The 5 Things You Must Know Before You Even Think About Installing CCTV In Your Facility…

STOP…Free Guide
The 5 Things You Must Know Before You Even Think About Installing CCTV In Your Facility…

Overview:

This guide will provide you with a no-nonsense approach to selecting the right equipment and more importantly the right company to partner with for the installation of CCTV and other electronic security services and a few “pitfalls” to avoid that cost you un-necessary dollars!

In the past few years the use & need for electronic security particularly CCTV security surveillance systems has increased, whether for your home or your business CCTV technologies have been proven a reliable way to increase security. The problem for consumers when selecting one of today’s DVR CCTV systems is not having the proper information and knowledge. But let’s face it; you’re not the security expert; your busy running your business or managing your hotel on a day to day basis. So when you’re unfamiliar with the latest equipment and how its features may benefit your particular situation, it’s easy to not get what you need. Sadly, you won’t really know until it’s too late, and that’s not the time to find out!

1. Knowing Your Needs: Most importantly have an understanding of what the issues are that are leading to your decision to install a CCTV system. (External vandalism, internal theft, mandatory client requirements, general preventative measures, etc.). Sighting some key areas to be covered along with storage requirements for captured video will no doubt assist the security professional in their planning of your system solution.

2. Selecting the right partner: Notice I said partner and not vendor. There are numerous providers of CCTV services many of which claim the ability to provide equipment and install the systems. A majority of them are “glorified” installers and not trained security professionals. Yes they can run cable and hang cameras but are they really providing a solution or just pushing equipment? The true security professionals like Digital Vision CCTV, approach every installation from a safety and security perspective. On-site surveys should be conducted for every project so as to visually identify points of vulnerability, lighting situations, distances to be covered and paths to be taken for a professional installation. By doing this the provider can glean first-hand knowledge of the client site, any challenges foreseen and also potential areas where he may be able to save the client some budget dollars by leveraging existing infrastructure like cabling!

One of the biggest tricks used by some company’s is to indicate that all of the existing cabling and power supplies need to be replaced. Watch out for this, these guys are just trying to stuff their pockets and rip you off. In most cases where an existing system is already in place and needs to be upgraded, the cabling for the existing cameras is in good working order and by using it the client can save a lot of expense in materials and labor. The company would only have to upgrade the equipment and run cabling only to new camera locations being added which can be a 30-40% savings!

3. Know Exactly the Type of Equipment You’re Getting: 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. Sure you can find complete systems at your local discount warehouse for less money, but in more cases than not this equipment will fall short in meeting the client’s expectations nor will it hold up under weather conditions or daily wear and tear of use. Remember these systems run 24/7!

The true security professional will understand the capabilities of the equipment they propose and utilize the right camera for the right situation; be it lighting, distance or elements etc. A “one camera does it all” approach will lead to an unhappy customer! A CCTV camera's quality is measured by TV Lines, which is the number of horizontal TV lines the camera produces, and of course the higher the clearer and better picture. Selecting cameras with a TVL range of 420-600 will offer good quality and performance. 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.

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 is centrally located. Each camera is individual fused offering a greater reliability factor when compared to individual transformers.

Also, be wary of accepting a quote that may have the equipment model #’s listed but the per-unit pricing is not. All you see is a grand total for the project and you can’t tell how much anything is including installation and labor. This is a good way for the providing company to “bury” a lot of unnecessary costs into the project. It also makes it increasingly difficult to really do an apple to apples comparison when having to solicit multiple bids. Digital Vision has always provided fully itemized quotes and invoices to its clients so that they know exactly how much each piece of equipment costs. I wouldn’t accept a bundled quote and neither should you!

4. Install DVR’s With Remote Accessibility: Most of the DVR’s on the market today offer the ability to view images remotely via an internet connection. The new H.264 compression carried by the latest models, (an upgrade from the MPEG-4 technology), even allows connection via IPhone and the new smart phones out there. What does this mean for you? Well you now have the ability to review live or recorded video from anywhere to look in on your business when you are not there. There are even functions whereby you can be contacted by the DVR when certain alarms are triggered with email alerts, etc.

