Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions about CCTV

Yes, although we primarily install on farms, agricultural sites, commercial workshops and offices we also carry out domestic work from time to time.

Not on our standard systems as these come with the option of either a DVR, NVR or built in storage via a MicroSD card.

We do offer cloud storage as an additional subscription should you wish to have a backup copy of your footage stored in the cloud.

 

Don’t worry, whilst we aim to cover as much of your property as possible we want to avoid your cameras overlooking into your neighbours garden. 

All of our systems come with privacy masks which at the time of installation we will set to ensure that only your property is visible. We can also mask areas of your own property for example an outdoor gym or hot tub if required.

Rather than us trying to explain the rules, there is a helpful article on the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) website that we recommend reading.

Hikvision Certification is issued on an individual installer only basis and not a company basis however all of our installers are HCSA certified.

If you would like to see a copy of our certificates please contact us.

Yes, infact we will only quote on a job once we have made a site visit and discussed the available options and checked both the customer and installation requirements.

Of course not, We can supply both 4G NVR’s or standalone systems connected to a 4G router. We’ll conduct a site survey first to check coverage in your area and suggest a suitable network.

 

Yes, of course. Please contact us for more information.

If you have one of our Pyronix alarm systems installed then it will integrate perfectly with our Hikvision CCTV kits. This will allow you to have the alarm send you video clips of the nearest camera to the activated sensor or a designated camera of your choice showing you exactly what set the alarm off.

In most cases yes, Obviously we would take a look at your existing system and explain which options are available in terms of upgrades or in some cases we would simply recommend a new system as it could be most cost effective.

Yes – All of our cameras, DVR’s & NVR’s come with 3 years warranty unless stated otherwise. All of our other equipment comes with 12 months as standard.

Put simply a DVR is for an analogue HD system and an NVR is for a more modern IP based system. There are occasions where we will specify a DVR for a hybrid systems with both analogue and IP cameras.

Depending on what your trying to achieve they may well be. Full HD or 1080P systems are only 2MP, We fit a minimum of 4MP as standard. This means you get twice the image resolution and therefore much clearer images. 

Most budget systems are IR or Infrared based meaning at night they only offer black and white images. We offer a range of Darkfighter and ColorVu cameras which produce clear, crisp full colour images day and night.

While these systems are marginally more expensive to install they offer greater protection should the worse happen and you need to use the footage as evidence.

Questions about alarms

Both, Depending on your property type, needs and usage type we can offer either wired, wireless or a hybrid system that offers the best of both worlds.

Yes, but only if you wish to arm and disarm or receive notifications from the system via your mobile phone. 

You should receive an email or text message around 30 days prior to your subscription ending. 

If you do not receive any communication please call the office and we will be happy to get it renewed for you.

Ensure notifications for ProControl+ or HomeControl are enabled, the smart phone is not in silent mode and any variations of ‘do not disturb’ are disabled. 

Android phones must have ProControl+ / or HomeControl running in the background and power saving modes must be checked to confirm that these will not prevent push notifications.

Under normal circumstances batteries should last up to two years. The system will notify in the case of a low battery.

Please note that excessive use or poor signal strength may adversely affect battery life.

An external sounder must switch off after ringing for a maximum of 15 minutes to comply with UK noise pollution laws. On some systems it may not be a requirement to fit an external sounder, however check with your insurance company first.

Pets are likely to activate standard movement detectors, however, pet tolerant detectors can be fitted that will ignore animals below approximately 24kg in weight. Please note, siting and configuration of pet tolerant devices is critical to obtain the best results.

In the event of power failure, the internal battery located within the end station will take over until power is restored. The battery should last for around 12 hours (depending on the grade of system) and will recharge when mains power is restored.

Passive Infrared (PIR) detectors can be affected by any source of heat, such as: convection currents from radiators or open fires. Swaying curtains or decorations can also cause problems; therefore ensure that all windows and doors in the area are closed and that there are no draughts to minimise the risk of false alarms.

Questions about networking

In simple terms a mesh network comprises of three or more points that provide network connections on multiple areas of a site for example a farm or caravan park.
A point to point connection is between two points such as a house with an existing broadband connection and a shed that requires internet connectivity.

Of course! We will happily provide our recommendations on the best solutions for your needs after a brief site survey. This will allow us to determine the best network, antenna position and how many access points it will take to cover your home or business.

This is among one of the most common complaints we get from out customers. There are several solutions available depending on the layout of your home including mesh networks and simple boosters.

Most modern homes are very well insulated with some internal walls being filled with foil lined insulation, While this is great for noise and heat it’s not so good for wireless networks.

After a short survey we can offer solutions including wireless boosters, additional access points mounted in the ceiling, on a wall or even hidden away in a cupboard as well as hardwired ethernet ports for devices such as PCs, game consoles or even smart TVs.

Questions for existing customers

In short, yes. However depending on how it’s connected we may have to reconnect the device to your new WiFi network. This is a simple fix and usually only takes a few minutes. Your CCTV / Alarm will still function as normal minus any remote features until it has been reconnected.

If your new phone or tablet is asking for verification code simply give us a call and we can supply you with the code, This code will allow your device to decrypt the video stream and allow you to view all of your camera feeds.

Of course, Depending on how recently we installed your system and which mobile app you’re currently using we may be able to resolve this remotely for you, if not a site visit is quick and pain free.

Notifications can be increased or decreased due to external factors like street lighting, changes to garden layouts or even something as simple as a dirty camera.

We tend to recommend sticking to the app that the manufacturer supplies. 

For alarm systems this is HomeControl+ or ProControl+. At this time HomeControl+ won’t allow cameras on their app.

For our CCTV systems we recommend Hik-Connect.

If you have an iPhone or iOS device this is available from the app store, for Android based phones head over to the Hikvision download page and download the Hik-Connect app for end user. 

General Questions

Of course, There’s lots of photos  on our Instagram.

Of course, We carry Public Liability Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance and Public Indemnity Insurance as standard.

We cover Ayrshire and surrounding areas. We do travel further afield if required though.

We have several clients in Darvel, Strathaven, Newmilns and further afield so travel is not an issue.

Whilst we generally prefer payment via bank transfer upon receipt of an invoice we also accept cash as well as debit and credit cards with prior notice.