Wireless Burglar Alarms and CCTV Systems in Worcestershire

Domestic burglar alarm systems that incorporate CCTV equipment are becoming increasingly popular. There are a wide range of components available to suit a variety of needs and budgets.

CCTV systems can be incorporated into alarm systems using the alarm system motion detectors. These detectors can be set up so they activate the CCTV equipment upon detection of an intruder. There are a number of different ways in which CCTV equipment records images. The most common is by using a domestic VCR. This can be used with a Video Activator which starts recording on motion detection and therefore provides event-only recording. This method is cheap but a key disadvantage is that the time taken to start recording is slow.

Time lapse VCR is slightly different in that it uses a tape that moves much slower, giving split second snapshots. It can be preset to give from 24 to 960 hours on a standard VCR tape. As a result the best advantage is the very long recording time. However, longer recording times mean longer times between snapshots. Also, a quad processor or multiplexer is necessary if recording more than one image (multiple cameras).

You can now purchase equipment that can record onto a hard drive. These are Digital Video Recorders (DVR). DVRs come in two categories, standalone black box and PC-based. The standalone boxes contain multiplexer functionality (can be used with multiple cameras), recording capability, alarms and motion detectors. The resultant images are of a higher resolution compared to VCR images and there is no loss of quality when copies are taken. The recorders can also be connected to the Internet for remote playback.

Also new to the market are wireless receivers with built-in recorders. They store images using SD cards and offer functions such as motion detection and automatic recording once a moving object has been detected.

Many homeowners have PC’s and there is now equipment available that can be used to develop PC-based CCTV systems. Video and audio capture devices allow you to expand the capability of your existing PC so you can display images from multiple cameras in real time. You can also set up your PC for alert motion detection recording. The sensitivity of motion detection can be modified for household pets.

Even if you don’t have a PC there are cameras available that can be used for remote monitoring of images via a local area network or the Internet. These cameras can be either wired or wireless.

If you are considering purchasing an alarm system with CCTV it is worth purchasing the best system you can afford and getting it installed professionally. The main advantage being that a professional alarm installer can offer advice on the best system for your particular circumstances.

Alert Alarms is a security company established in 1984 and based in the West Midlands. They offer a total security package in the form of an initial survey and free quotation and installation by a highly trained team of professional installers. Based in the West Midlands, they offer advice on the installation of burglar alarms and CCTV systems in areas such as Worcestershire.