Also, keep in mind the amount of storage needed to capture and store images. The new H.264 technology allows for higher compression which means faster and more storage capabilities. The HDD capacity of the CCTV DVR basically means the number of recorded previous days of video that the DVR will keep before recycling. Most CCTV systems by default record video based on motion which means if there is no motion there is no recording because practically it will be a still image rather than video. This allows management & review of incidents to be performed easier since you can isolate dates and times and review small “snippets” of video incidents rather than the entire DB. The motion-detect setting also prolongs the length of the HD storage with most systems capturing almost 30-days of recorded video on a 500GB HD. DVR’s also allow for the addition of bigger hard drives in some cases up to 2 TB. Certainly the amount of cameras running on the system has an impact on how much video is stored. The bigger the hard drive and the amount of total system frame-rate allow for more storage and clarity. The back up and recovery compatibility of CCTV camera systems give you the ability to back up a desired video period either on CD-R, DVD-R or USB storage including USB flash.

5. Invest in Service Plans: Once you have made your decision to install a CCTV system at your facility look at protecting your investment post installation with an on-site service and warranty plan. This goes back to the beginning of how you selected the CCTV partner for your project. Were they selected because they had the lowest price? What is their service record and can you get good feedback from their existing clients on how the installation went but more importantly how did they perform on delivering service after the project was completed? Let’s face it, even with the most expensive and sophisticated equipment from time to time things happen and performance is compromised.

Did the installer stand behind their work and equipment and were they responsive in a timely manner to service calls? All of the equipment is usually covered by the manufactures from anywhere from 1-3 years depending on what brands are used. Some of the bigger name brands like Honeywell & Pelco offer 3 yr warranties but keep in mind that their equipment is sometimes 1 ½ to 2 ½ times more expensive than other brands with equal specifications. Also, there are very few manufacturers if any that cover equipment failure due to lightning strikes or other acts of nature. What is also not covered is the local labor costs associated with on-site visits to troubleshoot and repair systems. This is where you can purchase an on-site service plan from your partner if they offer one that covers such activities. The Digital Vision plan even offers preventative maintenance and on-going training of the systems as needed. There is even an additional option that offers complete equipment replacement for out of warranty items and acts of nature.

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.

Next Steps:
Call for your free consultation.
Because each CCTV situation has distinctive requirements, you should contact one of our trained security professionals to help with your actual conditions I promise this will not be a sales pitch, just a way for you to ask me questions and get them answered...

Helping Communities Become Safer & More Profitable!

Since its founding in 2005, Digital Vision CCTV has always been a “niche” company with a no-nonsense, solutions-based approached. Whether it was a hotel, hi-rise condominium or residential subdivision, we have been able to install the right electronic security equipment package to meet the client’s needs at a reasonable cost. Coupled with superior follow-up and on-site service Digital Vision exceeds industry standards.

One particular market segment where we have seen a lot of growth is with subdivision amenities areas; pools, clubhouses, playgrounds & tennis courts where HOA groups have experienced costly challenges with vandalism, theft, un authorized usage and even more serious crimes involving drugs and violence.

Whether a small neighborhood or large the challenges and costs associated with repairs can have significant impact on HOA budgets and individual homeowner pocketbooks! What we have done to combat these issues is to offer homeowners a “3 Phased” approach to security. CCTV, ACCESS CONTROL & ALARM SYSTEMS WITH 24/7 MONITORING.

CCTV: We start with the installation of a digital video surveillance system (DVR) with remote viewing capabilities via the internet with a standard 500GB hard drive for video storage of approximately 30 days. (Actual storage may vary depending on conditions and activity). We add weatherproof/ vandal-proof infrared “night-vision” cameras, typically 4-8; strategically placed throughout the amenities area so as to capture entry & exit points, low-light areas, parking and areas susceptible to vandalism.

Although CCTV does not completely prevent crime it does act as a deterrent to criminal activity but more over, provides the HOA with a management tool used to identify vandals and provide potential recourse for restitution or prosecution.

Access Control: The 2nd phase in combating criminal activity is to limit the entry & exit points to any area. This is accomplished through the installation of an Access Control system consisting of a state of the art door controller panel for 2, 4 or 8 doors which can be expanded as needed for additional entry points. The software associated with these systems allows end-users to obtain reports of entry activity, limit access by establishing beginning & ending times and set up user groups based on authority levels.

For example: the pool hours may be 7am to 10pm M-Th & 7am to 11pm Fri, Sat, and Sun. This is easily set up in the software and can be altered within seconds for special events. By doing this, user cards will only have authority to access entry points during these hours and not allow access outside of these times. Of course, additional groups can be set up for example the HOA board with can allow for 24/7 access.

