Business case studies
Learn how experts design systems and select certain cameras and equipment for different applications.
- - Effective System Design
- - Where to Locate Cameras
- - Selecting the Right Camera
- - How to Choose your NVR
- - Benefits of Video Management
| Residential/Homes | Convenience Stores | Self Serve Car Wash |
| Dams & Power Plants | Car Dealerships | Churches |
| Manufacturing Facilities | Office Buildings | Storage Facilities |
| HOA Home Owners Assoc. | Construction Sites |
- Residential/Homes
- Convenience Stores
- Self Serve Car Wash
- Dams & Power Plants
- Car Dealerships
- Churches
- Manufacturing Facilities
- Office Buildings
- Storage Facilities
So where should you locate your security cameras?
Below are a few of the most common viewing patterns. Each has benefits and possibly some draw backs. Your application will dictate which design is most effective.
Mid Wall Pattern
Mounting a camera mid wall and adjusting its view perpendicular to the wall. This location can be useful for certain applications but is seldom used by security professionals, simply because it creates a blind spot on each side of the camera. A 3.6mm lens provides the widest viewing angle without distorting the image. There are 180 degree cameras on the market but they distort the video so badly that the video is useless at distance. We do not recommend using any lens wider than a 2.8mm, which provides a viewing angle of 110 degrees. Still, with such a wide viewing angle, do not expect great clarity beyond 40 feet (there is a warping or bubble effect past 40 feet). Because of this, a 2.8mm lens should be used for up close applications - such as a porch or any location where you desire a very wide angle view but do not require great detail at distance.
Back to Back Pattern
Place two cameras back to back mid wall. This design eliminates the blind spots that can occur when using one camera mid wall.
Secret Service Pattern
Two cameras are installed on the same wall, separated by 15-20 feet and aimed towards each other. Basically, the cameras are watching each other’s back so that neither camera can be disabled without the perpetrator being seen. This design works well with both fixed view and zoom lens cameras.
Corner to Corner
This design is the most common and provides several benefits. It makes the most of each camera's viewing capability and covers 100% of the perimeter. When the cameras are placed as the diagram below indicates, all blind spots are eliminated and the cameras cannot be vandalized without the perpetrator being recorded by another camera.
Inside Corner
This pattern is simple and very effective. Because a 3.6mm lens provides a 90 degree field of view, it is perfect for an inside corner. When using this method, the camera cannot be vandalized and the corner is covered wall to wall.
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Chapters
1 - The Smart Way to Shop for Security Cameras
Many consumers are more confused at the end of shopping for a security solution than when they started. (video)
2 - Choosing the Right Technology
There are so many different technologies on the market: solar, battery, wireless, wired as well as Consumer Grade and Professional Grade versions of these products. How do you know which is right for you? (video)
3 - Industry Warranty's Indicate Quality
A security camera's warranty is a good indication of its quality and how long you should expect it to last. Industry warranties range from 1 to 10 years. Know the warranty before you buy! (video)
4 - The Pro's Golden Rules
There are golden rules that should be considered when designing or purchasing any security camera system. We explain each rule so you "Get It Right the First Time"! (video)
5 - Understanding Resolution & Frame Rates
Let's cut through the confusion and keep things simple when it comes to video clarity and resolution. Which resolution is right for your application? (video)
6 - Camera System Components
It's important to learn the basic parts that are used in all video security camera systems: camera components, cable, recorders, monitors and internet connection. This video covers it all. (video)
7 - Best Camera Locations & Heights
Learn recommended camera fields of view, installation locations and heights for best coverage. Your design should be flexible while following these best practices.
8 - Selecting the Right Camera & Mount
One size does NOT fit all! Learn how to select the right camera for each location. Optical Zoom vs Digital Zoom, how to capture license plates, color night vision & more. Follow the Pro's tips and get it right the first time. (video)
9 - Video Recorders & Best Locations
How to select the right security NVR (network video recorder) for your application. Click through to learn the best locations for video surveillance recorders.
