Video Surveillance Systems

Cameras and surveillance equipment are an essential investment for many businesses and organizations that want to protect their assets and properties. Finding a CCTV manufacturer that provides the essential surveillance equipment you need - cameras, monitors, network IP systems and other products - may require some extensive research so that you can find equipment that fits within your budget and gives you the protection you're looking for.

Since your business or organization will depend on high-quality surveillance equipment for the long term, choosing the right brands and products are an essential part of the purchasing process.

Selecting surveillance equipment from a CCTV manufacturer

Security surveillance cameras manufacturers and other CCTV manufacturers offer different types of equipment and services, but it can be challenging to distinguish what your company really needs. A CCTV manufacturer can offer a basic startup package and accessories kit to build your surveillance network. Basic surveillance equipment typically consists of:

• Cameras: CCTV cameras are available in both night and day formats, along with color or monochrome choices. Black-and-white cameras are the standard for retail and service industries, while color cameras may be more appropriate for high-end retailers and corporations. Super-high resolution cameras can capture motion with ease, and even have zoom and auto exposure features so that images are of a higher quality.


• Lenses: Selecting the right lens for your camera depends on whether you will be using it indoors or outdoors, and how accurate you need the pictures to be. Monofocal, fixed-iris lenses are the standard for CCTV cameras, while monofocal, manual-iris lenses are most suitable for indoor use and different lighting conditions.


• LCD Monitors: If you have an in-house security staff or want easy access to your surveillance network, setting up high-resolution LCD monitors makes it easier to view images and video streams in real time.


• DVR Equipment: DVR systems help to organize and track video files and image captures from your surveillance network; you will need quality equipment that lasts for years. Digital video recorders enable you to record and replay any particular event or time frame with ease.

Leading CCTV brands

Widely regarded CCTV manufacturers include:

• Pelco- Though known as the leader in analogue video cameras, Pelco has recently made the jump to digital by offering IP addressable cameras that are digital video recorder (DVR) compatible. Prices for their digital CCTV cameras can range from $150 to $300.

• Altronix- Altronix offers a loe-end solution to high end security. Their less expensive units offer frames rather than full range video meaning pictures are taken every second or two and stored on a DVR for review. Picture quality is not too bad, but stop frame storage means details can be lost.


• Sony- Sony is name in electronics everyone knows and most trust. Their CCTV solution is rock solid, and the customer support offered is second to none. Sony has come a long way from analogue to Hi-res picture quality and DVR compatibility with available network switches. Prices on cameras can run from $80 for a single unit to $600 for a pack of 8.


• Nitek- Nitek offers a few high-end, hi-res options for CCTV security, but their packages are where it's at. For a single DVR, 4 cameras and mounts, this manufacture has some attractive packages starting in the $280 range. While not the very best in quality, their solution is very economical.


• Geovision- Specializing in IP cameras (requires a digital box and switch on the other end), Geovision specializes in network CCTV cameras. With the correct software, this solution provides viewable video from anywhere where a PC has network access. Cameras run in the $400 range but this cost just scratches the surface as a network solution will have to be put into place as well.


• Nuvico- Nuvico offers what is probably the most attractive all in one package on the market today. 12 cameras, a DVR with monitor, security access box and mobile app for just under $1,700. While this might be overkill for some small businesses, those who have a warehouse might want to look into this package or one comparable.

Consider items such as DVRs, cameras, domes, and intrusion detection software and hardware. Often these items are proprietary, meaning not all of the pieces will work together. Finding a brand you like and sticking with it from camera to monitor to DVR is often the best solution and offers fewer surprises.