When coupled with mag-locks & proximity readers at clubhouse doors, fitness centers, pool gates, tennis court gates & playgrounds HOA’s have greater control over their amenities limiting unwanted & unauthorized entry and use. They can also be used to enhance and control budgets by blocking access for delinquent or expired members.


The last critical piece is Alarm Systems and Monitoring: Adding alarm systems to residential homes and commercial businesses are a key element to ensuring security and protection of family and assets. With the installation of alarm hardware: keypads, motion sensors, door & window contacts and glass-break sensors, end-users can take control of their security knowing all the time that they are being protected by 24/7 monitoring services provided by a UL listed monitoring center with “live” professionals at the ready to dispatch authorities as needed.

If you already
have an existing system, and are paying more than $19.95 for monitoring, our technicians in most cases can reprogram your unit to receive and send signals to our monitoring center and save you money.

If you need a new system installation, we can provide a system to meet your needs based on the size of your home or business with minimal upfront costs and a low monthly fee of $24.95 for 24/7 monitoring.

"Extra Eyes"

Use of CCTV is on the increase...

More hotels are using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor guests and employees.

"The hotel industry is one of our fastest-growing vertical markets," said Richard Rotondo, president, of Digital Vision CCTV, LLC. "Owners, Managers & security staff members like the ability to go back and review incidents so they have verification of what happened."


"Hotels and motels have shown a significant up tick in interest in purchasing this type technology," said Mr. Rotondo. "Not just creating a history of what the camera is viewing, but they are looking for the ability to have technology notify them of something of interest–an exception or intrusion."

"We have experienced a significant increase in demand for video surveillance, access control and security training from the hotel market over the past few years," "This is a trend we believe will continue."

The hotel industry is a price-driven business, so cost-effective video systems with remote access capabilities & networking will impact the industry because it allows the use of shared equipment to provide high-level service with economies of scale.

Recording rate, wiring, storage determine costs. Frame rate and storage costs are keys to determining the cost of a closed-circuit television system. "Storage and wiring costs can be expensive to add new camera locations said Rotondo, "It makes sense to leverage existing system components where possible like cabling if you have it installed for camera locations that are already in place. Digital Vision has had a great deal of success in “retro-fitting” or building on older system foundations with new equipment and digital platforms saving client’s added expense of all new cabling.

Swapping an old black & white analog camera with a new digital color can be easily accomplished. Certainly all of the cable is tested to ensure quality and replaced if necessary. This way the client only bears the labor cost of the new camera locations. When upgrading a 16 camera system having to run perhaps only 5-8 new locations can be a tremendous savings!


Most hotels require a storage capacity of up to 30 days. Having an adequate hard drive of anywhere between 250GB to 500GB can accomplish this. There are also ways hoteliers can reduce storage costs by recording in a “motion-activated” set-up or at slower frame rates. Digital systems also have the ability to “mask” or block-out viewing areas to cut down on motion which really comes into play when viewing exterior areas. Trees or bushes blowing or traffic on a distance street can all cause the cameras to record on a continuous basis thus eating up storage space. "We say record at one or two frames per second until pertinent motion detection occurs and the system automatically takes it up to 30 frames per second," he said. "It also can notify somebody to look at this."

Protecting Your Assets with Enhanced Security...

Since its founding in 2005, Digital Vision CCTV has always been a “niche” company with a no-nonsense, solutions-based approach. Whether it was a hotel, hi-rise condominium, residential subdivision, retail store, office building or restaurant; we have been able to professionally install the right electronic security equipment package to meet the client’s needs at a reasonable cost. Coupled with superior service & follow-up “post-sale” Digital Vision exceeds industry standards.

As individuals and businesses struggle in these trying economic times, the need for up to date security measures has never been more important. No matter the type of business or size the challenges and costs associated with theft & vandalism can have significant impact on budgets and individual pocketbooks!
What we have done to combat these issues is to offer a “3 Phased” approach to security. CCTV, ACCESS CONTROL & ALARM SYSTEMS WITH 24/7 MONITORING.

CCTV: We start with the installation of a digital video surveillance system (DVR) with remote viewing capabilities via the internet with a standard 500GB hard drive for video storage of approximately 30 days. (Actual storage may vary depending on conditions and activity). We add weatherproof/ vandal-proof infrared “night-vision” cameras, typically 4-8; strategically placed throughout the area so as to capture entry & exit points, low-light areas, parking and areas susceptible to vandalism.