10 - Video Storage, Hard Drives & Cloud
Use our storage calculator to easily calculate what size hard drive need. Learn how to expand storage, protect against theft and what cloud options we offer. (video)
11 - PoE Units & How to Use Them
PoE units make installation more cost-effective and provide flexible system design options. Learn what they are and how to use them.
12 - Wire & Cable - Alternative Transmission Options
Learn how to wire a system, plan cable runs and design efficiently. If the camera installation is difficult, our wireless transmission options will solve the problem. (video)
13 - Business System Design
Learn how to design an effective business security camera system. Effectively secure your assets and employees while managing your business operations from anywhere. (video)
14 - Home System Design
Learn how to design an effective home security camera system to secure your home, assets, and family. Monitor your home remotely from anywhere. (video)
15 - Interior Camera Placement
Learn how to effectively locate security cameras inside of your home or business for the best coverage while maintaining privacy.
16 - DIY Installation or Pro Install - You Choose!
Most of our customers install the system themselves with our expert factory support, but you may want that clean professional installation completed by a pro. We support both options nationwide and you choose which you prefer. (video)
17 - Live & Remote Viewing with Alerts
You choose how you interface with our state-of-the-art-systems. All options are available and any combination of viewing options can be used: direct connect monitors, personal computers, tablets, and smartphones - Super fast, clear, and no monthly fees.
18 - Capturing License Plates
One of the most common requests our customers have is the ability to identify and capture license plates. This can be achieved if you follow the rules and recommendations we detail. It is important that you follow them, simply because capturing a license plate is one of the most challenging tasks for security cameras.
19 - Customizing Kits - Sending Quotes - Financing
Learn how to customize any of our kits to meet your exact needs, then send a line-item PDF quote to any email you choose. Use our instant financing option during checkout to fit the budget. (video)
20 - ProVue vs. Cyber Secure - Feature Comparison
We offer two high performance series. Both are cutting-edge 4K solutions. Which series is right for you?
21 - Become Certified Design Consultant
Help secure your community and earn a great income on your schedule. Backstreet University offers a professional consultant training course.Design Tools & Resources
Expert System Design Service
Let one of our experts design your system. Its the sure way to get it right the first time at the lowest price. Book a 30-minute design appointment using our online calendar. You'll be glad you did!
Do-it-yourself System Designer
Design your home or business security system like a Pro. Locate cameras and their viewing areas to provide a visual of the effective coverage of each camera and evaluate the overall design. This surveillance system design tool covers it all.
Custom Kit Builder
Build a complete custom system for your home or business without any confusion or mistakes. This easy to use tool makes sure you select all the components you need for a complete system. You can even include installation!
Hard Drive Calculator
Use our video storage calculator to determine the size of the hard drive you need based on the number of cameras and the desired storage days.
Security Industry Terms
Not sure what Cat6 is? Would you like to know the difference between a DVR and an NVR? Here are simple and clear explanations of the industry terms.How to Troubleshoot Security Cameras & Systems
CCTV Security systems consist of several electronic parts. The system requires all of them to be operating flawlessly for reliable operation. When one item fails it can be difficult to find the issues because each part relies on the other for system-wide operation. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions and you'll quickly identify the part causing the problem.
Industry News & Events
Banned Security Brands
US government banned the use of Dahua, Lorex, Hikvision and other security cameras in federal facilities due to hidden backdoors. In June 2021, the FCC unanimously voted to start procedures to ban the sale of these brands to the general public by denying new products FCC approval.
What is NDAA & Why It Matters
The NDAA law banned the use of electronic equipment provided by specific companies. What’s interesting about the law is that it bans companies rather than countries. It ignores borders and focuses on individual entities. |  |  |
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Fun & Interesting How-to Videos
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learn how the experts get it right the first time!
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While we market and support customers nationwide, and our sales match the population of the country, we thought some local application videos may help visitors understand who we are and what our systems are capable of.
Hogle Zoo
Salt Lake City, Utah
Kidstopia
Salt Lake City, Utah
Burbidge Concrete Pumping
Salt Lake City, Utah
Stor-It Self Storage
6022 West, Dannon Way, West Jordan, UT 84081
Cisco's Custom Welding, Lindon UT
154 1800 W #3, Lindon, UT 84042
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