HD CCTV Systems: Do You Need a HD Security Camera System?

September 1st, 2022

Last updated: June 9th, 2023

If you move into an older building or commercial premises, it might have CCTV installed, but the cameras could date back years, or even decades. Technology has come an incredibly long way in that time and this means that now, more than ever, it is simple and straightforward to find a HD security camera system that is suitable for your business.

Do you need a HD or even ultra HD CCTV system? In this guide, we’re exploring the benefits, as well as the downsides such as the added cost of having better quality cameras.

The Importance Of CCTV

CCTV in general is very important to business premises. Ask anyone who has had to use the footage from security cameras and they will tell you the same thing.

Criminals are a lot less likely to break into a property if they notice that there is CCTV. That’s one of the reasons why you see stickers and signs warning people that the security cameras are recording.

As well as acting as a deterrent, CCTV cameras can be a great way to ensure that you have a constant recording going on within your premises. It can provide crucial evidence of crimes that occur, and help you to track down the culprits.

Depending on what other security you have in place, it could be that a HD CCTV system is one of the most important tools in tackling crime. It can often be linked to a building management system or a live control room where security system staff can monitor what is going on in the area and whether there is a risk of a security breach.

Some people are guilty of thinking that these systems are purely for deterring potential criminals, and this means that they don’t invest in the best systems, in maintenance, or even in ensuring the cameras actually work.

Benefits of a HD CCTV System

Well, the main benefit of a HD CCTV system is, of course, the fact that it provides you with extra detail. This isn’t about having a pretty picture. A high definition CCTV system can mean:

• It is easier to identify potential criminals. The footage that is passed on to police may be more useful, as it is more likely that they can distinguish features and find out the identity of the person who was responsible for the graffiti, theft, or other crime on your premises.
• Footage is better at night. In lower light, many of the modern HD CCTV cameras perform better than historic systems.
• HD footage will lose less quality if you have to zoom in further on details.
• You can identify number plates and details of vehicles. If there are vehicles involved in a potential crime the HD cameras are better at identifying them, and some cameras may even have number plate recognition systems like those in some car parks.

There are downsides to HD footage and the cameras can be more expensive, but it is surprising how quickly the cost in HD equipment has come down in price, and you may not have to spend too much to get excellent quality footage.

The other downside is storage space, if you wish to keep the records, but many businesses will only require storage space for historical footage for a defined period, after which it is deleted. Video files are also compressed to take up less space on a hard drive, and cloud storage is another option. Storage can be automated to ensure that you have historical footage to look back on as required.

Considerations For Your Security System

What kind of security do you need in your business? Is a HD system really what you need? There are a lot of different considerations to think about, not least of all the size of your business, the value of the items on site, and the other security measures you have in place.

• Is the building left vacant with valuable items inside? This can make it a target for theft, especially if you don’t have an adequate security or alarm system.
• How big is the business? You may need more cameras to cover a large building with multiple entry points and potential areas for thieves and criminals to exploit.
• How you wish to manage the security footage. Will you need the footage to be visible on your phone or remotely from another location? Will the security footage be sent to a security office or staffed centre to monitor it live? This will all impact the type of system you buy.

At Robinsons Facilities Services, we’re more than happy to provide you with the advice you need on your CCTV system, and we provide full maintenance services. Our commercial CCTV maintenance schedule can give you the peace of mind that your system is being checked by experts in line with the SSAIB guidelines. Contact us for either urgent repairs of your SD or HD CCTV system in Yorkshire and the North of England, as well as a range of other property maintenance services.