Although CCTV does not completely prevent crime it does act as a deterrent to criminal activity but more over, provides a management tool used to identify vandals and provide potential recourse for restitution or prosecution.

Access Control: The 2nd phase in combating criminal activity is to limit the entry & exit points to any area. This is accomplished through the installation of an Access Control system consisting of a state of the art door controller panel for 2, 4 or 8 doors which can be expanded as needed for additional entry points. The software associated with these systems allows end-users to obtain reports of entry activity, limit access by establishing beginning & ending times and set up user groups based on authority levels.

When coupled with mag-locks & proximity readers at doors, fitness centers & gates owners & managers have greater control over their facilities limiting unwanted & unauthorized entry and use. They can also be used to enhance and control budgets by blocking access for delinquent or expired members.

The last critical piece is Alarm Systems and Monitoring: Adding alarm systems to residential homes and commercial businesses are a key element to ensuring security and protection of family and assets. With the installation of alarm hardware: keypads, motion sensors, door & window contacts and glass-break sensors, end-users can take control of their security knowing all the time that they are being protected by 24/7 monitoring services provided by a UL listed monitoring center with “live” professionals at the ready to dispatch authorities as needed.

If you already have an existing system, and are paying more than $19.95 for monitoring, our technicians in most cases can reprogram your unit to receive and send signals to our monitoring center and save you money.

If you need a new system installation, we can provide a system to meet your needs based on the size of your home or business with minimal upfront costs and a low monthly fee of $24.95 for 24/7 monitoring.

Improving the Casual & QSR Dining Experience…

Complete Security & CCTV
Solutions

Digital Vision CCTV, LLC provides digitally based surveillance systems, which can be installed in full-service restaurants, casual dining and fast food establishments. We provide the tools necessary for restaurant management to monitor potential threats, control losses and deter the occurrences of crime & fraudulent acts.

Digital Vision CCTV is a leader in implementing these type systems and through our partnerships with leading equipment manufacturers has had great success in providing security solutions that work for the restaurant & hospitality markets…


Take Control of your Bottom-Line
Digital Vision CCTV, LLC helps in setting up video security management programs that will keep your dollars in your pocket. We do this very simply. We provide you the equipment, the enhanced capabilities of Digital Video and the knowledge necessary to manage your business.

All of these components help protect the assets of your business, employees, patrons and guests while controlling loss 24 hours per day.

We will assess your areas of vulnerability & can offer experience with camera placements to cover:

 Serving Counter  Back Area/ Dumpsters
 Main Dining Area  Office/ Safe Area
 Cash Registers  Drive-Thru
 Entry & Exit points  Store Rooms

We can help you effectively monitor:

 Product Loss  Employee Productivity
 Cash Loss  Customer Service
 Staffing Levels  Customer Traffic Flow
 Insurance Fraud

QSR Restaurant & Casual Dining
Digital Video Surveillance Solutions Highlights:

 Fully Digital PC & Embedded Systems

 Easy to Install & Operate

 Tape less – No more changing of VCR tapes!

 Motion Detection- Full or Partial area settings

 Remote Access capabilities allow Management to monitor when not on site

 Video Alarming of critical areas

 Optional “Panic-Button” Alarm Monitoring for early morning or late night staff members

 Full line of Interior, Exterior & Covert cameras

 Network capable for storage

 30- Day average storage capabilities

 Easy playback & review of captured video

 H.264 Compression with automatic “watermark” stamping of stored video

 Improves Loss Prevention & Employee Productivity

 Excellent management tool for monitoring of multiple locations


These are just a few features your guests & staffs will benefit from…

High-rise security risks vary building by building...

Ask any property manager of a hi-rise building an they'll tell you that their building is unlike any other. From the mixture and diversity of their tenants to problems associated with aging structures to the stresses of market conditions, they are all unique.

But one common thread linking them are the issues and concerns facing them all regarding the security of their facilities! Yes buildings vary based on size and market and even their "profile-status" within certain cities which can increase threats, but the bottom-line is that property managers need to ensure the safety & security of all tenants, vistors & guests.

As a step in the right direction, their existing systems and policies are being evaluated & fine tuned with many buildings looking to technology for answers. But for most office buildings, even most high-rises, the right approach of how to accomplish this is far less clear.

Many ask; Can a major overhaul of the security system be justified? Most building owners and facility executives have concluded that the answer is "no" given the current economic conditions and downturns in operating revenues. But even in those cases, however, there are a number of things that can be done to prevent or minimize threats or actual harm to people and property. At the top of the list is making sure that their current security system is operating at its full potential. In most cases, some minor enhancements or additions on top of the existing infrastructure which leverages the building's initial investment in security is all that is needed.

