Specialist IP Camera Store since 2004
Public Sector & Education • Business & Enterprise • Home Security
-
0151 633 2111
How to get the best out of your CCTV system in 2021
Our 2021 Guide for CCTV System Optimisation
Market research which we commissioned this autumn, randomly targeting medium and large-sized businesses running CCTV systems right across England, uncovered evidence of some disquiet about the effectiveness of the surveillance systems which they had in place.
The shopping list of improvements which those running these systems were looking for was long. Only three per cent of businesses in the study were looking for no improvements in their CCTV systems in the next 12 months.
Over a third (36 per cent) of firms running CCTV systems are now looking for tighter integration with other security systems, ranging from fire and smoke alarms to access control systems.
How to add a camera into Milestone XProtect
Adding a camera into your Milestone XProtect video management system may seem like the simplest of things, but it is a question we get asked a lot for the simple reason that it is not as easy as it may seem.
Adding a device via the Milestone XProtect Management Client can seem complex and time consuming for a user who has never performed it before. This how-to guide will demonstrate how to add a device into Milestone and what requirements need to be met to complete the task. Read more >>
How to configure the new Axis C1410 mini network speaker for social distancing messaging
The Axis C1410 network mini speaker is an affordable, highly versatile little PoE-powered amplified speaker with built-in PIR for audio announcements programmed and on-demand, safety warnings, background music and much more. It opens up a lot of possibilities for practical applications, its most pertinent one at present is its use for automated social distancing and hygiene messaging at entrances of shops, workplaces, and in leisure parks, helping you get back to work. Spoken social distancing reminders are more effective than just signage with people responding better to gentle reminders played at the right moments. It is an effective tool in your wider measures of minimising the risk of coronavirus spread.
Here is how to set up the Axis C1410 IP speaker to automatically play an audio clip when visitors or staff arrive at your place. We also provide a number of scenario-specific audio files for you to download and use for free.
Read more >>
How can IP camera technology help businesses manage in a much-changed world?
Businesses are looking for solutions to adapt to the new requirements of social distancing, improved hygiene and screening people for COVID-19 symptoms. Health and Safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP) are being reviewed and rewritten in response to the new rules. The increased use of digital technologies is playing a critical role to businesses running their operations in new ways, home working and video conferencing being the obvious examples. We also see increased interest for IP camera technology as a key tool for adapting to the new situation.
Securing your small business IP camera network
If you’re looking to protect your small business by installing IP cameras, take a look at the steps below for ways to make your installation more secure.
This blog covers the system set up aspect of your camera network security.
5 reasons to choose a modular IP camera system
A modular IP camera is comprised of a camera body (often referred to as the main unit) and one or more sensor units which each consist of a lens and image sensor, and are connected to the main unit via a cable.
The main unit typically houses the processor, any edge storage such as an SD card, plus power and network connections. The maximum resolution and angle of view for each sensor unit is determined by the combination of lens and image sensor, as it would be for a regular IP camera. Sensor units can be purchased separately from the main unit and come in a wide variety of lens and feature combinations, allowing you to put together the hardware specification that best suits your needs.
The modular approach is incredibly flexible, allowing you to easily build a standalone CCTV system, deploy cameras discreetly into tight spaces or monitor several closely situated areas in a very cost-effective way. A handful of manufacturers offer modular IP camera ranges, but the most popular by far are from Axis and Mobotix.
Here are 5 great reasons to choose a modular IP camera system.
Why consider the Samsung Wisenet QNO-6070R for a small business CCTV solution?
CCTV systems of up to 16 IP cameras are becoming increasingly sought after by small businesses to help boost protection of their premises, staff, stock and other assets. In addition to this, the implementation of these small surveillance systems can also give businesses more of an insight into customer activity, whilst providing visual evidence against potential fraudulent slips, trips and falls claims. However, when it comes to selecting an IP camera from the wide choice available that can offer all of these benefits – you are often left with more questions than answers.
To give you some clarity, we thought we would highlight a model that we feel is up to the task – introducing the Samsung Wisenet QNO-6070R.
The Axis M31 series – smart and affordable IR domes
Axis has responded to strong demand for compact and cost-effective infrared (IR) domes with their new M31 series.
This versatile range consists of three indoor and three outdoor models, all of which deliver clear images round-the-clock in up to 4 megapixel resolution – even in difficult lighting conditions or near darkness.
Milestone Essential v Express
On October 10th this year, Milestone replaced XProtect Go with XProtect Essential as their free Video Management Software (VMS) option for entry-level users.
Ahead of this change, we posed the question “What’s the real cost of making Milestone Essential free?” in a blog post that highlighted the known limitations of the newly positioned product. It was clear even back then that it would actually make more sense for many users to use Milestone Express rather than Essential but, the real difference in cost was still unknown.
What’s the real cost of making Milestone Essential free?
Milestone has worked hard to nurture XProtect into a mature and comprehensive Video Management Software (VMS) suite and this year they’ve been pruning their offering to promote further growth. We’ve seen the phasing out of Milestone Enterprise and now a further trim has been announced.
Starting October 10th 2016 – Milestone XProtect Go, the free VMS product will be discontinued and Milestone Essential will take its place as Milestone’s free VMS. When this happens, Milestone Express will take up its position as the entry-level product in the “paid-for” software suite.
These changes make sense in many ways and bring distinct benefits for many entry-level users, but unsurprisingly, there will be some limitations in the newly positioned Milestone Essential. It’s these limitations that need careful consideration and based on what we’ve learned so far, it appears that for many users, it may actually make more sense to use Milestone Express.
