What do I need for a complete CCTV system ?

For a complete CCTV system you need to first of all decide how many cameras you want. Then purchase a DVR recorder appropriate to the number of cameras. It doesn't matter if the DVR recorder can handle more cameras than you are buying, but it can't handle any less. For instance if you decide you need 6 cameras in your system then you would buy one of our 9 camera DVR recorders and have a couple of slots free on the DVR. You couldn't buy a 4 camera DVR. Don't forget that you will need a hard drive to go in the DVR. The larger the hard drive, the longer you will be able to store footage for. Always buy a CCTV hard drive as normal hard drives may not be up to the task.

You then need to buy your cameras.

The DVR recorders are supplied with their own power supply but you will need a power supply for each camera you have bought. We supply these as a single camera power supply. A 4 camera power supply, a 9 camera power supply or an 18 camera power supply.

Next you need a cable to link each of the CCTV cameras to the DVR recorder. As well as transfering the video signal from the camera to the DVR this cable also provides power from the power supply to the camera (you locate the camera power supply close to the DVR recorder). You have a number of options when it comes to cables, you can use our pre-made leads which simply plug and play or an increasingly popular option is to use Cat5 cable together with our video baluns and screw in DC plugs and sockets. This method lets you make up your own cables to length using nothing more than a small screwdriver.

Lastly you need a lead to connect your DVR recorder to your monitor. We either make these to length for you or you can use the Cat5 cable with a pair of video baluns. Remember also to order the correct adaptor for either a phono or SCART input if you are using a normal TV.

The only other things you might wish to consider are an ethernet cable to connect your DVR recorder to your internet router so you can view footage over your local network or the internet, a set up monitor if you are using vari-focal cameras to help with zoom and focus set up and possibly some of our spider repellent spray to help prevent cobwebs.