Will the CCTV system wake me with notifications at night? How are alerts set up?
No, it won't. We set up notifications exactly according to your household routine: only when you're not home, only at night, only in selected zones (e.g., driveway), or only when detecting a person/vehicle. Recording can run continuously, but you only receive notifications when it makes sense.
Is camera control complicated? Can someone who's 'not tech-savvy' handle it?
Yes, they can. You see live view in the mobile app, playback is just a few clicks away, and event searching is simple (timeline/events). During handover, we set everything up, explain it, and make sure you're comfortable navigating the system.
How many cameras do I need for a typical family home and where are they placed?
Most commonly 3–6 cameras: driveway and gate, main entrance, garden/patio, back entrance, garage or parking area. We don't design 'by number of cameras' but by risk points – the goal is to cover access points and have usable footage for identification.
Do IP cameras see at night? Will I recognize a face or license plate?
Yes – modern cameras have quality night modes (IR and color night vision depending on type). Key factors are proper placement, focal length, and mounting height: if the camera is poorly positioned, you won't see anything even in 4K. We design positions so the footage isn't just a 'silhouette' but actually usable image.
How long is footage stored? Can I find an event from a week ago?
Standard recording retention is set to 7–30 days (depending on camera count, resolution, and disk capacity). If you need longer history (e.g., for a cottage), we'll design appropriate storage. We always match capacity with what you expect from the system.
Do I need internet? Does the CCTV system work without internet?
Recording to NVR can work even without internet. Internet is mainly needed for remote mobile access and notifications. If internet goes down, the system continues recording – and when connection is restored, remote access resumes.
Wired (PoE) vs Wi-Fi cameras: which is better for a house?
For family homes, we most often recommend wired IP cameras with PoE – they're stable, interference-resistant, and don't need an outlet near the camera. Wi-Fi can make sense where cable really isn't possible, but with security, reliability is the priority.
Will installation require drilling into walls? How 'invasive' is it?
Usually not. Cables are typically run in conduits, cable channels, under ceilings, in the attic, technical rooms, or using existing routes. During site survey, we'll propose the cleanest routing option and agree on what's aesthetically acceptable for you.
Is it legal if the camera captures the street or neighbor's property? What about GDPR?
We primarily aim cameras at your property. If public space or a neighbor's property enters the frame, we address this with proper angling and features like 'privacy masks' (covering part of the image). We also advise on practical steps (area signage, reasonable recording retention) to ensure everything makes sense and is defensible.
Can the CCTV system be expanded later? Add another camera or larger storage?
Yes. We design systems to be expandable – add a camera, upgrade to a larger disk, add another zone. Expansion usually means minimal intervention to the existing installation if planned for from the start.
How do you prevent cameras from being hacked? Is remote access secure?
We take security seriously: we set strong passwords, proper user permissions, updates, recommended network settings, and secure remote access methods. The result is a system that's convenient to use but doesn't underestimate internet risks.
How much does CCTV installation cost? What most affects the price?
The price mainly depends on camera count, image quality requirements (identification vs overview), complexity of cable routes, recording type/disk capacity, and any extras (microphone, person/vehicle detection, scene lighting). After a brief consultation, we prepare a clear proposal and itemized quote – no 'surprises' on site.