By providing their clients with the proper tools and knowledge, ESLI Surveillance believes they will create a happier & safe consumer.  The problem for consumers when selecting one of today's DVR CCTV systems is not having the proper information and knowledge. When you're unfamiliar with the latest equipment and how its features may benefit your particular situation, it's easy to select the wrong equipment. Sadly, you'll never know until it's to late, and that's not the time to find out.

A digital video recording (DVR) CCTV surveillance system is only as good as the equipment purchased. That may seem like a simple & obvious statement, but unfortunately, a few will try to save money by taking short cuts or purchasing cut-rate equipment. Whereas others simply believe that having visible “dummy” cameras will scare someone away. ESLI does not carry any "fake" or "dummy" cameras. They believe this is like having a safe made out of cardboard, worthless.

As with all security systems, a professional thief can find ways to bypass systems, but knowing a few tricks of the trade can help prevent or at the least, make it harder for them to get away with committing a crime.  Let’s get started!

One of the first things a thief will look for when they notice security cameras around a home or business is the digital video recorder and security VCR's. Each item has a value at a pawnshop, but most importantly, if they take the DVR / VCR there's no evidence. The good news is there are several things you can do that will help.

Look for a DVR that has an Internet connection with email notification. When someone walks into the cameras frame of view, email notification activates the DVR that in turn sends an email to your cell phone*, or any programmed email address. This feature alerts you via email that something is going on, instead of finding out when you come home or open up your business.  ESLI believes it's better to be alerted while the incident is occurring then just reporting it to the police after the fact.

Most DVR's have a feature that allows you to connect to your existing alarm system. When the DVR detects motion, the DVR will trigger your alarm system, thus making your DVR part of your overall security system.

A trick used in the CCTV industry to mislead a thief is too purchase an inexpensive VCR, then, hide the DVR and make the VCR as visible as possible. Be sure to keep a tape in the unit so the intruder will believe they have escaped with the evidence.

Hard drives found inside DVR's are used to store video and audio. Depending on the length of time you want to store information determines your HD size. Fortunately, ESLI has a DVR Storage Calculator, which will help.

Power surges can decrease the cameras life. An excellent way to avoid this is by purchasing a distributed CCTV power supply. Many installers and CCTV suppliers will sell you a power supply for each camera.  This costs less, but it can leave the power cords visible and can easily be unplugged if located next to the camera. When using a distributed CCTV power supply, power to the cameras are centrally located. Each camera is individual fused offering a greater reliability factor when compared to individual transformers.

Like the DVR, CCTV cameras are a vital part of your system. Yet, people will spend $49.00 for a camera. Do you know what you get when you spend $49.00 for a CCTV camera? You wind up with a $49.00 camera! That's all right if you're using it to watch your baby from one room to another but not to protect your home or business.

There are several features you need to look for when it comes to selecting the proper CCTV camera. A great place to start is here. Also, keep in mind that if the camera doesn't incorporate Infrared technology, it will be useless in a dimly lit or dark area such as a bar or parking lot.

Finally, never leave camera wires exposed. This provides the thief with an easy and accessible way of disabling your system. This may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many installers cut corners by not doing something as simple as safeguarding the CCTV wires. Just look around at some cameras at your local stores and you'll see what we are saying.

Remember, cutting corners and saving a few bucks may seem reasonable at the time, yet in the end, it may windup costing you a lot more.

Because each CCTV situation has distinctive requirements, you should contact one of our trained representatives to help with your actual conditions.

Copyright © 2007

Authors: M.Schulke & A.Schulke

www.eyespyli.com

All information is the sole property of ESLI Surveillance and may be used only with written permission of ESLI Surveillance

As with all advice listed on eyespyli.com or other publications, we try to give you a starting point. All CCTV jobs are different and individual needs have to be taken into consideration. Please check with one of our trained representatives with your specific requirements before starting any job.

*Cell phone must have email capabilities