FAQ

How many days will my DSS system or DVR card record?

Recording days are based on size of your hard drive and number of cameras are on the system. See the chart below:

DSS 30fps Recording Chart
Chart is based on continues 24hours recording
(You should get 2x to 3x more recording time in Motion Recording Mode.
Note: by default all DVR cards and systems are set to Motion Recording Mode)

	4 Cameras	8 Cameras	12 Cameras	16 Cameras
1 x 120G HDD 120G Hard Drive	29 Days	14 Days	9 Days	7 Days
2 x 120G HDD 240G Hard Drive	59 Days	29 Days	19 Days	14 Days
3 x 120G HDD 360G Hard Drive	89 Days	44 Days	29 Days	22 Days

Top of page

State Laws Regarding Cameras

The laws of 13 states expressly prohibit the unauthorized installation or use of cameras in private places. In Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Utah, installation or use of any device for photographing, observing or overhearing events or sounds in a private place without the permission of the people photographed or observed is against the law.

A private place is one where a person may reasonably expect to be safe from unauthorized surveillance.

Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Utah also prohibit trespassing on private property to conduct surveillance of people there. In most of these states, unauthorized installation or use of a hidden camera, or trespassing to install or use one, is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine. In Maine, the privacy violation is a felony. In Michigan, unauthorized installation or use of a hidden camera is a felony, punishable by a $2,000 fine and up to two years in prison.

Several states have laws prohibiting the use of hidden cameras in only certain circumstances, such as in locker rooms or restrooms, or for the purpose of viewing a person in a state of partial or full nudity.

This page is intended to give you basic information of "hidden" camera laws are in your State. We advise you consult your Local & State Laws before installing any "Hidden" Camera.

Alabama	Video surveillance in a "private place" is prohibited. For instance, a hotel room would normally be considered private, but a hotel lobby would not.
Alaska	N/A
Arizona	N/A
Arkansas	The Arkansas statute prohibited in a private place without the permission of the people photographed or observed is against the law
California	Video recording of "confidential communications" is prohibited without consent.
Colorado	N/A
Connecticut	N/A
District of Columbia	N/A
Delaware	Hidden cameras are prohibited without consent.
Florida	N/A
Georgia	Consent of all parties is required for video recording and photography in private places.
Hawaii	Hidden cameras are prohibited without consent.
Idaho	N/A
Illinois	Silent video recording is not prohibited.
Indiana	N/A
Iowa	N/A
Kansas	Hidden cameras are prohibited without consent.
Kentucky	N/A
Louisiana	N/A
Maine	Hidden cameras are prohibited without consent.
Maryland	N/A
Massachusetts	N/A
Michigan	Hidden cameras in a private place are prohibited without consent.
Minnesota	Hidden cameras are prohibited in private places.
Mississippi	N/A
Missouri	N/A
Montana	N/A
Nebraska	N/A
Nevada	N/A
New Hampshire	Hidden cameras are prohibited without consent.
New Jersey	The statute does not prohibit hidden video recording.
New Mexico	N/A
New York	N/A
North Carolina	N/A
North Dakota	N/A
Ohio	N/A
Oklahoma	N/A
Oregon	N/A
Pennsylvania	N/A
Puerto Rico	N/A
Rhode Island	N/A
South Carolina	N/A
South Dakota	Hidden cameras are prohibited without consent.
Tennessee	Tennessee's "Peeping Tom" statute forbids a person to "knowingly photograph or cause to be photographed" in a privet place
Texas	N/A
Utah	Hidden cameras are forbidden in private areas; violation is a misdemeanor.
Vermont	N/A
Virginia	N/A
Washington	Silent video recording is not prohibited.
West Virginia	N/A
Wisconsin	N/A
Wyoming	N/A

Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-31, 13A-11-32; Ark. Code § 5-16-101; Cal. Penal Code § 632 (see also People v. Gibbons, 215 Cal. App. 3d 1204 (Cal. Ct. App. 1989); but see Wilkins v. NBC, Inc., 71 Cal. App.4th 1066 (1999)); Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, §§ 1335, 1336; Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-60 to 16-11-64; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 711-1111; Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4001 (see also State v. Martin, 658 P.2d 1024 (Kan. 1983)); Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A § 511; Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.539d; Minn. Stat. § 609.746; N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 644:9; S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 22-21-1; Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-401, 76-9-403, 76-9-702.7.

Ala. Code §§ 13A-11-31, 13A-11-32; Del. Code Ann. tit. 11, §§ 1335, 1336; Ga. Code Ann. § 16-11-60 to 16-11-64; Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 711-1111; Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4001; Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A § 511; Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 750.539d; Minn. Stat. § 609.746; S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 22-21-1; Utah Code Ann. § 76-9-402.

See, e.g., Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-4001(a)(4); Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 17-A, § 511.

Top of page

Camera Lenses and Field of View Chart

Lens Size	Viewing Angle		Field of View (in feet)
Lens Size	Viewing Angle		5 feet away		10 feet away		15 feet away		25 feet away		50 feet away		100 feet away
(mm)	Width	Height	W	H	W	H	W	H	W	H	W	H	W	H
3.6	74°	55°	7.5	5.2	15.1	10.4	22.6	15.6	37.7	26.1	75.4	52.1	151	104
4.0	69°	49°	6.0	4.5	12	9.0	18	13.5	30	22.5	60	45	120	90
4.3	65°	45°	5.6	4.2	11.2	8.4	16.7	12.6	27.9	20.9	55.8	41.9	111	84
6.0	42°	32°	3.8	2.9	7.7	5.7	11.5	8.6	19.2	14.4	38.4	28.7	77	57
8.0	32°	24°	2.9	2.1	5.7	4.3	8.6	6.4	14.4	10.7	28.7	21.3	57	43
12.0	22°	17°	1.9	1.5	3.9	3.0	5.8	4.5	9.7	7.5	19.4	14.9	39	30
16.0	19°	15°	1.5	1.2	3.0	2.5	4.5	3.6	7.2	6.1	14.4	12.2	28	24

Top of page

What is digital video recording?

