4 - The Pro's Golden Rules
The Golden Rules to CCTV Security Systems
The Golden Rules apply to most applications, but they are just rules, not indisputable laws. If there is a reason to break a rule, then break it. An effective system is designed to meet the challenges of the environment and the goals of the owner. While each video surveillance system is unique, the majority of systems should follow these rules.
The following video was taken from our Professional Consultants Training Course. It provides consumers a clear understanding of the best practices professional security consultants (dealers) follow to design an effective, value based, video security-surveillance system.
Leave Room to Grow
Nationwide, on average, video surveillance systems grow 35% after installation. This happens for two reasons: 1.) The consumer did not use an adequate number of cameras to provide the coverage they desired. 2.) They found the system to be so effective that they expanded the system to provide additional security and surveillance benefits. The lesson here is to allow the system to have expansion capabilities. You can always add cameras, but the video recorder must be able to support your future needs. Surveillance recorders are built to support four, eight, sixteen, thirty-two and sixty-four cameras. If you initially purchase four cameras with a four-channel recorder and then later find you absolutely need a fifth camera, that one camera is going to be expensive. The four-camera recorder now needs to be replaced with an eight-camera video recorder. It is wise to purchase a video recorder that is one size larger than your initial needs.
One Camera, One Job
The most common mistake consumers make is trying to get one camera to do the work of two. We all want to get the most out of each camera, but if you try to get one camera to do too much, you may end up recording nothing of value. We have all seen video of some crime being committed, but because of the lack of detail in the video, the person cannot be identified. Be conservative with the coverage you expect each camera to provide. As a general rule, each camera should not be expected to view more than 30-50 feet wide at the preferred target distance.
Select the Right Lens
Another common mistake is using the same model of camera for all locations. Some consumers have a tendency to think that if they use 4K cameras everywhere then they will see everything. That's not how it works. If you do not have the right lens for the target location, increasing the resolution can't hurt, but it's likely the lens has the wrong focal distance and the detail needed is not provided. This rule is the most important Golden Rule as it is the basis for selecting most cameras.
- - If the viewing area is under 60 feet from the camera, select a camera with a wide angle lens (2.8 or 3.6mm).
- - If the viewing area is 60-150 feet from the camera, select a camera with a zoom lens (2.8-12mm).
- - If the area is 150-500 feet from the camera, consider using our Pro240MZ with a 5-50mm zoom lens or a PTZ camera.
Pre-made Cables
Take into consideration the installation method when choosing cables. Use pre-made cables if you intend to perform the installation yourself. This eliminates the need for you to learn how to make a cable fitting. The only warning is when using pre-made cables, make sure that you measure the distance needed correctly and select the next size up from that length. Any excess cable can be spooled up and left in the attic, ceiling or behind the workstation. If the cable turns out to be short of the distance needed, you can plug two pre-made cables together, though a connector is required, and the best practice is to order a larger cable than necessary.
If you are comfortable making a network or coax fitting use our bulk easy spool boxes of cables. This allows the exact amount of cable to be pulled to each camera location, eliminating any excess cable. Professional installers prefer this approach.
Choose Value not Low Price
We have a saying around Backstreet: "Get it right the first time". The origins of this slogan came from thousands of our clients who first purchased a big box store kit (decision based on price) and soon replaced it with a designed system from Backstreet. Our job is to educate you so you make an informed decision and understand that it's value you probably are shopping for, not low price.
Value=Quality + Performance + Low Price
When a consumer understands the differences between consumer grade kits and professional grade equipment, they usually to choose value over price. This means you "get it right the first time".
Chapters
1 - The Smart Way to Shop for Security Cameras
Many consumers are more confused at the end of a security solution purchase than they were at the start. (video)
2 - Choosing the Right Technology
There are many technologies on the market, including solar, battery, wireless, and 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 indicator of its quality and expected lifespan. Industry warranties range from 1 to 10 years. Know the warranty before you buy! (video)
There are golden rules to consider when designing or purchasing a 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 security camera storage, clarity, and resolution. Which resolution is right for your application? (video)
Learn the basic components of video security camera systems: cameras, cables, recorders, monitors, and network connections. This video surveillance storage 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 proper video surveillance storage 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 security camera storage calculator to determine the required storage capacity. Learn how to expand storage, protect against theft, and what cloud NVR storage options we offer. (video)
11 - PoE Units & How to Use Them
PoE units make installation more cost-effective and allow for flexible system design. 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 challenging, our wireless transmission options will address it. (video)
Learn how to design an efficient business security camera system. Effectively secure your assets and employees while managing your business operations from anywhere. (video)
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 install security cameras in your home or business for optimal 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 prefer a clean professional installation by a technician. We support both options nationwide; you choose which you like. (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, precise, and no monthly fees.
One of the most common requests our customers have is the ability to identify and capture license plates. Follow the rules and recommendations we outline, as license plate capture 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?
Design Tools & Resources
Let one of our experts design your system. It's 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 visualize each camera's coverage, and evaluate the overall design. This surveillance system design tool covers it all.
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!
Use our video storage calculator to determine the required hard drive capacity based on the number of cameras and the desired storage duration.
Not sure what Cat6 is? Would you like to know the difference between a DVR and an NVR? Here are simple, clear explanations of 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 component fails, it can be challenging to identify the root cause because each part relies on the others for system-wide operation. Follow these step-by-step instructions to quickly identify the part causing the problem.
Industry News & Events
What is a Surveillance Trailer?
Why are these strange, purpose-built, surveillance trailers popping up all over the country? Are they the only reliable and cost-effective solutions available for crime deterrence and response? How do they work? Are they Effective? What do they cost?
The US government banned the use of Dahua, Lorex, Hikvision, and other home 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.
The NDAA banned the use of electronic equipment from 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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