CCTV & Security

Well that all depends on what you're looking to monitor. If it's more for indoor surveillance, then you'll be more suited with a pet or baby camera due to their ease of set up and installation. If it's for outdoor use, then you'll need something that can withstand the elements like a wired/wireless CCTV kit or a video doorbell.

• Wired CCTV kits - Kits include an NVR, cameras and cables. The cameras sync to the NVR over WiFi to help keep your cable clutter to a minimum and make for easier installation.
• Wireless CCTV kits - Kits include an NVR, cameras and cables. The cameras sync to the NVR over WiFi to help keep your cable clutter to a minimum and make for easier installation.
• Video doorbells - Allows you to see and speak to anyone at your door from your smartphone. They're battery powered and work over a WiFi connection which makes them easy to set and install.
• Pet/Baby camera - Great for checking in on the pets or children when away. They work over a WiFi connection and allow you to monitor live footage from your smartphone.

A standard CCTV system is made up of three core components - A DVR/NVR, camera and cables. However, with so many different varieties of cameras and video recorders to choose from, it can often seem like a daunting task deciding what works together and what's right for you. Thankfully, all our CCTV kits come with everything you need to get started, so all you've got to think about is how many cameras you need, what type of camera at a price and find something that suits your budget. Here's a couple of extra things to consider when choosing your kit:

The Camera

Due to their shape, bullet cameras can act as a visual deterrent, whereas dome cameras offers a more discreet and unobtrusive solution. Plus, the higher the camera resolution, the better the image quality will be.

DVR/NVR

The heart of the kit. It’s what connects all the main accessories together and where all your recorded footage is stored. The more channels a DVR/NVR has, the more cameras you can connect up.

Cables

An NVR uses fewer cables than a DVR, which makes them easier to set up. Please note, you'll require an Ethernet cable to connect the DVR/NVR to the your home router if you wish to use remote viewing.

Both systems serve the same purpose and offer reliable recording, each offering different benefits to suit your needs. It essentially comes down to what you value most, cost or convenience. DVRs are generally less expensive than NVRs but don't offer the same level of flexibility and simplicity when it comes to installation.

DVR:

• Cheaper than NVRs
• Compatible with wired cameras
• Works with analogue security cameras only
• Each camera requires two cables, one for power and another to send the video signal

NVR:

• More expensive than DVRS
• Compatible with wired or wireless cameras
• Works with IP security cameras only
• Only requires one cable to power and send a signal to the camera, making more convenient to install

Yes, all our CCTV products support remote access viewing so you can monitor your camera footage from anywhere using your smartphone. Our range of pet cameras, baby monitors and video doorbells all connect to your home WiFi network and can be accessed using an app on your phone. Our DVR/NVR CCTV kits require a direct connection to your home router, so make sure you have an Ethernet cable long enough if looking to take advantage of the remote viewing functionality.

Yes; if you want to view your footage remotely (on a smartphone or computer), you'll require an internet connection via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. All our CCTV systems come with the option for remote viewing, plus a dedicated app to set alerts or stream live videos, whenever and wherever you are.

It's also worth noting that pet, baby and doorbell cameras require remote viewing to playback CCTV footage, making an internet connection necessary. Whereas DVR/NVRs, can be viewed locally on a monitor or TV and don't require an internet connection.

Don't let the term wireless CCTV confuse you, most of the time, this refers to the connectivity of a device. Wireless camera systems still need power, and completely wireless systems are still being developed – so, as easy as they are to set up, being battery powered means they will require more maintenance. At the moment, wired systems will give you the most consistent, reliable footage.

It all depends on your needs. Swann is the market leader for home CCTV systems, offering a wide variety of easy-to-use and affordable solutions. Other reputable brands such as Yale, HomeGuard and Netgear are just as good and make great alternatives. Hikvision is more suited for larger, professional applications and can often be more expensive as a result. Alternatively, electriQ offer great value for money and boast reliable home systems with an easy-to-use app.