It is not possible for unauthorised users to view your CCTV video over the internet. Video is protected by user names and passwords which can be changed by the system owner at any time. There is also an IP address and video port required. We can not view video nor access the recorders for routine maintenance over the internet without customers informing us of user name and password details.

This depends on the number of cameras and the field of view of each camera. During a survey our surveyor will determine the level of coverage and protection that you want and propose cameras for each locations to meet your specific needs.

The DVR or video gateway should normally be placed in a secure location, out of sight from potential intruders. It can be placed in a secure cabinet so it is more difficult to remove. In a domestic installation the DVR is normally located in the loft of the house. Once installed it is rare that we need to go back to it and usually we connect via the local network or internet to resolve software problems if possible. Other considerations when deciding the position of the DVR include the location of the cameras and the broadband router. Placing the DVR as close as possible to the majority of cameras reduces cabling. In the case of a house if the DVR is placed in the loft cabling is reduced because in the majority of cases external cameras are usually installed under the facias and soffits. If remote monitoring over the internet is required the DVR has to be connected to the router with either a computer network cable or "Ethernet homeplugs". Homeplugs are often used in a house because they eliminate the need to run cables.

After an event the Police are keen to see CCTV video footage to help with their investigation. During a survey one of the key things to determine is whether cameras are for "observational" or "evidential" purposes. If they are for evidential purposes there are guidelines to follow for image size. It is also important to ensure installed DVRs have a digital watermarking (video authentication) function which when selected proves that any digital recordings have not been tampered with. All LiveView installed DVRs have this facility.

It varies from one insurance company to another. Some offer reduced premiums, some do not. It is therefore worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they offer reduced insurance premiums for your CCTV and the additional security that it provides.

If your neighbour’s camera is installed on their residential property and being used for their own personal domestic use, they are unlikely to be breaching the Data Protection Act. The use of CCTV cameras for domestic security purposes is exempt from the data protection principles. This applies when a person uses CCTV to protect their home from burglary, even if the camera overlooks the street or other areas near their home. If your neighbour is using CCTV for business purposes they will need to comply with the Act. If you are concerned about the use of domestic CCTV it may be worth contacting your local police. For more information check on  on our site.

Once installed and operational there is nothing to replace although to ensure continued performance it is recommended that a qualified engineer regularly maintains your CCTV system. This maximises your investment and ensures that your system continues to stream and record the best possible images.

LiveView offer optional maintenance support packages which include maintenance visits and upgrades to viewing software and DVR software/firmware if required.>

Video is recorded onto the DVR's hard-drive which range in size from 160GB to 1TB (1,000GB) depending on the model.

How long it lasts depends on the quality of video recorded and whether it is configured to record continuously or by event.

• 160GB Hard disk drive - 160 days (4 cameras = 40days)
• 250GB Hard disk drive - 250 days (4 cameras = 62 days)
• 500GB Hard disk drive - 500 days (4 cameras = 125 days)

The video gateways or DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) are typically the size of a SKY box or domestic DVD player. Cameras vary dependent upon their purpose. Most Home CCTV users want discrete cameras and therefore we often use a combination of sensible housed cameras approx. 1 foot (300mm) long and dome cameras which are the size of a typical smoke alarm. The type, size and location is always confirmed during a site survey.

There are the following costs with a LiveView CCTV system:

 1. Installation costs - you can either lease an installation on a monthly basis or pay a single payment on installation

2. Maintenance and support - there are 3 options available outlined here. Each designed to provide you with the level of support required.

3. Viewing sotware - free. This is included in the installation cost.

4. DVR internet connectivity - to view video over the internet the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) has to be connected to the internet. You pay for internet connectivity to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) using a BT land line or to a mobile network for a mobile broadband modem.

5. Mobile phone connectivity - to view cameras on a mobile phone you should ensure that your contract includes web browsing otherwise you may incur excessive charges. 

Please check on the list of supported accessories. If you are changing or upgrading your phone you may wish to contact us for advice on which models work best. They must have internet browsing capability and run on Microsoft Windows Mobile and Symbian S60 operating systems. Mobile network operators charge a fee for browsing the internet so it is worth checking to ensure that your contract includes web browsing otherwise you may incur excessive charges.

Yes, no problem. If you order a LiveView system we will arrange this free of charge. You'll only have to pay the normal monthly fee to our Internet Service Provider and of course you'll also be able to use your broadband for accessing the internet too.