When it comes to effective security, the goal is to prevent intrusions before they happen. Below are the methods we’ve found most successful in deterring unauthorised entry:

1. A Large, Protective Dog

Why It Works

• The intimidation factor of a big dog (e.g., a Rottweiler) is unmatched; its bark alone can scare off many would-be intruders.

Drawback

• Most dogs love food—a quick flick of a steak over the fence can sometimes neutralise even the most vigilant canine. Furthermore, you can’t monitor a dog remotely, so you won’t know if it’s barking when you’re away. This is where electronic security can fill the gap.

2. External Perimeter Detection Systems

Why It Works

• Perimeter detection systems spot potential threats before they reach your home. When sensors are placed at the property boundary, they trigger loud sirens or lights, creating an immediate deterrent.

Pro Tip

• Position these systems near the boundary for maximum effectiveness.

3. Loud Sirens and Visual Alerts

Why It Works

• Audible and visual alarms (e.g., sirens, flashing lights) can be highly effective. The sudden noise and attention draw immediate visibility, prompting intruders to flee.

4. Cameras with Deterrent Capability

Why Cameras Offer Limited Deterrence

• Cameras excel at remote monitoring and can provide evidence after an incident occurs. However, active deterrence features (like flashing lights or automated warnings) can be underwhelming.

Power Limitations

• To keep consumer costs low, many cameras conform to PoE Class standards 0-3 (up to 13W). Under normal operation, they draw 8–10W, leaving only 2–3W for deterrent features. This drastically limits the effectiveness of built-in lights or sirens, which are typically only useful in very dark and quiet environments.

Recommendation

• If deterrence is your main priority, consider investing more in perimeter detection and loud sirens, reallocating funds from cameras if cost is a concern.

Our Recommendation

To create the most proactive and effective deterrent, prioritise perimeter detection with loud sirens over a camera-heavy approach. By stopping threats before they can even reach your property, you’ll enjoy a significantly higher level of security and peace of mind.

The NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) is a series of U.S. federal laws that, among other things, restricts the use of certain Chinese-manufactured telecommunications and video surveillance equipment. Section 889 of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232) specifically prohibits federal agencies and their contractors in the United States from using or procuring equipment made by certain manufacturers (notably Hikvision, Dahua, Huawei, ZTE, and Hytera).

Relevance to Australian Consumers

1. Australian Government & Defense Decommissioning

   • As of 2023, the Australian Government and Defense departments have begun removing or replacing non-NDAA-compliant camera systems to address potential cybersecurity and national security risks.

   • Source: ABC News: Chinese-made security cameras to be removed from Australian government buildings

2. Enterprise Concerns

   • If you’re a large enterprise or part of a supply chain dealing with the U.S., using non-NDAA-compliant cameras may pose a risk to your business relationships or regulatory standing. Aligning with the NDAA can be crucial for safeguarding partnerships and contracts.

3. Cybersecurity & Privacy

   • NDAA-compliant products are vetted to reduce exposure to potential data leaks, unauthorised remote access, and other cybersecurity threats.

   • Implementing these solutions also demonstrates due diligence in maintaining best-in-class security practices.

Additional Resources

• U.S. Government Publishing Office:
  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232)
  Refer to Section 889 for specifics on prohibited telecommunications and video surveillance equipment.

• Cyber.gov.au
  Although not directly referencing NDAA, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) provides guidance on secure procurement and practices relevant to maintaining a robust security posture: Cyber.gov.au

At ProCCTV, we only endorse and provide NDAA-compliant products. We believe this approach upholds the strictest security and privacy standards for our clients, helping ensure that our installations meet international best practices—especially important for clients with sensitive operations or U.S. business dealings.

Real-Time Notifications
Yes, all our CCTV camera and alarm systems are equipped to send real-time notifications to users through a dedicated app. When specific events are detected—such as intrusions, line crossing, or the presence of a person, pet, or vehicle—the system immediately alerts designated users. This feature ensures you’re promptly informed of any unusual activity and can take swift action if necessary. Higher-end cameras can even detect advanced triggers like license plates or unusual behavior.

Camera Analytics and Reliability
While many cameras include analytics for detecting motion or other activities, the analytics in lower-cost models are generally less reliable. They’re not recommended for critical applications, such as triggering automated actions (e.g., active deterrents or access control). If your system needs these advanced capabilities, we strongly recommend investing in dedicated sensors or commercial-grade equipment like Hanwha. Hanwha cameras offer significantly higher accuracy and reliability, and they are our minimum standard for commercial applications or any scenario requiring advanced analytics.

By staying connected and choosing the right technology, your security system will deliver robust and dependable protection—perfectly tailored to your needs.

