3 Essential Questions to Ask When Doing CCTV Security Research
Hindsight is 20-20 – You start to think: I wish I would have, I never thought I would need, I should have listened. These are all statements we might make when we realize we long to put in a CCTV security system.
Hindsight is 20-20 – You start to think: I wish I would have, I never thought I would need, I should have listened. These are all statements we might make when we realize we long to put in a CCTV security system.
Chances are if you are saying these things, you had an incident. It is okay to say and admit you had a break-in or a slip and fall, or an internal employee theft. You are not alone, it happens to businesses each and every day. Now that you know you are vulnerable, let’s takes a look at purchasing a CCTV system.
At Gaynor we pride ourselves on aligning with high quality products. We want to work with companies that offer not just good warranties, but great warranties. We have chosen to sell the IC Realtime and Pelco brands of CCTV security systems. We chose them because they are high quality business grade CCTV systems. With Pelco we are able to sell via our CMAS contract as well. Both of these companies offer warranties of over 3 years, giving us even more reason to love their products.
We tell you about the products we carry because when you start looking for a CCTV security system you will find hundreds of makes and models. Some are literally consumable products. They will have a 12 month life and then you throw them out and start over.
When you start your research ask these questions:
How long does the average system last?
Good quality business grade systems should last 5+ years, if not longer. As long as they are maintained on a regular basis.
Will I be able to adjust programming?
Many times the cookie cutter systems are plug and play. That may sound good at the beginning, but professional camera systems are interactive. You should be able to make changes, download images and upgrade software.
How much storage will I get?
A professional installer will not just say 2 weeks. They will talk about frames per second, how many cameras, recording on motion etc. All of these things take up resources and impact your storage capacity. If you are not being told about these, you may want to get a second opinion.
Maybe you saw the break-in happen at a neighbor’s business and it caused you to start the process of looking yourself. Whatever the reason, a CCTV system should not be an impulse buy. As a CCTV installation and design company we work with our clients and ask them about their needs and expectations. We look at the differences between IC Realtime and Pelco.
There is not one solution for everyone. So before it is a have to, start looking for a CCTV security system now. By taking your time, you can get the right solution at the right price and at the right time.
To learn more about CCTV, give us a call or check out our blogs on CCTV. Each month we write about CCTV, so subscribe and the blogs will come right to your inbox.
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how Gaynor Telesystems Inc. can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
Why We Love Business Security Systems (and You Should Too!)
Why do we have security systems? To catch the thief, right? Many businesses put in CCTV security systems after an event and hope the system will deter a thief. Although CCTV is a good deterrent, let’s look at additional reasons why we believe all businesses should have security systems.
Why do we have security systems? To catch the thief, right? Many businesses put in CCTV security systems after an event and hope the system will deter a thief. Although CCTV is a good deterrent, let’s look at additional reasons why we believe all businesses should have security systems.
Staff safety
Do you have employees who lock up at night by themselves? In the summertime, it stays light late, but what about winter? If you have a business security system, you install a monitor so an employee can make sure there is no one lurking around. This also allows you to monitor who is at the door during business hours. If it’s the local UPS guy, you can just buzz him in, but if it’s someone you don’t know, you can personally answer the door.
Know what’s happening in the dark spaces
Okay, so maybe this is more for places where young people meet. Maybe you have a restaurant or a clothing store that has a back room. Sometimes business between 2 employees or an employee and their friend gets a little frisky and they want some privacy. If you install cameras, and let it be known that areas are under surveillance, there’s less chance of an employee taking some extra time on the clock to have a good time.
If you have places in your business where you staff does not pass by, and there is chance of theft, make sure you place those cameras in a way that folks know they are being recorded.
Positioning
We have talked in prior blogs about purchasing a system from a box store versus a vendor. Another reason for purchasing via a vendor is the position of the camera. Many of the cheap versions only have a certain mount or a certain distance they can run with the cable provided. In the worst places, it is important to have a high quality camera system that can be mounted out of baseball bat reach (not kidding – business security systems do not like baseball bats) but also have a good enough picture quality.
Take it to the police
Before you invest in a business security system, find out if the recording will look good enough for the police to get a positive ID. Without a good quality camera shot the police will not be much help. So stop the grainy pixels and get a camera that meets or better yet exceeds your wants.
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how Gaynor Telesystems Inc. can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
Find the CCTV Security Camera Designed to Fit Your Business Needs
Everyday we see an event that was captured by CCTV security cameras. Some make us laugh, some break our hearts with sadness. The truth is, as business owners, security solutions are becoming a hot topic and one that cannot be avoided for much longer.
