MJS offer a full CCTV design and installation service

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has proved to be a very effective weapon against crime. There is however a great deal of confusion amongst users, and differences between installation companies as to the most effective CCTV solution to address a specification problem.

A governing factor is almost always the budgetary consideration. This is obviously a very important concern however if this is the primary deciding factor, it is probable that a system tailored exclusively to a budget will not adequately do the job required of it.

The start - the camera
A good quality camera is required. Cameras are rated by resolution which is indicated in terms of pixels (active picture elements) and line resolution. The higher the number of pixels and the higher the line resolution the greater the camera's ability to resolve detail and the sharper the picture. In many incidences a relatively low-resolution camera (say 330tvl) will be sufficient to identify a person if we have a good head and shoulder shot (fills 1 / 2 to 3 / 4 of screen). To read number plates, a higher resolution camera (say 450tvl plus) will be required.

If good lighting is always available, a colour camera should always be used. However, B&W camera.s tend to offer a much higher sensitivity so would be much better for watching your car at night with the only light a street light.

It is not worth fitting a cheap camera as supplied by B&Q as these will give no useful output even with street lights. They are fine to give you an idea of who.s at the front door during the day (want to miss the double glazing salesman?) or even for watching a baby, but due to low resolution they offer little of the information needed to identify a criminal.

Moving on - the multiplexer/recorder
A Multiplexer is a device which will convert the signal from several camera.s into a single signal to feed into a VCR. However, with the forever falling cost of high quality PC.s, a digital board can be fitted to a PC, turning that PC into a digital video recorder capable of recording straight to disk up to 16 camera.s. Depending of frame rate and disk size, several weeks can be recorded and saved at a time. Another advantage of the PC based multiplexer/recorder will allow you to monitor any of the camera.s via the internet from any remote location. Because of these advantages, MJS only recommend PC based systems, but are willing to fit any other system as required.

Who's watching - the monitor
To view the picture captured by the camera a monitor is required. The monitor should have at least as high a resolution as the camera. With the PC based system, a typical PC monitor gives excellent results.

MJS will survey your property and recommend equipment that will be most suitable for your needs. If you decide to go ahead and order, an official company order will be required or a 25% deposit if a home system with the balance paid upon completion of the installation.