.

Who are BigTech Solutions?

Bigtech Solutions Ltd is a wholesale and retail business enterprise, based on Munyu Road, off Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi. We sell laptops, desktops, accessories and CCTV Cameras. We take pride in serving our esteemed customers who seek quality for value in the range of products we offer.

The business has expanded over the years to enjoy a countrywide reach. We have customers countrywide who engage with us, either reaching our retail shop for their products or give instructions to get their ordered and paid for products delivered to preferred destinations.

The Early Days

In 2010, after years of hustling and learning the trade, the founder of BigTech Solutions then gained the courage and confidence to commence business. Armed with a few phone accessories in a rucksack downtown in a small stall, JohnCollins Muchiri put his entrepreneurship skills to test.

It was tough, but worth every minute! Slowly, Muchiri established a strong network of customers and business clientele who found him resourceful, reliable and dependable. The rest is history…

Building the Brand.

Building a brand is tough. It requires focus, patience, consistency and investment to reap the benefits in the long term. BigTech Solutions has gone through the test of time to become a visible, recognizable and preferable brand in Kenya.

Located on the busy Munyu Road off Luthuli Avenue, you will not miss the well-branded Shop No.1 in Nairobi Textile Building. Other than a strategic location, great customer service through a knowledgeable workforce on laptops, security cameras and accessories, BigTech Solutions leverages on connecting with customers regarding their specific needs.

Retail Industry & Market Knowledge

To succeed in any business endeavour, you need to have certain competencies upon which you leverage on. BigTech Solutions have benefited from well-done market research, building a niche target market and enviable reliability in supplying quality products at affordable prices.

Deep retail market knowledge and a wide customer base has enabled the business to survive and thrive even as competition folded up or scaled-down business.

The Road Ahead…

The business environment is changing. Advancing technology, stiff competition coupled with emerging issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic brings about the need to change business approach and operations.

At BigTech Solutions, establishing our e-commerce website and social media platforms has enabled better customer connection and engagements. Digital marketing has brought about new challenges as well as opportunities that we’re fully focused on exploiting.

Heads-up!

Endless opportunities are lying on the journey ahead. As BigTech Solutions tagline goes, ‘Empowered by Innovation’, we seek to maximize on the strong brand name, wide customer base and leverage on technology to forge the way ahead. As we grow, we seek like-minded partners whom we can partner with and work on win-win situations with one focus: delivering value to our esteemed customers.