CCTV & SECURITY EXPERTS

How much does it cost to install a CCTV camera system?

The cost of installing a CCTV camera system can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the system, the number of cameras required, and the specific features needed for your premises. Our CCTV solutions start from R7999,00 for a basic setup. However, to provide you with the most accurate quote, we would need to have a discussion about your particular needs and requirements. This will allow us to tailor a system that best suits your security needs and budget. Please reach out to us so we can provide you with a quick, same-day quote.

Can I install CCTV at home?

Yes, you can certainly install a CCTV system at home. Home CCTV systems are extremely effective in preventing crime and monitoring activities around your property. They provide an additional layer of security, acting as a deterrent to potential intruders and capturing vital footage in the event of any security breaches. Having a CCTV system installed at home also offers peace of mind, knowing that your property is under constant surveillance.

What does CCTV stand for?

CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television. It refers to a surveillance system that uses video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific, limited set of digital recorders and monitors. It’s a commonly used security measure in various settings, such as residential properties, businesses, and public spaces.

Is a CCTV camera the same as a security camera?

Yes, a CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) camera is a type of security camera. The term “security camera” is a broad term that encompasses all kinds of cameras used for surveillance and security purposes, including CCTV cameras. CCTV cameras specifically refer to systems where the video feed is transmitted to a limited set of monitors, rather than being broadcast openly. However, in everyday language, the terms are often used interchangeably.

What is required for CCTV camera installation?

The basic components required for a CCTV camera installation include the following:

1. Cameras : These capture the video footage. The type and number of cameras needed will depend on the specific surveillance requirements of your premises.
2. Cabling : Cables are used to connect the cameras to the DVR system. They provide the path for data transfer and sometimes power supply, depending on the type of camera.
3. Digital Video Recorder (DVR): The DVR is the device that records, processes, and stores the video footage from the cameras.
4. Hard Drive : This is where the footage from the cameras is stored. The size of the hard drive needed will depend on how much footage you need to store and for how long.

Additional elements that may be necessary, depending on the specific needs and size of your installation, include:

• Internet Availability : If remote viewing or cloud storage is desired, a stable internet connection is necessary.
• Conduit or Trunking : These are used to protect and hide the cabling, providing a cleaner look and reducing the risk of damage.
• Secure Safe for the DVR : To protect the DVR and stored footage from theft or tampering, it may be placed in a secure safe.
• Network Cabinet : For larger installations, a network cabinet can be used to house and organize the DVR, hard drives, and other related equipment.

How do I connect my CCTV camera to my phone?

To connect your CCTV camera to your phone, you’ll typically need to use a mobile app provided by the Unifier of your CCTV system. Here are the general steps:

1. Download the App : Search for the app in your phone’s app store (such as Google Play Store for Android and App Store for iPhone). Download and install the app on your phone.
2. Set Up the CCTV System : We will ensure your CCTV system is properly installed and connected to your home or business network.
3. Connect to the App : Open the app on your phone. You’ll typically be prompted to enter details such as the CCTV system’s IP address, username, and password. These details will be set when the system is installed.
4. Add the Camera : Once you’ve successfully logged into the app, you can add your CCTV cameras. This usually involves selecting an option such as “Add Device” or “Add Camera,” then entering the camera’s details.
5. Live View : Once the camera is successfully added, you will be able to view its live feed directly on your phone through the app.

Remember, Unifier will assist you every step of the way to ensure a seamless and trouble-free set up and integration.

Which CCTV is best for my home?

The best CCTV system for your home depends on several factors:

1. Budget : The amount you’re willing to spend can significantly influence the type and quality of CCTV system you can afford. Higher-end systems typically offer more features, better image quality, and advanced functions such as intelligent motion detection.
2. Intended Use of Footage : If you need high-resolution footage for identification purposes, we can assist you with a system that offers HD or 4K resolution. If you only need general surveillance, a lower resolution system may suffice.
3. Site-Specific Details : Consider the layout of your property. For larger properties or those with multiple points of entry, you may need more cameras or cameras with a wider field of view. If you’re monitoring areas at a distance, consider cameras with zoom capabilities.
4. Internet Availability : If you have a stable internet connection, you might consider an IP-based CCTV system that allows for remote viewing and cloud storage. If your internet connection is unstable or non-existent, a traditional analog system with local storage might be more suitable.
5. Other Factors : These can include whether you need indoor or outdoor cameras, whether you need night vision capabilities, and your preferred method of storage (local via hard drive, or cloud-based).

We can provide expert advice and help you choose the best CCTV system for your home.

Do you need wifi to install security cameras?

No, you don’t necessarily need WiFi to install security cameras. CCTV systems can work on a closed-circuit setup and do not require internet access. They store the recorded footage locally, such as on a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder).

However, if you wish to view the footage remotely from your mobile phone or another device, you’ll need a security camera system that supports this feature. These systems do require a stable internet connection, either through WiFi or Ethernet, to transmit the footage over the internet to your remote device. So, while WiFi is not strictly necessary for the installation of security cameras, it expands their functionality significantly.

How many days can CCTV record?

The duration for which a CCTV system can record and store footage depends on several factors:

1. Storage Capacity : The size of the hard drive in your Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) largely determines how much footage can be stored. For instance, a 1TB hard drive will store more days of footage than a 500GB hard drive.
2. Number of Cameras : More cameras mean more footage to store, which can quickly fill up your storage capacity.
3. Resolution : Higher resolution cameras generate larger video files than lower resolution cameras, thus taking up more storage space.
4. Frame Rate : Recording at a higher frame rate (more frames per second) will use more storage space than recording at a lower frame rate.
5. Recording Mode : CCTV systems can be set to record continuously, only when motion is detected, or on a schedule. Each mode will use a different amount of storage space.

As a rough estimate, with a typical setup of 4 cameras recording continuously at a standard resolution, a 1TB hard drive might store around 10-14 days of footage. However, this can vary significantly based on the factors listed above.

To extend the recording time, you can use larger hard drives, reduce the resolution or frame rate, use motion detection recording, or use video compression technologies. For non-stop, long-term storage, you may also consider cloud storage solutions.