We understand this is likely the first time you have been in the market for a video surveillance system. All the different systems and sales hype can be confusing. If you find it confusing and would like help selecting the right equipment, give us a call or book and appointment with an expert. We'll be glad to help!
You might be surprised to know, many people unknowingly make their choice of camera system based on misinformation. That's where we come in!
1. Should you choose your system based on camera clarity and resolution?
NO, not at all! Each of our systems and technologies offer a wide selection of 1080p, 2k, 4mp, 8mp and 4K cameras. Every system records in all HD video formats, so using a specific camera resolution as the basis for choosing your system does not narrow the selection. Selecting the right camera for each location is very important, but camera resolution should not be used to select the entire system.
2. Should you choose your system based on recording and viewing features?
NO, not at all! This does not narrow your choice either. All of our systems are packed with the latest software features that allow you to customize the operation to perfectly meet your needs. All of our video recorders are equipped with:
- Motion Activated Recording
- Digital Zoom
- Pan-tilt-zoom Controls
- Audio Recording
- Remote Viewing
- Remote Alerts
- Scheduled Recording
- Multi-camera Live Viewing
- Muilt-camera Playback
- Object Search
- And Much More!
You should not base your choice of system on one specific feature.
3. Should you choose your system based on remote viewing features?
NO again! All of our systems have the best remote viewing features built-in. Connecting your video recorder to your internet modem or router is all it takes to get you up and running smoothly. You can manage your system using a home computer, business network or iPad / smart phone. There are no monthly fees, no additional equipment and setup is hassle free.
So how do you choose the right system for you?
It’s really quite simple. How are you going to transmit the video signal from the camera to the video recorder? Are you going to use wireless, coax, network cable, Cat5 or Cat6? Do you need a custom solution to get video from the camera to the video recorder? This is where your choice greatly affects the ease of installation, system performance and eventually final satisfaction with your choice of system.
Wireless or Wire Free
Lets clear up one myth: Wireless cameras are not completely wireless. They require constant power. It is only the video transmission that is wireless. Battery powered cameras are a waste of time and money. These systems usually "die on the vine" so to speak. The owner often gives up on the constant maintenance that these systems require. We know this because we help customers replace their wireless systems everyday.
One of our Pro’s Golden Rules states it best: Only consider wireless if running a cable from the camera locations to the video recorder or a network port is not possible. The main benefit of wireless is convenience, not performance and reliability.
HD Video Over Coax Cable (CVI)
Our CVI series uses coax cable (just like the old analog systems) to transmit HD video. Be careful not to discount this technology just because it uses coax cable. Our new CVI systems can transmit video up to 2,000 feet on coax. Coax also supports all HD resolutions: 1080p, 2k, 4mp, 8mp and 4K.
Why would you choose CVI? It’s easy to install, it is the lowest cost solution of all the technologies and the cabling and cameras are more durable than IP cameras and cables. CVI is an old wiring technology with new HD capability. CVI is also the right choice if you have an existing CCTV analog system and you want to upgrade to HD performance. It has all the same software features and remote viewing capabilities of more expensive systems.
Video Over Cat5, Cat6 & Networks (Pro-vue & Elite)
This high performance technology is IP based using standard network cable such as Cat5 or Cat6 to transmit the video signal. The systems offer a flexible design, allowing cameras to be connected directly to the NVR or a network. The systems are excellent for both home and business security application.
Because our Pro-Vue & Elite systems are IP based, they provide the most flexible configurations, allowing you to manage the system the way that best suits you.
Smart Solutions to Difficult Wiring Problems.
Power-Trans-Kit
If you find running a cable from the video recorder location to your internet modem (for remote viewing) is a problem, this kit is the answer. Plug one unit into the wall outlet and connect the video recorder to it using a network cable. At the modem location, plug the other unit into the wall outlet and use a network cable to connect the two. The power line units transmit the video data signal across your home or business' 110v power grid. This is a simple solution to a hard wire run.
If you have, let's say, a detached garage and you would like to install cameras on it, but you do not have a way to wire the camera or camera(s) to the video recorder located in your home, this kit is the solution. Simply install the cameras on the garage and wire them to a PoE unit (Power over Ethernet). This is the unit that powers the cameras. Then connect the PoE to one of the transmitters. In the home, plug the other unit into a wall outlet and, using a network cable, connect the unit to a camera input on the video recorder or your internet router. All the cameras will be transmitted across your power wiring to the video recorder. You can transmit up to 16 cameras this way with one kit.
This wireless kit builds a reliable high performance network covering 1000 feet. Perfect for transmitting your video security signals. The system can be configured in several different ways. Below are the most common applications. This wireless link is compatible with our Ultra-HD and Elite Series and it can be used as a bridge between a CVI video recorder and an internet modem.
We support only Backstreet Surveillance wireless products. This means that our technicians can only support equipment purchased from us. If you are planning to have factory help with the setup of the wireless link, please purchase the items from us.
Thank you for contributing!
We would love to hear your point of view, thoughts or comments. Post a reply below or share this post on social media, then send us a link to the post - sales@backstreetsurveillance.com. We'll send you a special discount code giving you maximum savings at checkout. As always, your email is protected and only used to send the discount code.