Frequently Asked Questions

False alerts can be caused by rain, insects, shadows, trees, headlights, reflections, or poor detection settings. Smart detection features such as human and vehicle detection can reduce false alerts, but the system still needs to be configured properly.

Remote viewing can be safe when set up correctly. The system should use strong passwords, updated firmware, secure app settings, and limited account access. Avoid using weak passwords or sharing the main admin login with multiple people.

In most business settings, yes. If CCTV is recording staff, customers, visitors, or public areas, clear signage is usually expected. The sign should make people aware that CCTV is in operation and who is responsible for it.

Yes, they can complain if your camera records areas beyond your property, such as their garden, windows, driveway, or a shared space. CCTV should be positioned carefully to protect your property without unnecessarily invading other people’s privacy.

Usually not properly. At night, infrared light or built-in camera lights can reflect back from the glass and ruin the image. If you want to monitor outside, it is normally better to install the camera outside rather than pointing it through a window.

Cable quality affects signal stability, image quality, power delivery, and long-term reliability. A good camera and recorder can still perform badly if the cable is poor. For IP CCTV, full copper Cat5e or Cat6 cable is usually preferred over cheap copper-clad aluminium cable.

In many cases, yes. If your existing coax cables are in good condition, you may be able to upgrade the cameras and recorder without replacing every cable. However, if the cables are damaged, badly joined, or low quality, replacing them may give a better long-term result.

Sometimes, yes. Many IP cameras and recorders support ONVIF, which can allow different brands to work together. However, smart features such as AcuSense, ColorVu alerts, two-way audio, and advanced motion detection may not fully work unless the camera and recorder are compatible.

Most CCTV recorders are set to overwrite automatically. This means the oldest recordings are deleted first and replaced with new footage. If you need to keep important footage, you should download or back it up before it gets overwritten.

It depends on how many cameras you have, the camera resolution, frame rate, recording mode, compression, and how many days of recording you want. A larger hard drive gives longer recording time, but smart recording settings can also help save storage.

Yes, but only if the camera supports two-way audio and the system is configured correctly. You will also need the correct app setup and a working internet connection for remote use.

Some cameras have a built-in microphone, and some support two-way audio. Audio recording may need to be enabled in the settings and must be used responsibly. For businesses, audio recording can be more sensitive than video recording, so it should only be used where necessary and appropriate.

Standard delivery within the UK takes 3 to 5 business days. Best of all, standard delivery is free on all orders over £50! 

Not always. 8MP sounds better because it has a higher megapixel number, and in the right setup it can give a sharp and clear picture. But the megapixel number alone does not decide the final image quality.

For example, a good 4MP IP camera can sometimes give a better image than an 8MP analogue camera, depending on the camera quality, recorder, cable, lighting, compression, and how the system has been installed.

The recording box is very important too. If the DVR or NVR does not support the camera properly, or if the cable quality is poor, the image may not look as good as expected. Lighting also makes a big difference, especially at night.

So, 8MP does not always mean the best picture. In many situations, a well-installed 4MP or 5MP IP camera, or even a good quality analogue camera, can give excellent results. The best CCTV system is about choosing the right camera, recorder, cable, and setup for the location.

Night performance depends on the camera sensor, lens, lighting, infrared strength, installation angle, and surrounding surfaces. A high-resolution camera does not always mean better night vision. For night-time security, the right camera type and correct placement matter as much as the megapixel number.

Not always. Most professional CCTV systems are wired using network cable or coax cable. Wi-Fi is usually only needed for your phone app and remote viewing. Wired CCTV is normally more stable than Wi-Fi cameras, especially for 24/7 recording.

Yes. A proper CCTV system records to the DVR or NVR, not to the internet. If your internet goes down, the cameras should still record locally as long as the recorder and cameras have power. However, remote viewing on your phone may stop until the internet connection comes back.

Yes, many CCTV systems can be expanded later, depending on the recorder channel capacity. For example, if you buy a 2 camera kit with an 8 channel NVR, you may be able to add more compatible cameras in the future.

Some CCTV kits include cable and hard drive options as variations. You can select the hard drive size and cable length that suits your property. Please check the product options before placing your order.

AcuSense is Hikvision’s smart detection technology that helps identify human and vehicle movement more accurately. This can reduce false alerts caused by rain, leaves, insects, or other background movement.

ColorVu cameras are designed to provide full-colour images in low-light conditions. Unlike standard infrared cameras that usually show black-and-white images at night, ColorVu cameras can help capture more useful colour details when there is enough light available.

 Yes, we offer Express Next-Day Delivery for £12.99. Orders must be placed before 2:00 PM Monday through Thursday to qualify for next-day dispatch. Express orders placed on Friday will be delivered on Monday. 

Yes, CCTV systems can be set to record continuously, on motion detection, or on smart events such as human and vehicle detection. The best recording mode depends on your storage size and security needs.

It depends on distance, angle, speed, lighting, and camera settings. A normal CCTV camera may see a vehicle but not always capture the number plate clearly, especially at night. For reliable number plate capture, you may need a dedicated ANPR camera or a camera set up specifically for that purpose.