Everyday we see an event that was captured by CCTV security cameras. Some make us laugh, some break our hearts with sadness. The truth is, as business owners, security solutions are becoming a hot topic and one that cannot be avoided for much longer.
Security solutions assist police with criminal capture, help new parents feel comfortable with day care facilities, and help schools keep an eye on who is on campus. Here are 3 options you should consider while searching for CCTV security cameras for your business.
Pelco - Evolution 360° IP Cameras
Pelco first introduced the Evolution camera about a year ago. Like many good products, it didn’t take off when first introduced, but now it’s a camera that is worth looking at.
For school application, here is a white page that is specific to the educational market and will help you understand why the 360 may just be the right camera for your office or school today.
Pelco - Thermal Imaging IP Camera with Sarix Technology
Coming from more of a military angle, the thermal imaging cameras are not always part of the conversation when looking for security solutions. While they’re still on the higher end of CCTV security cameras, they’re now available to all markets. Fog, smoke and total darkness are no longer a problem when you have thermal imaging.
Pelco - Sarix IL Series Micro Domes
Maybe your security budget is more of the 7-11 coffee variety. Pelco offers value lines of cameras too. You get the Pelco brand and workmanship at a value line price, offering a solution most businesses can afford. Security solutions do not have to break the bank, they only have to offer you protection.
Are you ready to start investing in security solutions? Not sure where to start? At Gaynor, we provide FREE Design assistance for our customers who want to purchase CCTV security cameras.
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how Gaynor Telesystems Inc. can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
Today's Security Solutions for Safer Schools Offer More Than Cameras
CCTV school security camera systems are not a new thing, but have been a topic of conversation for many years now. Schools not only have to be aware of crime from outside individuals, but also from the actions of students on campus.
No longer are schools looking at security solutions as just cameras, they are wanting to see what other projects are available for safety. Here are a few options available for security measures for schools.
CCTV school security camera systems are not a new thing, but have been a topic of conversation for many years now. Schools not only have to be aware of crime from outside individuals, but also from the actions of students on campus.
No longer are schools looking at security solutions as just cameras, they are wanting to see what other projects are available for safety. Here are a few options available for security measures for schools.
Paging, Emergency Alerts and Lockdown Notification Systems
Most schools have some type of bell clock system. Many of them are hundreds of years old (okay not really hundreds, but at least 20 years!). The cost of replacing those systems can be very expensive, especially when you look at the infrastructure.
With the IP environment, changing out all the speakers is no longer a requirement. When looking at the simple security solution of a paging system, you want to make sure you can get clear messages out to everyone on campus.
Some options for today’s security solutions in technology are the alerts and emergency communications by VALCOM. Now with your VALCOM Emergency Notification solution you can interface for both bell schedules and emergency announcements including Lockdowns.
VALCOM is the only manufacturer of K12 Emergency notification systems certified by Homeland Security. These affordable systems will keep your students & staff quickly notified of emergency situations with lockdown announcements, reader boards, mass notification via sms, screen pops and more.
Cameras
CCTV school security camera systems are still highly used in both K-12 and college campuses. Pelco is a trusted brand leader in the education market. With Pelco, you can have a central monitoring location. Using IP camera technology allows you access from anywhere on the network with the correct rights and permissions. Thus allowing a security officer at one high school to look at an incident at another.
When you implement a camera solution as part of your security solution, you’re able to use the cameras to look at events, whether they come from an outside intruder or a bully on the school campus. Placement of the cameras in common student areas is practiced by most school districts. Working with a professional is the key to finding the correct placement of the cameras. To learn more about CCTV camera installation, look at our success story at Corning School District.
Money is always a concern with schools. Working with a provider who understands purchasing methods like CMAS and WCSA are helpful to schools. It is also important to work with someone who can design your security solutions with you in mind – your areas of concern, the needs you have, and if you’re interfacing with any other projects.
Want to know more about our experience working with schools?
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, Yreka and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how we can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
Will You Have a Defense in Court Without a Security Camera System?
You have probably heard about many lawsuits where a company is being sued by a person injured on its property. Today many of these accidents are caught on security camera systems. As a business owner I am sure you are aware of your exposure in this area and work hard to maintain a safe environment – but what happens when the worst case scenario occurs?
You have probably heard about many lawsuits where a company is being sued by a person injured on its property. Today many of these accidents are caught on security camera systems. As a business owner I am sure you are aware of your exposure in this area and work hard to maintain a safe environment – but what happens when the worst case scenario occurs?
Someone gets injured. You find yourself in court. There you are, sitting at the defendant’s table with your legal counsel concerned about how this will all turn out. Perhaps wishing you had a top notch security camera system so that you could provide your factual evidence to the judge or jury.
