Surveillance Camera FAQs

In a traditional security system, data is transmitted through a cable to a DVR (digital video recorder). With an IP camera, the Internet is used to transmit digital video. The unit contains everything it needs to do this. It’s connected to your network much like other external IT equipment like a printer. To store video, your IP camera may contain storage in-unit or it may transmit video to a device also connected to the network to be stored, also known as a network video recorder (NVR). Digital cameras and IP cameras capture images the same way, although the transmission method is different. Your quality won’t be compromised with an IP camera—in fact, the resolution is better.

You can use either a physical router for your network (wired) or a WiFi connection (wireless). Wired networks tend to be more secure and reliable, although WiFi is easier, it leads to the increased need for security. Surveillance Secure can help you encrypt these networks and customize a wireless network to minimize chances of any problems with a WiFi setup. You may also choose to use a cellular network, which tends to be safer than WiFi, but also slower. Surveillance Secure can discuss your options with you to determine which one would be best for your custom setup and security needs.

For an IP surveillance system, you’ll need the actual IP cameras, an NVR or other type of storage system, accessories such as a microphones and speakers generally will come built into the cameras so additional parts will not be required. At Surveillance Secure, we can help determine your needs and set you up with the best equipment for your budget.

NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. This type of recorder is used only with digital cameras (IP cameras). It functions the same as DVR.

A video capture card, or DVR card, is the graphics card inside a DVR system that is used to capture the video feed and store it on the hard drive.

Motion detection is a software-based feature. When pixels in the image change, the software alerts the system to begin recording. You can set the sensitivity on most DVR/NVRs so that drive space isn’t wasted on every stray cat that wanders through the property.

Yes. Onsite monitoring of both live and recorded video is possible.

Yes. All of our Security DVR/NVR systems are Internet enabled. That means you can view live and recorded video from anywhere via an Internet connection.

Basic DSL or cable will suffice in most cases. DSL works for DVRs, but Cable is recommended for NVRs.

Most Internet-enabled Security DVR/NVR systems allow multiple users to view the same site simultaneously. However, as more people look at the same cameras/DVR/NVR at the same time, the bandwidth will be shared between them. This reduces image quality.

Yes. Make sure the Security DVR/NVR system you select comes with an audio option. Most analog cameras do not come with built-in audio, so you will probably need a separate audio kit if you chose analog cameras over digital.

Yes. All of our Security DVR/NVR systems come with this feature. However, an optional audio module is needed to allow you to listen to live and recorded audio from anywhere via the Internet.

Yes. You can use your existing CCTV cameras. We offer a hybrid NVR which gives you the ability to use both Analog and Digital Cameras.

Use Siamese cable, which is an RG59 coaxial cable and a pair of 18-gauge wire in the same jacket, to make installation easy for Analog Cameras. Use Cat 5 or 6 for IP cameras.

Security DVR/NVRs will come back on as soon as power is restored. However, we suggest an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) which provides a short period of backup power and also serves as a surge protection device. This ensures your video surveillance will still be online in the event someone cuts the power to break in unnoticed.

Our Security systems work with most PC-based and electronic cash registers. Contact us with the make and model of your register, and we can tell you if your system is compatible.

View our Demo here.

Yes. If the alarm is triggered, the NVR can reach out to a monitoring service.