"Most facility executives think security protection is something you design and implement and then you can forget about," says Richard Rotondo of Digital Vision CCTV, LLC. "The truth is, security systems are dynamic. They have to be maintained and adjusted as conditions change." He also added "That with constant advances in technology upgrading antiquated CCTV systems is easier, less costly and can dramatically improve the building managements abilities to proactively meet security needs".

The most pervasive changes in the industry involve security procedures and access control. For instance, some owners now enforce a long-ignored requirement that visitors go to a central location or guard desk for passes or badges before entering.

CONTROLLING BUILDING ACCESS
Not surprisingly, procedures and security systems for loading docks, mailrooms and alternative entranceways into high-rise buildings have become a major focus. For example, many experts say the trend is to limit or eliminate internal delivery of packages unless vendors are screened or internally cleared. Otherwise, uniformed personnel or tenants themselves deliver the packages.

Other changes have to do with technology. Although security personnel should attempt to stop everyone coming into a building the reality is it's impossible. One solution that has drawn a good deal of interest & reporting greater use from Owners and security professionals are integrated card access systems,especially proximity cards.

Tenant interest in security has led many building operators to install such systems that control entry into the building, elevators, package-control centers and anywhere else access is needed. They have also looked for ways to limit entry and exit points at their facilities in an attempt to "funnel" pedestrian traffic to areas where they can be more easily observed by CCTV cameras or security personnel. A tenant who forgets his or her badge has to go to the visitor station to get into the building.

CCTV systems are another focus of attention. Measures range from inexpensive tweaks -making sure CCTV cameras are provided with sufficient light or are properly positioned - to the replacement of traditional cameras with "night-vision" infrared models - to the installation of additional cameras in public areas, such as garden and reception spaces.

Digital Vision can supply a “no-cost” site survey assessment of your building or complex to see if CCTV or access control can improve your bottom-line. Visit www.digitalvisioncctv.net for more information or to set up an on-site visit.

Johns Creek Security Firm a Timely Answer!

Digital Vision CCTV helps with safety and bottom-line.

JOHNS CREEK- Since 2005 Digital Vision CCTV, LLC has worked closely with businesses in all markets as well as neighborhood HOA groups in providing digital video surveillance (CCTV) and access control systems. One of their key successes has been the company’s ability to work directly with clients in supplying solutions that not only meet their needs but also meet their budgets.

Company founder and President Richard Rotondo recently stated that raising people’s awareness about their surroundings and security issues along with knowledge of available solution options is an important piece to proactively stay ahead of crimes. Helping people to keep their money in their pockets through improved security measures is our prime goal.

Living in as nice a place as Johns Creek, we sometimes forget the dangers still out there and can get a bit lax in our views of criminal activity. It’s sometimes difficult to comprehend he states, “but in order to prevent some crimes; you have to think like a criminal! What I mean is that criminal’s look for opportunities to commit their evil deeds, an open garage or unlocked car with purses or electronic equipment in full view, poorly lit areas, etc. If we take away some of these opportunities then perhaps we can curtail some of the criminal activity.”

Let’s face it; if someone wants to commit a crime or act of vandalism which is a main source of expense for many HOA’s, they’re going to do it no matter what. Cameras or access control systems don’t prevent crimes, but in some cases they do deter it. The biggest thing they do is give the business owner or HOA group management ability to review activities, identify perpetrators and have the option of recourse and restitution. This is where these systems pay for themselves! You can even review live or recorded video remotely via a secured internet connection when you are not there.

Mr. Rotondo went on to say, “As a fellow Johns Creek resident, I know first hand the growth and traffic issues we have experienced in our area along with the increases in crime and vandalism throughout our neighborhoods. It is unfortunate but most of the “pranks” occurring at our swim & tennis complexes are perpetrated by individuals living in or associated with individuals in the community. All of which add up to costing homeowners a lot of un-necessary dollars for repairs and replacements.”

If a solution were available, how much would it be worth to businesses and neighborhood HOA’s to have the tools in place to combat these issues by being able to identify people committing acts of vandalism or in some cases deter this activity all together?

Digital Vision can supply a “no-cost” site survey of your business or community to see if CCTV or access control can improve your bottom-line. Visit www.digitalvisioncctv.net for more information or to set up an on-site visit.