When it comes to CCTV you get what you pay for

With the CCTV footage of the horrific Santiago de Compostela train crash fresh in our minds, this blog post turns to the importance of investing in adequate quality video surveillance equipment.  The video captured was clear enough for the investigators to initially conclude the train’s speed was to blame for it’s derailment, thanks the surveillance systems quality.

With high-definition television now so readily available it is easy to assume that this is the standard you’ll get from an installed CCTV system, but unfortunately this is not the case. Today, more than ever, there are so many options for choosing surveillance cameras, and getting the pictures you need isn’t as simple as going into a store and choosing high-def resolution!

But then again you don’t want to have to understand camera selection to make your choice of installer. Unless you are an expert in the complexities of closed circuit television (and understand terms like TVL, CCD, DSP, H.264) you just want to be able to trust the company that you choose will specify the right camera, and just as importantly, the best lens for the job!

Technical Director, Andy Jenkins says, “We regularly compete against companies that offer inferior video surveillance systems.  We know that they won’t provide the picture quality needed; to either confirm a crime is in progress, positively ID an assailant, or ultimately, to stand up in court, but the customer doesn’t always appreciate this.

“It’s hard to compare CCTV equipment unless you’ve a thorough understanding of how all of the different factors impact upon one another.  We invest a considerable amount of time testing products as well as training our designers and engineers.”

With over 40 years expertise in electronic security, CIA are famous for innovation and reliability, and we continually reinvest in training to ensure our staff advance our hard-earned reputation.

But experience is also very important when it comes to design. Colin Whittaker, one of our CCTV System Designers, uses all of his 30 years’ experience to ensure our design meets exactly what the customer requires. He says, “Customers come to CIA because they’re a known, reputable company that’ve been in the industry for quite a number of years. It’s a large company, but it still maintains that small, family-run, customer-orientated feel.”

He adds “We only use the highest quality and most reliable products. We’re experienced, knowledgeable and give good value for money. Unfortunately, when it comes to video surveillance you get what you pay for.  Often it is worth the extra expense to ensure the equipment is reliable and will fulfil your needs.”

The CIA’s company ethos has always and will always stay the same:

• High-quality products
• Up-to-the-minute technology and innovation
• A trusted and professional service