Frequently Asked Questions
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a video surveillance system that is used for security and monitoring purposes. A typical CCTV system consists of one or more cameras that are connected to are cording device, which captures and stores video footage.
The cameras used in CCTV systems can be either analog or digital. Analog cameras capture video in the form of electrical signals that are transmitted over coaxial cables to the recording device. Digital cameras, on the other hand, capture video in the form of digital signals that are transmitted over Ethernet cables or wirelessly to the recording device.
The recording device, which is usually a digital video recorder (DVR) or a network video recorder (NVR), stores the video footage captured by the cameras. The DVR or NVR can be connected to a monitor or a mobile device, which allows users to view the live or recorded video footage.
CCTV systems can be configured to operate continuously, or they can be activated by motion sensors or other triggers. They can also be integrated with other security systems, such as alarms and accesscontrol systems.
Installing a CCTV (closed-circuit television) system can offer several benefits, including:
Deterrence of Crime: The presence of CCTV cameras can act as a deterrent to potential criminals, asthey are less likely to engage in criminal activity when they know they are being watched.
Enhanced Security: CCTV systems provide enhanced security by monitoring activity in and around aproperty, and alerting security personnel or law enforcement if there is suspicious behaviour.
Crime Investigation: If a crime does occur, CCTV footage can be used as evidence in the investigationand prosecution of the perpetrators. It can also help identify witnesses or other individuals who may havebeen involved.
Staff Monitoring: CCTV systems can be used to monitor employee behaviour and ensure that they arefollowing company policies and procedures.
Remote Monitoring: With advancements in technology, CCTV systems can now be accessed remotely,allowing property owners to keep an eye on their property from anywhere in the world.
Insurance Benefits: Some insurance companies offer discounts to properties that have CCTV systemsinstalled, as it reduces the risk of theft or damage.
Safety Monitoring: CCTV systems can be used to monitor hazardous areas or high-risk environments, such as construction sites or manufacturing plants, to ensure the safety of workers. Overall, installing a CCTV system can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, and can be a valuable tool for preventing and investigating criminal activity.
Gold Coast Intercom and Security focuses on installing and maintaining in the Gold Coast and greater area including but not limited to:
● Southport
● Coomera
● Surfers Paradise
● Robina
● Labrador
● Nerang
● Helensvale
● Pacific Pines
● Varsity Lakes
● Palm Beach
● Burleigh Waters
● Oxenford
● Molendinar
● Mudgeeraba
● Carrara
● Mermaid Waters
● Ashmore
● Hope Island
● Coombabah
● Arundel
● Burleigh Heads
● Pimpama
● Runaway Bay
● Benowa
● Parkwood
● Broadbeach Waters
● Biggera Waters
The number of CCTV cameras you need for your property will depend on several factors, including the size of your property, the layout of your property, and the areas you want to monitor. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how many cameras you may need:
Identify the areas that need to be monitored: First, identify the areas of your property that you want to monitor, such as entrances, exits, high-risk areas, or areas where valuable assets are kept.
Determine the coverage area: Once you have identified the areas that need to be monitored, determine the coverage area of each camera. The coverage area will depend on the camera's field of view, which can vary depending on the camera's lens size and angle.
Consider camera placement: Consider the placement of each camera to ensure that it covers the desired area and is not obstructed by any obstacles.
Consider camera features: Consider the features of each camera, such as night vision or motion detection, which can affect the camera's coverage area and placement.
As a general rule of thumb, a single camera can cover an area of about 75 to 150 square metres (800 to1600 square feet), depending on the camera's field of view. However, this can vary based on the specific camera model and features. To ensure comprehensive coverage, you may need multiple cameras strategically placed around your property. It's best to consult with a professional CCTV installer to assess your property's specific needs and provide a customised solution.
Yes, you can monitor your CCTV system remotely using a variety of methods, including:
Mobile Apps: Many CCTV systems come with mobile apps that allow you to access your cameras remotely. These apps typically require you to sign in with your system credentials, after which you can view live footage or recorded footage on your mobile device.
Web Browser: Some CCTV systems allow you to access your cameras through a web browser. This typically involves entering the IP address of the system into a web browser, after which you will be prompted to enter your system credentials to view live or recorded footage.
Cloud Storage: Some CCTV systems offer cloud storage options that allow you to access your footage remotely. This typically involves uploading your footage to the cloud and accessing it through a web
browser or mobile app.
Remote Access Software: Some CCTV systems allow you to access your cameras remotely using remote access software, such as TeamViewer or VNC. This involves setting up remote access software
on both your local computer and the computer connected to your CCTV system, after which you can access the system remotely.
It's important to note that remote access to your CCTV system requires a stable and secure internet connection to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, you should ensure that your system is set up with proper security measures, such as strong passwords and encryption, to prevent any potential security breaches.
The storage of CCTV footage and the duration for which it is retained can vary depending on several factors, including the type of CCTV system, the storage capacity of the system, and legal requirements.
Here are some general guidelines:
Local Storage: CCTV footage is typically stored on a local hard drive or digital video recorder (DVR) connected to the CCTV system. The amount of storage space available will depend on the capacity of the hard drive or DVR.
Cloud Storage: Some CCTV systems offer cloud storage options that allow footage to be stored remotely on a cloud server. The duration of storage will depend on the cloud storage plan selected and the amount of footage stored.
Duration of Storage: The duration for which CCTV footage is retained can vary depending on legal requirements and organisational policies. In some cases, legal requirements may dictate the minimum length of time that footage must be retained, such as for evidence in criminal investigations. In othercases, organisational policies may dictate the length of time that footage is retained, such as for employee monitoring or security purposes.
In general, most organizations retain CCTV footage for a minimum of 30 days, but some may retain footage for longer periods of time depending on the specific use case. It's important to consult with legal and IT experts to determine the appropriate retention period for your organization based on your specific needs and legal requirements. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the storage of CCTV footage is compliant with data privacy regulations to avoid potential legal or regulatory issues.
Gold Coast Intercom and Security holds a Queensland Security Licence. Our number is 3425127. This ensures your security system will be installed and operate correctly.
Prohibited Areas: Some areas may be prohibited from being monitored by CCTV systems, such as private areas such as restrooms or locker rooms.
Data Security: It's important to ensure that the CCTV system is secure to prevent unauthorized access to the footage. This may involve implementing password protection, encryption, and other security measures.
Access to Footage: It's important to limit access to the CCTV footage to authorized personnel only and to ensure that the footage is not used for unauthorized purposes.