1. Camera Basics, what should I know about cameras?

A video surveillance system is a great way to protect your employees and your business. Choosing the components
that make up a great system can be a challenge, though – cameras, digital video recorders, and display systems all
have important points to consider. Here's a look at how to choose business security cameras and camera components.

Business security camera basics
The most basic distinction to make when choosing business security cameras is whether you want color or black and
white, but these days it's a pretty easy decision. The advantages of black and white cameras used to be twofold:
they were cheaper, and they worked better in low light situations.

Now, prices for color security cameras have dropped so there's little advantage there. And, many color cameras can
switch to a black and white mode in low light conditions. You'll almost certainly want color security cameras for your business.

The other basic aspect of choosing business security cameras is deciding on a format. Format refers to the size of the
image processor in the camera – it can range from 1/4" to 1" or larger. While larger format cameras may perform slightly better
in certain situations, the expense isn't worth it for most security applications. 1/4" and 1/3" are the most common formats
for most surveillance cameras.

Camera lenses
Unlike with home video cameras, lenses are generally sold separately from business security cameras. The lens determines
how wide an image is created and how much light is let in, so there are some important tradeoffs to consider.

You also need to decide what type of lens your business security cameras requires.

• Fixed focal length lenses offer only one set field of view: to change the resulting image, you need to switch lenses.
  They are the least expensive.
• Variable focal length lenses and zoom lenses offer greater flexibility, allowing you to adjust your image’s field of view
  when you set the CCTV surveillance equipment up.
• Motorized zoom lenses give you the ability to control your cameras remotely, zooming in for detail when you spot
  suspicious activity. However, they're only useful if someone will be watching and operating the cameras at all times.
  They're also the most expensive.

Fortunately, lenses are usually interchangeable between different cameras, so you can buy multiple types of lenses and
experiment to find the best results. Just make sure the lenses you purchase match the format of your cameras: 1/4" lenses
work best with 1/4" cameras.

Camera housings
An important accessory to think about when buying business security cameras is the housing or enclosure. Indoors, housings
are used to provide security or concealment, while outdoor cameras need protection from the elements, as well.

The right kind of housing will vary with your application, and the security camera business you choose to work with should be
able to help you choose the right one for your surveillance needs. (TOP)

2. Should I upgrade my old CCTV system?

Even if It Ain't Broke, Old CCTV Equipment Might Need Fixing

By Robert Grossman,
R. Grossman and Associates

Do you ever tire of an appliance in your home? Maybe something newer on the market catches your fancy, has the features
you've been missing or just looks better. Still, your old appliance is perfectly functional and could keep chugging along for
years to come.

In your personal life, this problem is usually remedied more easily than it can be in your professional life. At home, there
are lots of options - from garage sales to relatives in need to eBay. At work, there are budgets, return on investment and
a responsibility to look after the company's assets.

So how do we know it's time to move on? How can we justify a decision to upgrade equipment that is perfectly functional
but no longer state-of-the-art? Examining old and new equipment's functionality, cost, features and aesthetics can be an
eye-opener.

Consider Functionality First
The first thing to do is make sure your equipment really is perfectly functional. CCTV cameras are an excellent example.
There may be an older camera that looks great but really doesn't do what it's supposed to. Look carefully: Does it provide
a sharp, clear picture in all of the lighting conditions? Is it reliable?

Sometimes, an outdated camera is like an old pair of glasses: Everything looked great before, but when you put on new
glasses, you are amazed by what you were missing. Cameras, monitors, card readers and other "forgotten" devices often
make their inadequacies clear when compared with a newer model.

If you believe a switch would be nice but not necessary, consider getting a sample of a newer unit and swapping it temporarily
just to see how big a difference it will make. Chances are you'll be surprised.

Cost, Features, Look Make the Case
Sometimes, hidden costs make a big difference. Consider the change from analog VCRs to digital recording. For many,
this falls into the "I'll get to it someday" category, but a careful look at the situation might lead to a different conclusion.

Often the difference in frame rates compared to time-lapse recording is enough to justify the purchase. For those who
have suffered a loss that wasn't documented because the tape was worn or unchanged, this is an easy decision.
Much of this equipment is so inexpensive that it no longer requires much of a financial case to justify the investment.

Often, a new product can provide more efficiency, making the purchase easier to justify. Casinos quickly discovered staggering
savings could come from digital video systems' ability to reconstruct an incident by searching across multiple camera inputs
and piecing together different footage. The ability to instantly copy an incident for distribution to the proper authorities or E-mail
an image or video clip for verification, adds tremendous value to a security department and provides real benefits for many security departments.

While a security product's appearance may seem like poor justification for an upgrade, it is important to keep things in perspective.
There are many lobbies, reception areas and other public spaces that regularly go through cosmetic facelifts but leave the old
cameras in place. Consider the cost of decorative unitized camera/housing combinations as a part of the décor and budget
accordingly. Could your marble-topped security desk benefit from flat-screen monitors rather than the huge, chunky boxes already
there for years? Equipment today performs better and is sleek and attractive. Both of these benefits must be considerations to
make the case.

Leaving Well-Enough Alone
There are sometimes reasons not to upgrade or trade up, despite all the justification for the latest and greatest. One that comes
to mind is software or firmware upgrades for microprocessor-based equipment. If the product you own works well and does not
experience any problems, don't rush to change it simply because an update is available. Software upgrades have been known to
damage one feature in the process of fixing another. Often, the feature that is fixed is one you don't use, while the broken one was
critical to your operation.

Another reason to leave well enough alone is product complexity. If the folks who run your system are set in their ways and took a
long time to get there, measure the effects of change against the benefits of the update. If adding capabilities to your system means
the operators will stop using the system, the benefits evaporate quickly. (TOP)

Choosing a CCTV supplier?

 Choosing the best video surveillance companies

The right video surveillance system helps to make your business – and employees – safer from the threats of theft,
accidents, and vandalism. By working with the best video surveillance companies, you can design a set up based on
your needs – from a single video camera and monitor to more comprehensive closed circuit television (CCTV) systems.

Experience is one of the top traits you should look for in a video surveillance installer. To be able to balance considerations
about wiring, lighting, and optics, the best video surveillance companies should have several years experience installing
systems for companies like yours.

In addition, experience is a strong indicator of how reliable and stable the CCTV company will be in the long term. If you
have problems down the line or want to upgrade your setup as your business expands, it's important that the provider is
around for years to come. Also, the best CCTV companies have the resources to handle specific issues that a smaller mom
& pop vendor won’t be able to.

You also want a dealer that can provide a quality installation. The best video surveillance companies will visit your location
to see exactly what kind of setup your site requires and make recommendations for the equipment and features that would
be a good fit. When done with the installation, these companies will also provide training and documentation for you and your
staff so you know exactly how everything should work.

Additional characteristics of the best video surveillance companies

• Familiar with businesses similar to yours
• Allow on-site visits to their facilities to see how they operate
• Provide full-on demonstrations of how certain equipment works
• Offer references that you can contact
• Install your system quickly, in the guaranteed timeframe
• Members in good standing with the Better Business Bureau
• Put all pricing and installation details in writing

Ultimately, the best video surveillance companies are those that treat your business like a partner, taking the time
to understand your needs so they can offer a solution that you'll be happy with. (TOP)