The Facts
I had the distinct pleasure of sitting through 3 full days of jury selection on a personal injury case. The case was a classic slip and fall deal, but with a twist. The person suing the local company was not an employee, nor a customer. They were an independent contractor at the site doing their own job.
During these long 3 days of sitting in the galley watching the two attorneys’ voir dire the potential jurors, it was very interesting to me how many of the candidates wanted visual evidence. Time and time again the question would be posed and the jurors indicated they would have to see it with their own eyes to make a ruling.
The Evidence (or lack therof)
People today are aware of security camera system technology and no longer want to rely on he said/she said type evidence. You should not take the chance of the legal system handing out a six figure award to someone undeserving, at your expense.
Much to my utter amazement I was placed on this jury and sat through weeks of he said/she said type of testimony. The accident happened 4 years ago so memories were foggy at best, except for the plaintiff. He remembers exactly how he injured himself.
The employees of the local firm did not recall the incident much at all, and video footage from a security camera system would have been a huge assistance to everyone involved to see how the actual 5 to 10 minutes before and after the slip played out. There was conflicting testimony which I am sure is always the case.
If this local firm had a camera system in its shop it probably could have avoided the court process altogether and saved all the legal fees involved in defending its position!
No one wants to be in this situation. Not the injured party and certainly not you, the business owner. It’s easy to minimize your exposure and protect your company today by installing a security camera system. Don’t leave your fate to 12 random people in a jury box.
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how Gaynor Telesystems Inc. can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
How a Camera System Can Ease Your Concerns About Employee Safety
Given the recent events in the world and in our local areas, more businesses are starting to look at employee safety, both inside the office and in the outlying areas. With the high rise of criminal activity, business owners may jump into buying a CCTV solution without checking out all the facts. Here are some thoughts you may want to consider about camera and door access control systems when deciding on the best solution for you and your business.
Given the recent events in the world and in our local areas, more businesses are starting to look at employee safety, both inside the office and in the outlying areas. With the high rise of criminal activity, business owners may jump into buying a CCTV solution without checking out all the facts. Here are some thoughts you may want to consider about camera and door access control systems when deciding on the best solution for you and your business.
Most companies have monthly or quarterly safety meetings, like we do at Gaynor. We recently watched a video like this one on how to handle active shooters. We then talked about how we would handle the situation, where to hide, and how to fight back (or not). But at the end of our discussions, we realized it's best for our safety to keep the back doors locked.
What if that isn't an option for you? Have you thought about having cameras in your parking lot and near the doors? The location of the cameras is vital. But the purpose of the cameras is what helps you determine the real placement. So ask yourself, what is the purpose of my camera system?
Outside Security
If outdoor security is your priority, then looking at camera placement outside is critical, keeping in mind the location of shrubs and the lighting. If you start to install a camera system in the winter when there are no leaves on the trees, how will that location look when the spring is here and the trees are in full bloom?
Lighting is next. Do you have the right kind of lights? In the winter, staff will be leaving at dark, so it may be critical to have lights for them in the parking lot. During summer, it’s not a problem. It’s important to be thinking about the seasons.
Areas to Watch
Are you a retail business that is concerned about theft, vandalism or slip and falls? These happen both inside your business and outside. Where are the “blind” spots that staff don’t see? Do you have displays that change and block views? Try inviting a business colleague over to look with a set of fresh eyes.
Put yourself in the mind of a person doing harm to your business. We know that it's rotten to have to do this, but today we have to think like those who will cause us harm in order for us to prevent it.
Once you decide on the inside and outside areas to watch, are you monitoring the CCTV camera system at all times or will you just be looking at it when you have an incident?
Network
If you've been looking at the big box store CCTV systems, you may wonder why we’re talking about network. For business grade camera systems, we recommend the current IP technology. Not only do you get the best cameras, like the Pelco 360 degree camera, you have the ability to view your cameras whenever you're connected to the network. So when you’re sitting on a sunny beach in Maui, and the alarm company calls that a trigger happened, you can look at your camera system and see what's happening.
Still not sure what to do? Call a local vendor and have them come out and do a site survey to review your purpose for installing a camera system. At Gaynor we meet with clients at no charge to review your building, needs, network, and budget. We are your local Pelco dealer and will be happy to talk to you about all the options available with today’s camera systems.
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how Gaynor Telesystems Inc. can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
3 Reasons to Use an Expert to Design & Install Security Cameras
We like to think we live in a world where our person and property will be kept safe. In reality we hear almost daily about robberies or break-ins. Even car thefts that are happening in and around our small business. We might worry about that last employee who has to walk to their car. We worry that our office will be closed for a few days during the holiday season and that leaves a giant window for thieves to come and break-in. At Gaynor we understand these concerns. Maybe you have considered a security camera system before, or maybe the news of the latest break-in has you rethinking. Before you head to your local Costco to buy that $1,995 special, check out these reasons for using an expert.
