CCTVOutlet Blog

The Sound of Security: CCTV Audio Explained

The Sound of Security: CCTV Audio Explained


This blog post will dive into the dynamics of CCTV audio to help you understand why you might not be hearing anything and what factors are at play. We'll explore common reasons for audio issues, such as incorrect settings or incompatible protocols, discuss the realistic pickup range of microphone and the ideal camera placement for capturing audio. By the end of this guide, you'll have a much clearer picture of how audio works in your security system and how to ensure you're capturing the sound you need. 

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Analogue
Discover Reolink: Tailoring Your Perfect Security System

Discover Reolink: Tailoring Your Perfect Security System


Reolink stands out with its diverse selection of cameras – from smart Wi-Fi models to traditional Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems – offering solutions for every need. But navigating the options and understanding how to build a cohesive system with this many options can seem daunting. That's why we’ve created this guide. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to design and implement your own tailored Reolink CCTV system, ensuring you achieve the security coverage you require. We'll walk you through everything from understanding compatibility to setting up complex mixed camera systems and utilising the latest features, like their doorbell integration and Home Hub technology.

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Buying Guide
Seconds That Matter: When Real-Time Viewing Isn’t Real-Time

Seconds That Matter: When Real-Time Viewing Isn’t Real-Time


Did you know that some CCTV systems can exhibit a live view delay of up to three seconds?When we talk about live view delay, or latency, we're referring to the time difference between an action taking place in front of a camera and the moment you see that same action on a monitor. With potential breaches, accidents, and criminal activity occurring in the blink of an eye, those three seconds can be the difference between effective intervention and a missed opportunity. This article will dissect the causes of this often-overlooked issue, explore which systems offer the lowest latency, examine real-world applications where minimal delay is paramount, and provide practical strategies to reduce lag in your CCTV setup. 

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Analogue
blue background with a white light at the top, the words "a hard dive into hard drives" in the top left coner, the bottom half of the screen has an HDD, SSD and a surveillance rated hard drive on it.

A Hard Dive into Hard Drives: The Essential Guide to...


Using the wrong type of hard drive can severely compromise your system's performance and reliability, leaving you with unusable footage when you need it most. This article will provide you with the essential knowledge to make informed decisions about hard drive selection for your CCTV system. We will cover the different types of hard drives available, explain why surveillance-rated drives are a must for continuous recording, and detail the potential consequences of using standard desktop drives.

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Analogue
A featured image containing the title of the article, a painstaking number OF CCTV camera features and woman holding her temples to signify the pain of trying to navigate so many features

Deciphering CCTV Camera Features: Find Out What Matters To You


Choosing the right CCTV cameras for your home or business can feel overwhelming. The sheer volume of options available, coupled with a confusing array of features, specifications, and manufacturer-specific terminology, can quickly turn the decision-making process into a minefield. It's easy to get lost in a sea of technical language, struggling to understand the true impact of each feature and how it translates into real-world security benefits. This blog post aims to simplify the process by explaining key CCTV camera features, such as smart search, colour night vision, and active deterrence. We'll also explore how leading manufacturers like Hikvision and Dahua use different terminology for the same function, providing you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and choose the best features for your specific needs.

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Active Deterrence
Best Selling CCTV Cameras of 2024 – Top 5 Cameras reviewed

Best Selling CCTV Cameras of 2024 – Top 5 Cameras...


There are officially less than 100 days left until we welcome 2025, so we thought it’s time we share our top 5 best-selling cameras of the year so far. This year the collection of products on the CCTV Outlet has grown with choices to let our visitors pick what suits their needs most, whether they are looking at security for their homes or for other properties. With a wide variety of options on all the brands featured on CCTV Outlet, what is our customers' top choice brand in analogue and IP cameras. 

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