What Features Would You Look For?

[iStorm]

When it comes to Home Cctv systems, What features would you look for in a system?

• Buzzer ?
• Quality ?
• How Many Screens?
• What Would You Want To Cover? ( Whats Inportant )

I believe that eventualy every Home will have Cctv installed, We mainly specialise in Home Cctv, I was recently contacted by a major home builder and we are presently in talks with them with a view of installing systems in 40 homes on one site, Im intirested to find out what features you would look for in a Home system. Thanks in advance for your help

[Jim]

Hmmmm.... Let me think here on what the average homebody would want. I can handle technical issues but many people are technically illiterate because it either frightens them or they have just never had any need or desire to learn.

I think when building a pre-installed system, it would need to be simple, flexible, expandable and able to be exploited by both a novice and an advanced operator.

I would look for:
1-a wired system (obvious when building it into the home)
2-all inclusive DVR receiver (with hard drive) built into a locked box to prevent theft of the system
3-USB output as well as television output for those who do want to use PC software functionality
4-fire/smoke detection capability with alarm for interior central locations
5-DVR will automatically delete oldest recordings or recordings older than 30 days for people who can't remember to clear their files
6-night vision
7-motion detection with signal to PC when detected
8-cameras covering all access and garden areas. Probably a minimum system of six cameras, eight maximum
9-ability to disable all or selected cameras on demand or a timer
10-at least one small LCD monitor and intercom at entry showing who is at the door and enabling you to speak to them without opening the door. Maybe more monitors in other areas like hall or kitchen or even a small portable receiver/monitor if that's not too much to ask. Monitors would be defaulted to show last area of motion detected but be able to switch camera views or do a round-robin.
11-two outside cameras with PTZ functionality (yeah I ask for a lot don't I?)

Am I asking too much Iain? I think that it would be better to have more than some people would want but with the ability to trim it down as much as they desire. Good luck with your endeavor!

[iStorm]

Cheers Jim, You have made some great points, user friendly is a must

[Jim]

I really don't know if such a system actually exists, but my thoughts were that if you had an older family that rarely if ever used a PC (and you know some can't manage to program a VCR) then the system would almost need to have the capabilities of being standalone. Be able to operate on its own with no required input from the resident. If the proper DVR and software were set up with some common functions then they wouldn't have to do anything unless there was some crime or other problem. Then the police could get the information for them. But with those who are capable of using the PC they could use the output for various programs of their choice. I forgot to mention that it should also be capable of sounding an alarm when armed if intrusion or fire was detected.

Iain, was this company wanting a centrally based system or self-contained system for each home? I just assumed it was most likely individual.

[brian]

I agree - user friendly definitely a must.

I think it's definitely worth remembering that a lot of grown-ups are still going to suffer from techno-fear - or more simply, "unable to set the video" syndrome.

So the less complicated a CCTV system is to set up, the more likely it will be for domestic use.

As for business use - I doubt many companies would want to have to employ a member of staff just to set the system up - would need to be quick and easy so even the director would have at least a basic idea of what's happening.

2c.