Digital video recorders (DVR) allows video images to be saved onto a computer hard drive. It is a revolutionary technology that is replacing old “time lapse video” due to DVR’s better reliability, better image quality, better capabilities, better viewing options, and better access and storage of video data.
Top of page

How is digital recording better than video?

VCRs have low-resolution levels which provide pictures to be grainy and not clear. Videotapes degrade within a short time to cause even more decomposition or become totally inaccessible. Video heads need cleaning from time to time or the video tape can come apart and jam inside the unit.

With DVR you don’t need to change tapes or even touch the system for long periods of time. DVR allows data to be recorded on multiple medium formats and gives better reliable surveillance. Backups can be accurately scheduled and made from multiple locations which in itself gives better security monitoring.
Top of page

How do I see pictures from a remote location?

You can use dial-up or high speed internet access and a standard web browser such as MS Explorer or Netscape. You simply dial in a telephone number from a computer modem to the system’s location and begin viewing (see demo).
With dial-up access, your frame rate is limited to 2 frames every 5 seconds. A better alternative is a DSL or cable modem connection, which can generally display 2-3 frames per second.
Top of page

Can I use existing cameras with this system?

Yes, you can use old, new, B/W and color CCTV cameras with the CCTV Buyers' Surveillance system, however, the cameras will need to have BNC connectors. Our technicians can handle almost any functionality that you would want in DVR.
Top of page

Will I have to buy anything else after I’ve purchased this system?

No, the package is fully complete and ready to begin service.
However, CCTV Buyers' Surveillance offers off-site monitoring and system maintenance plans. Please click here for more information.
Top of page

How do I know if I purchase this system now, that the price won’t drop next year?

The CCTV Buyers Surveillance system’s price will not decrease significantly anytime soon because the system is already priced at an extremely low rate. All hardware and software that provided with the system are quality components and priced to be competitive and to function properly for years to come. The small investment for peace of mind security pays for itself within a few months. There is not a way for this system to be priced lower without sacrificing quality and ongoing support.

Please note: We expect this product to actually increase in cost in the coming months.
Top of page

How far can I go back to retrieve images?

The CCTV Buyers Surveillance system is capable of up 3 weeks to 3 months of call-back time, however, this depends on the size of your computer’s hard drive. For example a 80 gigabyte hard drive can store video surveillance for up to one month. Larger hard drives are available for longer access times.

You have the option of backing up all recorded activity on inexpensive CDs, DVD, or video from one or multiple locations.
Top of page

Can I back recordings up permanently?

Yes, simply select the back-up option you wish in the software settings and transfer the data to a CD, DVD, Camcorder or video.
Top of page

Can I add more cameras?

Yes, you can add up to 16 cameras per system and you have options of camera types. Should you need more cameras your dealer can customize a system to your needs.
Top of page

How is the system protected from unauthorized access?

The system is securely protected from unauthorized access. Only the system administrator can add operators and grant them with different access permissions.
Top of page

Do I need special lines or connections installed to be able to view remotely?

No, the system works on standard telephone lines. The system is capable of transmitting live and recorded images through regular phone lines or over TCP/IP networks. Multiple users can access it over LAN and the Internet.
Top of page

Is the system easy to operate?

The system is very easy to operate and you can be up and running within a few hours. Software is easy to configure to your precise needs, plus tech support is only a phone call or email away!
Top of page

How can I get help or tech support when I need it?

Simply call or email us with your question. However, we will from time to time check-in with you to be sure your system is functioning to your satisfaction.
Top of page

Why is this system better than standard security VCR and why should I buy it from CCTV Buyers' Surveillance?

Soon, all surveillance will be done digitally. DVR provides more capability and options that far exceeds a time-lapsed video based system. DVR is more reliable and more secure than its counterpart, plus DVR is far cheaper to setup, operate, backup and maintain.

CCTV Buyers is committed to providing you a quality product and quality service. We take a more direct approach to satisfy our customers by walking them through product features and explaining in detail what they can expect. We are always available and should you run into any problems we’ll be there to solve them.
Top of page

Here’s what our customers are saying...

This is the best thing I could’ve done to see what’s really happening at my store while I’m away.
Thank you - Thank you - Thank you!

Greg, Pro Image

We are thrilled to be able to dial-in and see our back docking bay. It was one of our most vulnerable areas of product loss.

Sam H.,
Dollar Store Wholesale

We installed an unobtrusive camera above our cash register. We now see a clear difference in monthly revenues.

Burt C,
Philly Connection

I do a lot of traveling... There is an alarm on the house where police are notified if an intruder is detected. But now I have an added peace of mind to know that I can simply dial-in and see the interior of my house. It was well worth the investment. I’m glad you found me.

H. Harrison, Consultant

[Home] [Products] [Demo] [News] [Support] [FAQ] [About] [Contact]

Search

"We integrate tomorrows technology.....
with your business today!"