CCTVOutlet Blog

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
CCTV Hard Drive Full? Hidden Factors Eating Your Storage Space AND 5 Ways To Maximise Your Storage Usage

CCTV Hard Drive Full? Hidden Factors Eating Your Storage Space...


What happens when your storage vanishes faster than expected? You're not alone. Many homeowners and businesses struggle with rapidly filling CCTV hard drives, often unaware of the hidden factors at play. This article will unveil the hidden factors eating your CCTV hard drive space, and what you should be doing to reach your desired amount of footage.  

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DVR
No More Confusion. What You Can, Can’t And Must Do With CCTV In 202

No More Confusion. What You Can, Can’t And Must Do...


The use of CCTV raises important questions about privacy. Questions like what rights do I have if I'm recorded without permission? And, Can someone else's camera record my property? It's important to understand that even homeowners using CCTV need to be aware of their responsibilities. We'll explore where you can and can't point your cameras, who you can record, your rights, and best practices for responsible CCTV operation.  This guide will help you navigate the essential considerations. 

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Shocking Truths About Long Term CCTV Ownership Costs in 2026

Shocking Truths About Long Term CCTV Ownership Costs in 2026


Protecting your home and loved ones will always be a priority but so is managing your budget. Many homeowners opt for modern DIY wireless CCTV systems, drawn in by the promise of low initial costs. However, the long-term expenses associated with these systems often remain hidden, lurking beneath the surface. Are you truly saving money in the long run, or are you falling into a subscription trap?

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Buying Guide
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