The number of CCTV cameras your home or business requires depends on various factors, including the size of your property, its layout, compliance requirements and your specific security needs.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, it’s important to place cameras strategically to monitor key entry points, vulnerable areas, and potential blind spots. Our team can assess your property and provide tailored recommendations to create a security solution perfectly aligned with your requirements.

Choosing the right locations for your security cameras is essential to ensure comprehensive coverage and maximum protection for your property. Here are some key considerations to help you determine the best placements:

1. Cover Key Entry Points

   • Place cameras near all main entry points, including front doors, back doors, and side entrances. These areas are common access points for unauthorised entry.

2. Monitor Vulnerable Areas

   • Identify areas that are more susceptible to intrusions, such as windows, garages, or basement entrances. Position cameras to cover these potential vulnerabilities.

3. Focus on Blind Spots

   • Walk around your property to identify any areas not easily visible from the street or neighbouring properties. Install cameras to eliminate these blind spots.

4. Secure Outdoor Spaces

   • For homes with driveways, yards, or detached structures like sheds, place cameras to monitor these areas. Wide-angle cameras can help cover larger spaces effectively.

5. Consider High-Traffic Areas

   • Monitor areas with frequent activity, such as hallways or staircases, to track movements within your property.

6. Height and Angles

   • Mount cameras high enough to prevent tampering, typically at least 2.5-3m above the ground. Ensure they are angled to capture the most critical areas without obstructions.

7. Lighting and Environmental Factors

   • Consider lighting conditions in each area. Use cameras with night vision for poorly lit spots and weather-resistant cameras for outdoor installations.

8. Privacy Concerns

   • Be mindful of neighbours privacy when positioning outdoor cameras, ensuring they only cover your property.

9. Expert Assistance

   • At PROCCTV, we can assess your property and provide personalised recommendations to ensure optimal camera placement. Our expertise ensures your system is tailored to your needs for the highest level of security.

Yes, many modern CCTV cameras can record in colour at night, but their ability to do so effectively depends on several factors and may have limitations.

1. Low-Light Performance:

• Cameras with advanced low-light technology, such as those equipped with large image sensors or low-light-optimised lenses, can capture colour footage in dim conditions. However, in extremely dark environments, the quality of colour footage may degrade, resulting in grainy or unclear images.

2. Infrared (IR) Night Vision:

• Most CCTV cameras use infrared (IR) illumination for night vision. While IR enables cameras to capture footage in complete darkness, it typically produces black-and-white images, as IR light doesn’t support colour recording.

3. Colour Night Vision Technology:

• Cameras with built-in "colour night vision" features, often supported by bright LEDs or white-light illumination, can capture colour footage in low-light conditions. However, this requires the LEDs to remain on, which might not be suitable for every location.

4. Limitations of External Lighting:

• Colour footage at night often depends on the availability of ambient or external light sources, such as streetlights or porch lights. Without sufficient lighting, even the best cameras may struggle to maintain accurate colour details.

5. Environmental Factors:

• Weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or shadows, can impact the clarity and quality of colour footage at night.

What to Consider:
If colour recording at night is essential, consider investing in cameras specifically designed for low-light or full-colour night vision. For areas with minimal ambient light, adding external lighting or opting for cameras with integrated white-light LEDs may be necessary.

At PROCCTV, we can help you choose the right camera system for your needs, ensuring optimal performance day and night.

The exact amount of recording time will depend on several factors, including the resolution, frame rate, and length of time you want to retain the recordings.

Assuming an average bit rate and compression, here is a rough estimation for 6-megapixel cameras recording to a 4TB Hard Drive with an average bit rate of 2 Mbps per camera:

Approximately 28 days of continuous recording for all 4 cameras at 24/7 recording.

Again, it's important to note that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on specific camera settings, recording configurations, and activity levels in the monitored area.

1. Mounting the Cameras

   • Securely install cameras at the designated locations for optimal coverage.

   • Adjust each camera’s field of view to ensure precise monitoring.

   • Install and terminate structured cabling.

   • Connect the cameras to a network switch or NVR.

2. Configuration

   • Set up the recording system and configure network settings.

   • Adjust camera analytics, naming conventions, and enable remote access.

3. Positioning & Testing

   • Fine-tune camera angles to achieve the best possible coverage.

   • Verify system functionality and performance through comprehensive testing.

4. Customizations

   • Incorporate any requested features, automation, or integrations, which may extend the installation time.

How Long Should You Allow?
Although we provide a detailed estimate tailored to your property and requirements, a typical four- to eight-camera installation often occupies the better part of a day. Factors like multi-story homes, challenging cable runs, or additional system integrations can increase the overall timeframe.