HOW TO CONTACT US !

PHONE: 0121 568 6868 9am - 5pm

Welcome to UFITCCTV.COM with over twenty years experience in cctv,we have seen alot of changes to the market place and to the quality of equiment available.

Many of our present customers have fallen foul in the past of the cheap inferior quality cctv equipment that is sold by certain high street shops/d.i.y stores and what is available on certain auction sites across the internet.Here at UFITCCTV.COM we can supply a single plug and play camera,or if required we can design your own purpose built system with internet,phone conection with audiable, visual alarm indication on the activation of motion via camera detection ,two way audio etc.
Many of our customers are amazed by the quality of the images and how the equipment is easy to use.

We have the technology to connect your cctv equipment via radio transmission (OFCOM LICENCE REQUIRED IN THE UK)so you can have two way communication with who ever is at your property.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services provided if any or information available through this website meet your specific requirements. This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions. All trade marks reproduced in this website which are not the property of, or licensed to, the operator are acknowledged on the website. Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence. From time to time this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s). You may not create a link to this website from another website or document without the owners prior written consent. Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England, Scotland and Wales .

CCTV Regulations

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, legal control over CCTV surveillance cameras in public areas came into effect on 1 March 2000. A new Code of Practice for CCTV use has been written by the Information Commissioner and sets out guidance on following good practice procedures. The Code of Practice's purpose is to assist operators of CCTV surveillance systems in understanding their legal obligations and also to reassure the public about the safeguards that should be in place.

The Code is not intended to apply to:

Targeted and intrusive surveillance activities that can only be issued in specified circumstances by the intelligence agencies, police or customs.
Surveillance used by employers to monitor employees' compliance with their employment contracts.
Home security.
Cameras used by the broadcast media for journalistic, artistry or literary purposes.

Code of Practice

Before implementing a CCTV surveillance system, the full Code of Practice needs to be studied carefully. The Code of Practice (revised January 2008)can be found at http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documents/library/data_protection/detailed_specialist_guides/ico_cctvfinal_2301.pdf. A brief summary follows of some of the key areas that need to be considered before implementing CCTV surveillance equipment.

Initial Assessment Procedure

Before you install a CCTV surveillance camera, the purpose of its intended use needs to be established. In accordance with the First Data Protection Principle, you will need to thoroughly assess the appropriateness and reasons for using CCTV. This, along with the person(s) or organisation(s) responsible for the system, needs to be documented and registered with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

Siting the CCTV Cameras

Consideration of where your equipment is situated is a key factor when setting up a CCTV surveillance system. The way images are captured needs to comply with the First Data Protection Principle:

Cameras should only cover the spaces where the equipment is meant to monitor.
The user needs to consult with the owners of any domestic areas that might be covered or border the area monitored by the equipment.
Operators must be aware of the purpose of the scheme and only use the equipment for that purpose.
Operators should not adjust equipment to overlook spaces not covered by the scheme and should also be aware of privacy implications.

CCTV Signs
The public needs to be aware that they are entering an area that is being monitored by CCTV surveillance equipment. Signs should be placed so that they are clearly visible and legible. The size of the sign will vary according to the circumstances of its location.

Signs need to contain the identity of whoever is responsible for the scheme, its purpose and their contact details. There are only a few exceptional circumstances where signs can not be used, such as investigating specific criminal activity.

Quality

For the data that you receive from CCTV surveillance cameras to be of any use, the images produced need to be as clear as possible. Frequent checks need to be made to make sure the equipment is performing properly and if tapes are being used they need to be of good quality. If the quality of the images deteriorates to an unacceptable level, the equipment should not be used and should be replaced.

Processing Images

Images should not be retained for longer than necessary if they aren't required for your purpose. Retained image integrity needs to be maintained to insure its evidential value and to protect the rights of the people who have been filmed.

Images should be erased after the retention period or stored in a secure place if being used for evidence. The reason, date, crime incident number and location need to be documented when they have been moved to another location.

Authorised employees should only be able to monitor the information from your CCTV surveillance equipment. All recorded image viewings should be restricted to a designated staff member who can decide if a third party may view the recording.

Access

Access to CCTV recorded images needs to be restricted and tightly controlled for Data Protection Act purposes. This means staff should only have access if they need it to achieve the purpose of the scheme. Third party access should be limited to law enforcement, prosecution agencies, legal representatives, the media (when assisting to catch a criminal) and people whose image has been recorded (unless it would prejudice criminal proceedings). All requests and reasons for denial need to be documented.

If footage is released to the media, then images of people may need to be blurred to comply with the First, Second and Seventh Data Protection Principles.