We like to think we live in a world where our person and property will be kept safe. In reality we hear almost daily about robberies or break-ins. Even car thefts that are happening in and around our small business. We might worry about that last employee who has to walk to their car. We worry that our office will be closed for a few days during the holiday season and that leaves a giant window for thieves to come and break-in. At Gaynor we understand these concerns. Maybe you have considered a security camera system before, or maybe the news of the latest break-in has you rethinking. Before you head to your local Costco to buy that $1,995 special, check out these reasons for using an expert.
1. Placement of Cameras
Installing a security camera system is not just buying cameras and hanging them where you can easily reach. By using an expert, they will do a walk around with you and determine the best locations for the camera placement. A security system is not good if the cameras are vandalized or stolen. So placement in discreet ways or even out of reach of tall people with baseball bats is important. If you only look at how high you can get with a 6 foot ladder, it may not be the best for the picture or for the safety of the camera.
The placement of the cameras on your security system also determines the quality of the video. Many factors like lighting, trees, and even overhangs and doors can affect the video quality. When using an expert for the design, companies like Gaynor will review your lighting, review the location of the trees and make sure your placement is optimal for the video you want.
2. What’s Being Watched & Recorded
When working with an expert you will be asked about what you are wanting to see. If a client says the entrance of the door for example, we ask, “To see people coming in or going out? Are you wanting to see if they lock/unlock the door? What is your intent?” Intent is the big question. Are you having people sleep in your doorway at night? Are you just wanting basic security? If there is an overhang near the door, it may be recommended to place two cameras at the door to make sure you get the correct angles of what you are looking for.
3. Quality Video
If you have an event happen at your small business, the critical step would be to export the video and show the local police department. The police department will want to make sure the video was not tampered with and is a high enough quality you can actually see and identify the people in the video. Many people are looking at video on TV Shows like NCIS and wanting that quality of video. That is possible with the right budget and the right placement.
Still not sure what to do? At Gaynor Telesystems we offer a Site Survey at no charge to help you determine the best security camera system for your needs. Give us a call today!
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how Gaynor Telesystems Inc. can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.
CCTV Security Cameras for Every Business Need: Big or Small
Today’s CCTV security cameras offer solutions that are built for growth. No longer do small businesses or small departments have to go into debt just to buy a CCTV system. The systems are built for growth and expansion, and are built with different quality of products. One thing still is clear with CCTV camera solutions by Gaynor - even if you’re buying a lower end CCTV system you are purchasing a business grade system.
Today’s CCTV security cameras offer solutions that are built for growth. No longer do small businesses or small departments have to go into debt just to buy a CCTV system. The systems are built for growth and expansion, and are built with different quality of products. One thing still is clear with CCTV camera solutions by Gaynor - even if you’re buying a lower end CCTV system you are purchasing a business grade system.
Business Grade vs. Home Grade
Okay, maybe there is nothing really called home grade, but you understand the concept. Think of it like this: the laptop you buy for your 15 year old daughter is not the same laptop you buy for your sales engineer. It might have similar programs, but the quality and construction is what sets it apart. We believe that spending money on a box store camera security system is like buying that disposable camera you bought so you could take under waterpictures.
Small Business vs. Big Business
One of the reasons Gaynor chooses to sell Pelco is how the product is sized. It has the Digital Sentry NVR, which comes standard with your first 8 camera licenses. This means as a small business you can start with 8 cameras or less. You can choose how you want to grow. You even get the same features as if you are a big business. The best feature, when set up with your network, is the mobile views. Yes, that’s right, you can view your cameras when you are not in the office.
Design vs. Throw it Together
The best CCTV security camera systems are those that are designed for your business, not the kind just thrown together. Designing a system takes experience, something you cannot get from a box store or off the internet.
When using a company to design your security system, you can purchase a system that is right for you - giving you the views you need and at the price points you can afford. For example, installing a system that works during the day and the night, giving clear video when you need it. The good news is security systems can be sized for any business today.
Don’t be afraid of a CCTV install. Take your time and do some homework. When you are ready, give us a call or ask us to come out for a site visit. At Gaynor, we are ready when you’re ready to install that CCTV security camera system.
About Us
Gaynor Telesystems Inc. has been proudly serving the North State Communities of Chico, Yuba City, Marysville, Eureka, Arcata, Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, Redding, and Red Bluff for more than 40 years. We hope the information you found in this blog was useful. To learn more about how we can help you install, maintain or service business communication solutions, please contact us at 877-Gaynor1.