If individuals want to view recorded images of them, they need to apply to the data controller in writing and pay a small fee (max £10). The data controller must deal with the request within 40 days - even if it is to deny their application.

There are some circumstances where an individual is exempt from the right of access to information. This is where the information could prejudice:

The prevention or detection of crime.
The apprehension or prosecution of offenders.

Individuals that feel that they have suffered unwanted damage or distress from any contravention of the Act requirements can seek compensation through the courts.

We would advise you to read the full Code of Practice before venturing into a CCTV surveillance operation.

What thieves don’t want you to know about Security Camera Systems

Is Choosing the Right Security Camera important to you? I am sure it is. Have you ever been watching the 10 o'clock news when a report is made about a recent break in or burglary and they say they have video coverage of the incident? It is usually at this point that i wait in temptation on what quality the image will be. Why? Well because usually the video they play back is so bad that you cannot tell if it is a man (or woman?) who is breaking something or taking something and that's about it. You don't see skin color, you don't see hair color you cant even tell the color of the clothes.
I guess we should be happy that at least we can establish the time the event happened. Of course the reporters say if you have any information or can identify the person in the video to call the local police or the number on the screen.Oh well, I don't think the persons twin brother could say who it was that committed the crime.

What CCTV Security Camera Information are you looking for? Camera selection? Power supply issues? You will find much of that as you read below.Camera and lens selection may be the most important factors in designing a cctv security system.

Lets start with lens selection first. There are three basic types of lenses used in CCTV security cameras. Fixed,varifocal and zoom.

A fixed lens is just that, fixed. It can not be adjusted.

A varifocal lens will allow for a manual adjustment that you set and leave and will usually have a small focal range. Some of the varifocal lengths may be 2.6-6mm, 4-9mm, or 9-22mm as an example. There are many other possibilities depending on the manufacturer of the camera. A zoom lens is a lens that you can adjust through the security camera system as you view the camera output on a monitor. These types of lenses are used in PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) cameras. So how do you know which lens size you need? That is determined by your field of view for a given scene.Look at our technical page for further information.

There are also a number of key camera specifications that are important as well. Things like Back Light Compensation, Automatic White Balance, Auto Iris, Electronic Shutter, etc. Every camera has a number of programmable and automatic settings that become important to be aware of to make sure your getting the highest quality of image possible.

CCTV Security Camera Information

In addition to the camera lens and specifications is how it will be connected and powered. There are a number of different options here as well. Analog security camera systems are typically connected with RG59/U coax cable or other options.

The security cameras are typically powered by a power distribution unit. This allows for a central location for the power of the cameras rather than trying to power the cameras locally where they are.

There are also other options when using IP Cameras instead of Analog cameras. An IP camera is a camera that is connected on a network. Just like a computer or a printer would be. This type of connection allows for even more ways to power your cameras. Cameras can be powered by POE or Power Over Ethernet. This is a convenient and low cost way to power the cameras compared to some of the more traditional methods.

Infrared cameras can add more ability to a D/N camera with the IR Led’s on the camera. The IR light can not be seen by the human eye but the camera is sensitive enough to use that light reflecting off objects in the given scene to provide usable images even when no other light is available.

So is there a camera that can handle glare and high contrasting light? Yes there is. WDR or Wide Dynamic Range Cameras are great for those type of situations. WDR cameras are designed to better handle these difficult lighting situations. They are ble to take the glare and bright light out of the image to provide clear and accurate images.

Learn more about CCTV Field of View

What is field of view and why is it important? Field of view is all about what someone will be able to see through the security camera. We will define it in detail and explain how it works and provide some examples to make it easier to understand. Feel free to use the CCTV Field of View Calculator above for your own calculations.

The field of view (or FOV) is the total height and width of the view seen through the cctv security camera lens. It can also be referred to as the angle of view or the angular field of view. The angular field of view is stated in horizontal and vertical degrees. The question is degrees of what? Well its degrees of a circle. If you look at the picture of the circle you will see that the dark blue section could be stated as 43.6 degrees field of view or angle of view. The full circle is 360 degrees.

So specifically when we are talking about CCTV field of view for security cameras we are looking for a linear field of view. Meaning we are looking for the actual measurement in feet and inches. The Horizontal FOV (Field of View) is the width of the view. The Vertical FOV (Field of View) is the height of the view. The overall FOV is a combination of the horizontal FOV and the vertical FOV. You can even measure it diagonally if you want too but its really not necessary to do that.

Outdoor Security Cameras Information

Outdoor security cameras are commonly used in CCTV Security Camera Systems for capturing images in many outdoor applications such as buildings, parking lots, alley ways, etc.

WELCOME TO UfitCCTV.COM Setting cctv standards for now & the future.